Instant Messaging Anomaly

[JimPletcher]

SBS 2000 Server, Windows XP Pro on the PCs - all updates applied.

Ten PCs using Instant Messaging (internally only) from the Exchange Server. With the following exceptions, everything is normal.

With all PCs on line and logged in, the problem is:
User A IM client shows Users B & C as "not logged in"
Users B & C IM clients show User A as "not logged in"
All other User IM clients show Users A, B & C as "logged in"

Have uninstalled & reinstalled IM clients for all three Users.
Have disabled & reenabled IM for all three Users on the Exchange server.
No User has blocked any other User.

Does anyone have any good troubleshooting suggestions?

 

[xmsre]

I imagine it's an issue with polling. When you combine polling with power saving features on desktops and laptops, that's what happens.

You may try mucking with the polling interval.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;283022

 

[JimPletcher]

Thanks for the advice xmsre!

I've downloaded all the KB articles I could find about IM & polling, and am working through them. we'll see.

None of the PCs have ANY power saving features enabled.

Server polling is set at factory defaults.

I won't be able to check polling for Users A B & C for a while, but if they weren't OK wouldn't they be having IM problems with other Users as well?

 

[xmsre]

Yes, you could.

 

[kbullit]

I've seen this problem numerous times in my environment of 17 exchange servers running IM and it's always related to a proxy.

Are you using any type of proxy server? If so, add the SBS server in your bypass list using the fqdn of the server. IM uses the proxy settings from IE.

hope that helps.

 

[JimPletcher]

Thanks for the response people!

To xmsre:
Only the three Users are having any problem, and this has been going on for a couple of months. It is just now getting to the point where it is annoying, and I'm out of ideas.

To kbuilt:
No proxy servers involved. PCs go directly through a router/gateway to the Internet, and directly through a switch to the Exchange server. 'Bout as simple as it gets.