GAL Question

[gnosis13]

We recently converted from Notes to Exchange 2003. The conversion left some people with name displays in the GAL with middle initials or GN that they didn't like. I made the name changes in A/D as requested (like Robert B. Smith to Bob Smith) and the GAL looks correct from the server but the Outlook 2003/2007 clients still have the old GAL so they get bounces when they use the names that were changed.

I realize that in a couple of days this will all clear up because we have made changes like this before. However, I would like also to be able to expedite the process to help reduce calls to the Helpdesk.

What would be the recommended method for getting everyone's GAL sync'd up after changes in A/D?

A+, N+, MCP

 

[RichardHuang]

I think if the outlook clients don't use Cache mode, they will update GAL very quickly. However I am not aware of the method to enforce this on the server side.

 

[r8j8t]

Are you sure its GAL which is givng problems, as I had similar issues where client machines were still using cached names from the oulook.nkf file which caches email addresses in outlook 2003.
if that the case its just case of communication to the clients to put complete address using GAL and delete the old record from their cached list in outlook 2003.
If the clients also use their oulook working offline make sure that that the option of available GAL when offline is checked on their laptops.

 

[WhoKilledKenny]

More than Likely the client is cofigured in Cache mode (which is the default for Outlook 2003).
If the client is set in cache mode they are seeing the Default Global Address List that is stored in Offline Address Lists Folder, in the Recipients Folder in Exchange System Manager. The offline GAL usually replicates with the GAL once every 24 hours.
I normally set my clients with cache mode disabled, unless laptop user that works remotely.

To force replication:
Open Exchange System Manager -> Recipients -> Offline Address Lists -> Defult Offline Address List -> Right-click "Rebuild"
-0r-
You can customize the Update Interval form the properties.

The best solution, I've found, is just to disable cache mode on the client. Then changes are seen in real time.

 

[gnosis13]

Yes, after playing a bit I think it is a combination of a 24 hour update policy on the server and the clients running in cache mode.

You can reimport the GAL from Outlook using the drop-down on the Send/Receive button but it only helps if the servers has rebuilt the GAL.

Thanks..

A+, N+, MCP

 

[mvas457]

You can manually update/force the Exchange server to rebuild the GAL via the ESM - Select Offline Address Lists then right click on Default Offline Address List and select Rebuild (You will get a prompt about it may take several hours to rebuild) Answer yes, then go download the Offline address book. It may take a few tries of downloading the OAB before your changes show up.