Query Based Distribution Groups - Exchange 2003
Query Based Distribution Groups
 Introduction
The purpose of this page is to add users to a special group. Special,
because this group is designed to be a distribution list. Query Based Distribution Groups are easy to create.
Moreover compared with static groups, Query Based Distribution Groups produce
an better result because the membership updates automatically.
My hidden agenda that a successful techie must be multi skilled.
Litmus test: How do you spot a good network administrator?
A top network guru has many different sources from which to select the best
tool. An average network administrator will be one dimensional and fixate
on one method.
Planning your Distribution Groups
Every email system needs a Distribution List. The best way to create your distribution list in Windows Server 2003 is by
using Active Directory's Query Based Distribution Groups. The exciting idea is that
you can use an LDAP query to populate the Group. As you may know, in
Exchange 2000 and later there are no Distribution Lists, instead you use Active
Directories Groups.
Be aware that there are other vehicles for your distribution list: Global
Groups which are Distribution rather than Security; Universal Distribution
groups if you are a multi domain organization.
 Switch
Exchange to Native Mode
The
prerequisite for Query Based Distribution Groups is that you switch Exchange
2003 into native mode. This means that you cannot have any legacy Exchange
2000 servers in your organization.
When you make the switch to native mode, you are burning your boats, there is
no way back to mixed mode. When you are sure there are no old servers, then go to the Exchange 2003
Organization, Properties and select 'Change Mode' - see diagram opposite.
Once you have switched to native mode, then add a new Query Based
Distribution Groups just as you would create any other group or user, namely
using Active Directory Users and Computers.
 Creating
Query Based Distribution Groups is satisfying not only for the result, but also
because you can experiment with the LDAP filters to produce the desired
membership. The other rewarding dimension is that because the groups are
created dynamically, they automatically update as and when you create or move
users.
The Wizard will guide you through creating this special group. As ever, you
can right click and select properties to fine tune your new group.
Summary
It is so much easier to create your distribution group using this
query method. The bonus is the operating system updates the list
automatically, that would not happen if you created a group with a script.
See Also
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