Let's say you're using Exchange Server 2003 and IMAP isn't enabled on your server. You'll have to follow this procedure:
Before you start
If you want to transmit your password and data over an encrypted connection (SSL), you must bind a Web site certificate to the IMAP4 service before it can establish a secure TLS connection with the IMAP4 client.
You can make either an online certificate request to an online Microsoft enterprise CA, or you can create a certificate request file and send the request to an offline CA (an enterprise CA, standalone CA or third party CA). The certificate is installed into the Exchange Server’s machine certificate store and bound to the IMAP4 service.
Enable the IMAP Service
You'll have to go to the Windows Services Panel and start the IMAP Service to enable "start automatically."
Configure IMAP on the Exchange Server
- Go into Exchange System Manager. Expand to
Administrative Groups > GroupName > Servers > ServerName > Protocols > IMAP4
- Use the existing or create a new IMAP4 Virtual Server. New > IMAP4 Virtual Server and give it a name
- Assign IP to "All Unassigned"
- A new IMAP4 Server should be assigned in the right pane. Right click on it, and go into properties
- Leave General tab as is, unless you want to change the default TCP ports of 143 and SSL port of 993
- In "Access" tab, click on the "Authentication..." button and follow the onscreen instructions provided by the Wizard to complete the request. If don't you want to use SSL, you'll need to uncheck the "This server requires an encrypted connection" checkbox. But be aware that your password will be transmitted as clear text.
If you haven't configured the SMTP service, you'll have to do that in a similar way.
You'll also need to open the following TCP ports on your firewall to the front-end Exchange server (public interface):
- IMAP4 (143)
- SSL IMAP4 (993)
- SMTP (25)
If you're running ISA Server in front of your Exchange Server, you'll have to enable IMAP4 and secure IMAP4 Server Publishing Rules.
Exchange Services
The IMAP4 service is disabled by default on an Exchange 2003 Server. Set "Microsoft Exchange IMAP4" Service to "Automatic" and start the service. Also check, if the SMTP service is running and set to start auomatically.