Changing the location of the Quarantine directory for Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange (SMSMSE) Versions 6.0.0 Through 6.0.8

Products

• Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange

Issue/Introduction

This page describes how to change the location of the SMSMSE quarantine directory by using Windows Operating System Mount points.

 

Cause

There is a defect in versions 6.0.0 through 6.0.8 where it is not possible to change the Quarantine directory in the product.

Resolution

Upgrade to SMSMSE version 6.0.9 or higher.  Then use the following article: Changing the location of the Quarantine directory for Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange (SMSMSE).

Workaround

It is possible to use the Quarantine folder as a mount point for another partition. using the steps below.

 

1. Stop the following services via the Services control panel.
   • Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange
   • IIS Admin Service
2. Open Windows Explorer.
3. Browse to the folder where the Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange application is currently installed (Default path is C:\Program Files\Symantec\SMSMSE\6.0\Server\).
4. In the \Server folder rename the Quarantine folder to Quarantine1.
5. Create an empty folder called Quarantine in \Server folder. You now have both Quarantine and Quarantine1 in the \Server folder.
6. Right-click on My Computer.
7. Select Manage.
8. In Computer Management, go to Storage.
9. In Storage go to Disk Management.
10. On the Right-hand side of the screen, all of the currently installed drives and volumes are displayed. Right-click on the drive or volume that is to be dedicated for storing the Quarantine folder.
11. Select Change Drive Letter and Paths...
12. In the window that opens, select Add and type: C:\Program Files\Symantec\SMSMSE\6.0\Server\Quarantine (This is the default path on an English operating system. Non-default installations will have a different path for the Quarantine folder.)
13. Alternatively, browse to the Quarantine folder created in step 5 via the Browse button, displayed on this screen.
14. The new partition will use the Quarantine folder as a mount point, and any files written to the Quarantine folder will be written directly to the new partition.
15. Copy all files and folders (including the Release folder) from C:\Program Files\Symantec\SMSMSE\6.0\Server\Quarantine1 to C:\Program Files\Symantec\SMSMSE\6.0\Server\Quarantine (This is the default path on an English operating system. Non-default installations will have a different path for the Quarantine folder.)
16. Delete the now unnecessary C:\Program Files\SMSMSE\6.0\Server\Quarantine1 folder.
17. Restart the services:
    • Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange
    • IIS Admin Service" and its dependent services

WARNING: Using the partition to store other data may cause loss of that data or may cause the SMS MSE Quarantine to function incorrectly.
 

• This partition should be of a size that supplies enough space for quarantined items.
• If there is an unused partition larger than this, it may be re-partitioned so that the remainder of the space be used for other purposes. The steps necessary for this task fall outside the scope of this document.
• The partition has to be formatted with an NTFS file system. The steps necessary for this task fall outside the scope of this document.
• The partition selected may already have been assigned a drive letter. It is recommended to remove this pre-existing drive letter to prevent it from being used for other purposes.
• This procedure also works if you use an external USB drive.

Note for Clustered Environments:
When SIFMS MSE is successfully installed in a Microsoft Exchange cluster, the quarantine is stored on the cluster's shared storage rather than on each node's C:\Program Files\Symantec\SMSMSE\6.0\Server\Quarantine directory. When the cluster fails over from node to node, it will still have the ability to release all mails from quarantine.
 

Technical Information
Options available in case the Quarantine size is not sufficient.

 

• Use Central Quarantine Server (installation files and manual is included in the installation package/ CD). Central Quarantine Server deals only with files that are viral. Unscannable files, non-viral threats and emails/ attachments violating a File Filtering rule are NOT sent to the Central Quarantine Server.
• Uninstall SMS MSE and install on another, bigger partition.
• Administer the Quarantine in a different way, e.g. remove older items earlier.