Microsoft KB Archive/118619

= PC Ext: Err Msg: Drive in Error:  =

Article ID: 118619

Article Last Modified on 10/30/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Mail for PC Networks 3.0
 * Microsoft Mail for PC Networks 3.2
 * Microsoft Mail for PC Networks 3.2a
 * Microsoft Mail for PC Networks 3.5

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This article was previously published under Q118619



SYMPTOMS
While the External Mail program (EXTERNAL.EXE) is running, the display window or SESSION.LOG file may show the following error message:

Drive in Error:



CAUSE
The External Mail program can determine, for various reasons, that a postoffice on a particular disk drive has an error. As a result, the External Mail program no longer checks the queues for mail destined for that postoffice. Although mail will enter the postoffice's queue, the External Mail program will not send it.



RESOLUTION
If the SESSION.LOG is enabled, determine if a drive error has occurred by searching for a "drive in Error:" message. Likewise, look for a "Testing permanent drive:" message, which may occur after a drive failure.

The External Mail program may consider a drive to be in error if there are network or server problems. Ensure the correct network software (drivers, redirectors, requestors, and so forth) are being used.

Several errors must occur on a drive before that drive is considered in error. When the External Mail program experiences a problem with a particular postoffice on a drive, it will test the drive again when it is finished moving mail.

One of the most common causes of this problem is a missing or corrupted .MBG and/or .KEY file for an externally defined postoffice. Ensure that an .MBG and a .KEY file exist for each externally defined postoffice. To check for corruption, make sure the .MBG files are evenly divisible by 116 bytes (or 0 bytes). All .KEY files should be 560 bytes in size (any other size indicates corruption in the .KEY file).

Additional query words: pcmailfaq

Keywords: KB118619

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