Command-Line Mailbox Creation

Almost every Exchange administrator creates mailboxes at some point. In Exchange Server 5.5, you can use a variety of methods for creating accounts. Small companies might use Microsoft Exchange Administrator, and large companies might rely on third-party utilities. However, scripting gives you the best options. Let's look at how you can use a script to create Exchange mailboxes in Exchange 5.5. Because Exchange 2000 Server works differently, you must use a different technique in that Exchange version.

Why Script?
Although Exchange 2000 is available, administrators still create many thousands of mailboxes in Exchange Server 5.5. Creating mailboxes with a script is a simple and often overlooked technique. Scripting offers several advantages. First, scripting ensures that you create mailboxes the same way every time. Second, by using a script, you minimize the possibility for administrator error. For example, it's easy to skip a field when you're using a GUI, whereas a script can verify fields before it creates the mailbox. Third, a script helps you adhere to company mailbox standards (e.g., naming conventions). Fourth, you eliminate reliance on the Exchange Administrator program GUI for simple tasks and gain some advantages, such as access to five attributes not available in the GUI. Finally, scripting gives you a great deal of flexibility. Changing an area code or SMTP address for thousands of mailboxes becomes a less daunting procedure with scripting. . . .