How to Create a Query-Based Distribution Group

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A query-based distribution group is a new type of distribution group introduced in Exchange Server 2003. A query-based distribution group provides the same functionality as a standard distribution group. However, instead of specifying static user memberships, you can use an LDAP query (for example, "All full-time employees in my company") to dynamically build membership in a query-based distribution group. This procedure outlines how to create a query-based distribution group.

Before You Begin

To create a query-based distribution group, you must use the Exchange Server 2003 version of Exchange System Manager and Active Directory Users and Computers. You cannot create query-based distribution groups without upgrading your administration console.

Note

It is recommended that you upgrade all your administrative consoles to Exchange Server 2003 before you deploy query-based distribution groups in your environment.

You should also read the Deployment Recommendations for Query-Based Distribution Groups and Guidelines for Creating Query-Based Distribution Groups topics before you create your query-based distribution groups.

After you create a query-based distribution group, you can make sure that your query works the way that you intended it to work by using the preview feature. For detailed information, see How to Verify That a Query-Based Distribution Group Is Working Correctly.

Procedure

To create a query-based distribution group

  1. In Active Directory Users and Computers, in the console tree, right-click the container where you want to create the query-based distribution group, point to New, and then click Query-based Distribution Group.

  2. In Query-based Distribution Group name, type a name for the query-based distribution group, and then click Next.

  3. Under Apply filter to recipients in and below, verify that the parent container shown is the one that you want the query-based distribution group to be run against. If this is not the correct container, click Change to select another container.

    Note

    The query returns only recipients in the selected container and its child containers. To get the results that you want, you may have to select a parent container or create multiple queries.

  4. Under Filter, select one of the following options:

    • To filter the query based on a set of predefined criteria, click Include in this query-based distribution group, and then select from the following criteria:

      - Users with Exchange mailboxes

      - Users with external e-mail addresses

      - Groups that are mail-enabled

      - Contacts with external e-mail addresses

      - Public folders that are mail-enabled

    • To create your own criteria for the query, click Customize filter, and then click Customize.

  5. Click Next to see a summary of the query-based distribution group that you are about to create.

  6. Click Finish to create the query-based distribution group.

    The new query-based distribution group appears under the container that you selected in Step 3.