Unsupported virtual machine configuration - clustered Exchange Server detected

[This topic is intended to address a specific issue called out by the Exchange Server Analyzer Tool. You should apply it only to systems that have had the Exchange Server Analyzer Tool run against them and are experiencing that specific issue. The Exchange Server Analyzer Tool, available as a free download, remotely collects configuration data from each server in the topology and automatically analyzes the data. The resulting report details important configuration issues, potential problems, and nondefault product settings. By following these recommendations, you can achieve better performance, scalability, reliability, and uptime. For more information about the tool or to download the latest versions, see "Microsoft Exchange Analyzers" at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=34707.]  

Topic Last Modified: 2005-12-15

The Microsoft® Exchange Server Analyzer Tool queries the Win32_ComputerSystem Microsoft Windows® Management Instrumentation (WMI) class to determine whether the value for the Model key is set to "Virtual Machine".

The Exchange Server Analyzer also queries the Win32_Service WMI class to determine the value of the Started key for ClusSvc, the Windows Cluster service. A value of True for the Started key indicates the Cluster service is started, and a value of False indicates the Cluster service is not started.

The Exchange Server Analyzer displays an error if the following conditions are true:

  • The value for the Model key is set to "Virtual Machine".

  • The value of the Started key for the Cluster service is set to True.

This error indicates that the Exchange server is a clustered Exchange server that is running in a virtual machine environment. This configuration is not supported.

To correct this error

  1. Build a physical cluster and move the mailboxes to the physical cluster from the clustered Exchange server that is running in the virtual environment.

  2. If you cannot build a physical cluster, you can correct this error as follows:

    1. Move the mailboxes from the Exchange Server that is running in the virtual environment to a non-virtual, stand-alone Exchange Server computer.

    2. Re-home any public folders and transfer any roles performed by the clustered Exchange server as required.

    3. Uninstall Exchange Server from the virtual machine to decommission and remove it from the Exchange Server infrastructure and from Active Directory.

For more information about Microsoft support policy for running Exchange Server 2003 in virtual environments, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 320220, "Support policy for Exchange Server 2003 running on hardware virtualization software" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3052&kbid=320220).