The SMTP Exit module does not work on Windows Server Core

Assume the following scenario:

• A certificate authority is installed on Windows Server Core.
• The SMTP file supplied with the certification authority is used. Exit module configured.
• However, the Certification Authority does not send e-mails.
• In the event log, the Event no. 46 logged with the following error message:

The "Windows default" Exit Module "Initialize" method returned an error. Class not registered The returned status code is 0x80040154 (-2147221164). The Certification Authority was unable to initialize email messaging objects.

Cause

The "Windows Default" Exit module cannot be used on Windows Server Core because the Collaboration Data Objects (CDO) libraries required for e-mail dispatch by the module are not installed here.

If the functions are not needed, the exit module can be completely deactivated be

An example project for creating your own exit module can be found in the article "Create an exit module for the certification authority in C#„.

Related links:

• Create an exit module for the certification authority in C#
• Operating the Certification Authority without exit module

External sources

• AD CS Exit Module "Class Not Registered" Error (Microsoft TechNet Forums)
• Collaboration Data Objects (Wikipedia)
• How to use the Cdosys.dll library to send an e-mail message with attachments (Microsoft)
• Where to acquire the CDO Libraries (all versions) (Microsoft)