MTA Stacks service is configured to interact with desktop

[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: 2008-04-15

The Microsoft® Exchange Server Analyzer Tool queries the Win32_Service Microsoft Windows® Management Instrumentation (WMI) class to determine the value of the DesktopInteract property for the Microsoft Exchange MTA Stacks (MSExchangeMTA) service. If the Exchange Server Analyzer finds that the MTA service is configured to interact with the desktop, the Exchange Server Analyzer displays an error.

This configuration should only be used under the guidance of Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS). Unless PSS has instructed you to run the MTA service in this configuration, it is recommended that you re-configure the MTA Stacks service properties so that it does not interact with the desktop.

To configure the Exchange MTA Stacks service account

  1. Select Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, and then the Services.

  2. Locate and stop the Microsoft Exchange MTA Stacks service.

  3. Double-click the Microsoft Exchange MTA Stacks service.

  4. On the Log On tab of the Microsoft Exchange MTA Stacks Properties page, select Local System account under Log on as.

  5. Clear the Allow service to interact with desktop check box, and then click Apply.

  6. Under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.

  7. Close the Services snap-in.

For more information about the correct Exchange service configuration, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 239762, "Exchange Services Run Under LocalSystem" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=3052&kbid=239762).