RPC Configuration

I am using Outlook 2003/Windows XP and would like to connect to the ITaP Exchange server using RPC over HTTPS. How would I configure this?

What is RPC over HTTPS

RPC over HTTPS is a secure protocol for MAPI client (Outlook 2003) access to Exchange 2003 servers. Traffic between Outlook and the Exchange servers currently uses RPC over TCP/IP and is not secured; however, with RPC over HTTPS all traffic between the Outlook client and the Exchange servers is secure and will be protected by SSL encryption.

How does this affect me?

Because of the recent viruses and Windows exploits many Internet Service Providers have been blocking RPC over TCP/IP traffic. To connect to Exchange, from off campus, using a MAPI client you may need to configure RPC over HTTPS.

What are the requirements for RPC over HTTPS?

You must have an Exchange mailbox, be running Windows XP SP1 and patch Q331320 or XP SP2, and Outlook 2003.

How do I setup RPC over HTTPS?

You will need to follow the steps outlined in the following Microsoft articles:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;820281&Product=exch2003
Set LmCompatibilty to send NTLMv2 authentication only.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;831060&Product=exch2003

http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/2003/three/ch8/outc07.htm
Go to the section labeled "Configuring RPC over HTTP user interface options.

Outlook Configuration

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then Mail
2. Click on Show Profiles then Add to create a new profile
3. Click Next for "Add a new e-mail account"
4. Select Microsoft Exchange Server
5. Type in "exchange.purdue.edu" for Microsoft Exchange Server (leave Use Cached Exchange Mode)
6. Enter in the User Name - do not select Check Name
7. Select More Settings
8. Go to the Connection tab
9. Select Connect me to Exchange mailbox using HTTP
10. Click on Exchange Proxy Settings
11. Type exchange.purdue.edu in the HTTPS line, then enter msstd:exchange.purdue.edu in the line for Principle name for proxy server line.
12. Make sure that Basic Authentication is selected as the Authentication when connecting to proxy server

Initial Connection

The first time that a user connects using RPC over HTTPS, they will need to be connected on campus or use the VPN to finalize the setup.