is it possible to unlock licenses in exchange 5.5?

[aldi]

My email server has 45 licenses but sometimes it shows only 30 available. What happens to the other 15?

To resolve the problem I have to reboot the server every now and then.

Is there another way to do this?
Why are they locked if users are not connected?
Is it possible for others to connect to my mail server and use my licenses?

Please help!!!

Aldi

 

[slane0625]

Use the licensing applet in Admin Tools to manage licenses.
A temporary fix and I know many people do this is to disable the licensing service. Not the best answer in the world, but it will keep you from having this problem. I hope this helps.

 

[zbnet]

This was broken for Exchange 5.5 for ages, and I don't know if anyone ever fixed it. Definitely disable the service, it will only cause you grief.

 

[aldi]

Thank you guys for your reply!!!

zbnet,

Could you please explain me with a bit more of details what do you mean by "This was broken for Exchange 5.5 for ages"?
Is it a bug in exchange 5.5?

Also what would be the consequenses of stopping the licensing service?

Thanks in advance,

Aldi

 

[zbnet]

http://www.swinc.com/resource/exch_faq_sec3.htm,

Q 3.40. It won't hurt you in any way to turn it off.

 

[zbnet]

It's not even been fixed in later versions -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316631

basically says you can turn it off.

 

[slane0625]

As long as you have a valid license for each user you will be fine. Good luck!!!!!

 

[xmsre]

The licensing service never did work well. One problem is that it counts each connection as a license in use. Imagine this; when an outlook client connects, it creates one connection to DS, and one to IS. If you connect to a public folder that does not have a replica on your mailbox server, you get yet another connection.

Your best bet is to turn off the licensing service. Do make sure that you have a CAL for each of your users on file in case of an audit.

 

[aldi]

Thank you to all of you!!!

You guys are GREAT!!!!!!!

Aldi