PLEASE HELP!! OS X 10.6.7 on SBS 2003 Network

[bobbydc]

I'm fairly new to the Mac world, finally made the jump a few months ago, and loving it. Like everyone told me, how did I go this long without it?! So here's my issue I'm having that I feel sure someone else has had. I've googled and researched until I'm blue in the face and still haven't figured it out. Here we go.

The network setup at my office is pretty simple (and outdated but does the job for what they need). Basic Exchange Server on SBS 2003. All computers except mine are PC. Well one other but I've never been able to solve the issue for him either. On my Macbook Pro, I'm running Entourage for my mail, calendar, contacts, etc. and had zero issues setting up and connecting. It works flawlessly as long as I am at the office. From home, on my old PC/laptop, all I had to do was use Windows VPN to dial into the server at the office, and instantly connect to exchange, folders, etc. with no problem. I created a VPN on my Mac, clicked connect, it connected almost instantly. No internet connection, nor does my Entourage connect. I've literally tried every possible option on my Mac for the VPN settings to no avail.

I installed VMware Fusion on my Mac, installed Windows 7, and Outlook 2007. At the office it connects with no problem. At home, (away from office network) I can open Windows, connect the VPN (in Windows) and my Outlook connects just like it does at the office. I have even tried leaving the VPN on the fusion side connected to see if that would work but no such luck. Since I can in face "connect" on the Windows side from this same Mac, I would have to assume it's some protocol or configuration on this mac? But I have no idea, and have all but given up!

Can anyone please give me any suggestions?? I know since SO many are making the switch these days I can't be the only one who's been through this. Any help is GREATLY appreciated! -Bobby

 

[Magzy]

Hi,

From what I can see there appears to be an issue with the VPN connection from the MAC to the network, or possibly an underlying DNS issue so that the mac can't lookup the server properly so that'd be the place to look. However, I tend to avoid the VPN --> Email these days and just setup Outlook Anywhere on the server. That way you can configure Entourage to get mail without the VPN and avoid that extra complication. As you are on SBS it's not particularly difficult to get it working - it may in fact already be configured.

Microsoft have a neat guide here:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb123622(EXCHG.65).aspx

For that part of the configuration.

Thanks,

Magz.