Connecting to Exchange Server 2000 from outside network

[iamkevinwang]

I'm the Admin for the Win Adv Server 2000 SP4 (Build 2195 5.0.2195) that runs Exchange Server 2000.

I'm trying to connect to the Exchange Server via Win XP+Outlook 2003 from outside network. I get the following error when I click on "Check Name"

"The action could not be completed. The connection to the Microsoft Exchange Server is unavailable. Outlook must be online or connected to complete this action."

But the same config & acct works when I try inside the network.

So I tried to set up VPN on Win Adv 2000 Server, but the Remote and Routing Access Service cleared all my DNS entries -- bad joke. So I failed at setting VPN. I also have no access to the router, so even if VPN works, router will block access from outside network.

Some forums say I can do "RTP over HTTP" without going over the complicated, unsecure VPN route. But this only works for Win 2003 Adv Server + Exchange 2003 Server. I don't have either of them.

Does anyone have any idea how I can simply connect to the Exchange 2000 Server through Outlook 2003 from outside network?

Help is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[RebateMonger]

There are basically four ways to connect to Exchange Server 2000 when you aren't on the local network:

1) Outlook/Exchange over a VPN
2) Outlook Web Access
3) Outlook/POP
4) Outlook/IMAP

With the last two you lose all your fancy Exchange features.

Exchange Server 2003 adds RPC over HTTPS as another option. You can run Exchange Server 2003 just fine on a Windows 2000 Server. (Well, almost....see below). You also get Exchange Server 2003 as a part of SBS 2003, both Premium and Standard Editions.

 

[Mavtech]

I tried to do the same with my Server 2003/Exchange 2003. VPN in Server 2003 was a PITA. So, a friend suggested I try to use OpenVPN (it's free). I will be trying it soon. I need to close up the RD ports I am using right now to get to my server from outside the network. Your router should allow VPN passthrough. My D-Link DGL-4300 does. As mentioned above, you must get on the local network to use all the features of Exchange. When outside the network, I use OWA. It works great.

 

[stash]

You can run Exchange Server 2003 just fine on a Windows 2000 Server

Yes, but you won't get RPC/HTTPS.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: stash

You can run Exchange Server 2003 just fine on a Windows 2000 Server

Yes, but you won't get RPC/HTTPS.

I didn't know that. Thanks. It looks like you have to have IIS 6.0 on the Server for RPC/HTTPS to function. And Windows Server 2000 only has IIS 5.0.

The truth is, I doubt I'd ever advise somebody to upgrade Exchange without upgrading the Windows Server itself. And, of course, if they fit into the SBS maximum of 75 clients, I'd mostly likely recommend moving to SBS and getting the whole package cheaper and easier.