From my home computer, why won't Outlook 2003 connect to my IU Exchange account?

If you are having problems connecting to your Indiana University Exchange account from home using Outlook 2003, try the following:

• Make sure the proper Windows networking authentication level is set. If you don't know what this is, or if you have never manipulated this setting, the IU Windows Authentication Update will configure it for you. To get this tool, see What is the tool that disables LM/NTLMv1, and where can I get it?

  If you are a local support provider or are familiar with the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) and Group Policy Objects (GPOs), you can also find more information in How can I use a GPO to force NTLMv2? and How can I use the local security settings to force NTLMv2?

• Make sure you are connected via the IU VPN. For more information, see The basics of VPN at IU and At IU, using an outside ISP, why can't I connect to my Exchange account with Outlook or BlackBerry Desktop Manager?

  Note: If you live on campus, this does not apply to you. Ethernet (wired) connections on campus do not require a VPN connection.

• If Outlook is giving you an error message about your username or password, make sure you have the authentication method set to Kerberos/NTLM Password Authentication. To do this, follow these steps:
  
  
  1. After you have set up your Outlook profile, from the Tools menu, select Email Accounts... . Select View or change existing e-mail accounts. Click Next.
  2. Highlight "Microsoft Exchange Server" and click Change.
  3. In the Exchange Server Settings window that pops up, click More Settings, and then click the Security tab.
  4. From the drop-down menu next to "Logon network security", choose Kerberos/NTLM Password Authentication.

  Note: This is not the same setting as the Windows networking authentication level mentioned earlier. This setting tells Outlook that it can choose between NTLM (either version 1 or 2) and Kerberos, rather than restricting itself to only one and ignoring the other.

• Test your account through Outlook Web Access (OWA). OWA allows you to access your Exchange account through a web browser, and it should work no matter how you're connected. If you can't access your account through OWA, then you know the problem is with Exchange, IU's network, or something else beyond your control. If you succeed, you know the problem is not with Exchange, and is probably with your computer. In either case, you can contact the Support Center for help.

Also see:

• At IU, using Outlook 2002 or 2003, how do I access my Exchange mailbox?
• In Windows 2000, how do I make a VPN connection to the IU network using PPTP?
• The basics of VPN at IU
• In Windows XP, how do I make a VPN connection to the IU network?
• In Outlook 2003 and 2007, what is Cached Exchange Mode, and how do I enable or disable it?