PC Win: Hop Count Setting Is Not Observed by Windows Client

ID: Q147368

3.2 3.5 WINDOWS kbusage kbbug3.2

The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Mail for Windows Client 3.2, 3.5

SYMPTOMS

A message sent from the Version 3.5 Microsoft Mail for Windows Client, may result in a non-delivery message similar to the following:

From: POSTMASTER To: < sender of message > Subject: Mail failure Date: Thursday, May 23, 1996 3:22PM

FROM: < sender of message >

TO: < recipient of message >                      DATE: 23-05-96
                                                  TIME: 15:22

SUBJECT: < subject of message >

[003] Message hop count exceeded. Message followed the following route:

  NETCAD/HBPO01
  NETCAD/BUPO01
  NETGRI1/RH02
  NETGRI1/IH01
  NETSIS/WO01
  NETSIS/EUO01
  NETSIS/HUB02
  NETUFE/HUB01
  NETUFE/HUB03
  NETUDI/UDIPO1

while attempting to send to the following addresses:

  <net>/<po>/<mailbox>

CAUSE

The non-delivery report is generated when the number of hops reaches ten, regardless of the hop count setting as configured in the Admin program. The Windows client does not pick up the administrator set hop count from the postoffice. The client inserts a hop count of ten in all messages.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in version 3.05.4102 and prior versions of mssfs.dll. Contact Microsoft Product Support Services for more information on the availability of this fix.

MORE INFORMATION

An alternative to replacing the MSSFS.DLL for each client, would be to reduce the number of mail hops (routings through postoffices) to ensure that mail reaches the destination postoffice prior to 10 hops. This is the preferred solution in cases where it is feasible.

The Microsoft Mail for PC Networks Administrators Guide, Chapter 7, includes a section describing the purpose and method of setting hop count. This setting is designed to affect all client who have mailboxes on the postoffice.

The Microsoft Mail Windows Remote client will set the hopcount to ten on all messages it generates. See companion article Q147471 for more information.

Additional Reference Words: MailPCWin hopcount KBCategory: kbusage kbbug3.2 KBSubcategory: mssfs.dll Additional reference words: 4.00

Keywords          : mssfs.dll 
Version           : 3.2   3.5
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: October 11, 1996