How To Create or Delete a Microsoft SMTP Service Domain in Windows 2000

This step-by-step guide describes how to create or delete a domain.

Domains for the Microsoft Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) service are different from Domain Name System (DNS) domains and Windows 2000 Server-based domains. The SMTP service domains are used for organizing messages for delivery.

Creating a Domain

You can create two types of domains using the Microsoft SMTP service: alias domains and remote domains.

With alias domains you can create secondary domains that point to the default domain and use its settings, including the Drop folder. Any message that is sent to an alias domain is stamped with the default domain name.

You can set remote domains for domains to which you commonly send messages. For each remote domain, you can set a predetermined delivery route and require that Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption be used in all sessions with that domain. You can also use a wildcard character in the name so that all-inclusive domains for the domain you create use the same settings. Use an asterisk (*) as the first character, followed by a period (.).

Creating an Alias Domain in Microsoft Management Console

1. In Microsoft Management Console (MMC), expand the SMTP virtual server.
2. Click Domains.
3. On the Action menu, point to New, and then click Domain.
4. Use the New Domain Wizard to set up a local (alias) domain.
   
   NOTE: You cannot rename a domain after you have created it.

Creating a Remote Domain in Microsoft Management Console

1. In Microsoft Management Console, expand an SMTP virtual server.
2. Click Domains.
3. On the Action menu, point to New, and then click Domain.
4. Use the New Domain Wizard to set up a remote domain.
5. To designate a route domain, set authentication for outgoing messages, or use TLS encryption, click the domain in the Details pane, click Properties on the Action menu, and then specify the options.

Deleting a Domain

You can delete domains that you have added. You cannot delete the default domain, unless you first add an alias domain and then make that domain the default domain.

To delete a domain:

1. In Microsoft Management Console, expand the SMTP virtual server.
2. Expand Domains.
3. In the Details pane, click the domain you want to delete.
4. On the Action menu, click Delete.