Fix Internal Server Error 500 in Exchange Server Easily
HTTP Error 500 in Exchange Server is the most common issue during a login attempt. This issue often arises after a server updation. Although it is not a difficult problem to resolve the fact that it pops up unexpectedly and regularly reduces workplace efficiency. Identifying the root cause can be time-consuming and brings the entire Exchange Server to a halt.
That’s why it is important to resolve this Internal Server Error as quickly as you can. Before we can try the various solutions it is important to figure out the root cause of this error. So, let’s start with it first.
Reasons for HTTP Error 500 in Exchange Server
The following are the main causes of this issue:
- Exchange Services not running or stopping unexpectedly.
- Issues with Outlook Web App (OWA) and related virtual directories.
- Problems with the Exchange Server itself or use of invalid credentials.
- Incorrect configurations during setup.
- Insufficient system resources allocated.
- Incomplete or corrupted .NET framework installation.
Sub Divisions of Internal Server Error
HTTP Error 500 is a generic error that provides little insight on what is the real cause. To provide more details on the issues Microsoft has built in subdivisions within the error itself. These can help the admin to identify the root cause more easily. Here is a tabular description of the same.
| Error Code | Reason | Description |
| 500.0 | ISAPI or Custom Modules | An error related to the server’s modules or ISAPI (Internet Server Application Programming Interface) has been encountered. |
| 500.11 | Application Shutdown | The web application is in the process of shutting down, impacting communication with the web server. |
| 500.12 | Server Application Restarting | An application on the server is undergoing a restart, temporarily affecting its availability. |
| 500.13 | Server Too Busy | The server is currently overwhelmed with requests and is unable to respond promptly. |
| 500.15 | Global.asax Access Restriction | Requests to access the global.asax files directly are restricted for security reasons. |
| 500.19 | Invalid Configuration Data | Configuration data critical for proper server operation is found to be invalid. |
| 500.21 | Unrecognized Module. | The server encounters an unknown or unregistered module. |
| 500.22 | Invalid ASP.NET Module Configuration (Managed Pipeline Mode) | The configuration of ASP.NET http modules is found to be invalid in the Managed Pipeline mode. |
| 500.50 | Rewrite Error – Request Notification Handling | A rewrite error occurs during the handling of request notifications, pointing to a potential configuration or inbound rule execution problem. |
| 500.100 | Internal ASP Error | The server encounters an internal error within the Active Server Pages (ASP) framework. |
Update Exchange Server to the Latest Patch
As exchange servers are known for their robustness admins and users often delay the necessary updates longer than they should. In the short run, it is not a huge concern. However, as more time passes it results in the server becoming outdated. Users start to experience that their Exchange Server is slow in the tasks that it performs. Furthermore, the chance of getting the HTTP error 500 increases multifold.
That’s why admins should ensure that every latest patch deployed by Microsoft is installed on their on-premise server in a timely fashion.
Here is how admins can do this
- Visit the root location of your Exchange Server
- The default folder path is C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Exchange Server\V15
- It might be different for your case so check accordingly
- Once you get to the Server location go to the “Bin” folder
- Search for the Windows PowerShell scripts with the following name
- “UpdateConfigFiles.ps1” and “UpdateCAS.ps1”
- Right-click and pick open as the administrator option
- This opens up a new PowerShell window
- Run these files in that same PowerShell window.
These steps should resolve all HTTP Error 500 alerts arising due to an outdated Exchange configuration. However, sometimes even after updating admins might encounter the same error again. Let’s see why this is the case and how to resolve it.
Adjust Improper Resource Allocation
It is one of the few issues that often goes unnoticed. Nevertheless, admins must make sure that the virtual machine they are using for the Exchange Server is above the minimum recommended specs. Otherwise, the HTTP Error 500 is going to become a perpetual problem whenever Sever demand exceeds its capability. Here are the tips to follow while changing the hardware configuration of the VM.
- The base hardware might be outdated or no longer support the current version. You might need to update it first.
- Avoid assigning dynamic memory as the Exchange Server eats up everything you provide it.
- Start with a standard recommendation and gradually tweak it according to your requirements.
The steps for Updating are as follows
- Shut down the VM if it is currently running.
- Start the VMware Remote Console.
- Go to Options >> General Settings >> Virtual Machine Settings.
- Change the CPU Core, Memory, and Storage before restarting the VM.
- Relaunch the Server.
Rebuild all Virtual Directories
Another option for the admins is to make the virtual directory once again.
- Launch Exchange Management Shell (with admin privileges).
- Type the command below and end the present virtual directory.
- Remove-OwaVirtualDirectory –Identity “ExchangeServerName\owa (Current Domain)”
- Click on the “A” or “Y” key on your keyboard then click “Enter”.
- Type the query below to create the OWA virtual directory.
- New-OwaVirtualDirectory –WebsiteName “Current Domain”
Deal with Authentication Issues Resulting in HTTP Error 500
Use of invalid credentials either by admins or users by default results in an internal server error.
This is especially the case when during Exchange server upgradation admins opted for a regeneration of passwords.
Send out an information bulletin to inform users about credential changes. To make sure that incorrect IDs or passwords are not the case ask users to doublecheck their respective credentials.
Check and Fix Internal Server Error Due to Unmounted Mailbox
Remount the mailbox again and restart your server.
Try Logging With a New Browser
It might sound basic but changing your browser might help in resolving an internal server error. The Exchange Server itself is browser-independent. However, the browser you use may have some cookies, glitches, or extensions that interfere with the server request.
Some simple solutions that admins can try out are:
- Clear the cache files on your browser.
- Use a private tab feature
- Change the browser altogether.
Repair the Exchange Server
If nothing works you might have to repair the current installation of the Exchange Server.
Uninstall or dismount the current installation. Then remount it via the command below
Setup /Mode: Upgrade /IAcceptExchangeServerLicenseTerms
Type in this code in the EMS
In case you have a Cumulative Update that was installed after September of 2021 then type.
/IAcceptExchangeServerLicenseTerms_DiagnosticDataOFF
After this launch the Exchange Server again.
Best Way to Avoid HTTP Error 500 in Exchange Server
Use the professional Exchange Mailbox Recovery Tool to minimize internal server issues from disturbing your workflow. It comes with the unparalleled ability to restore corrupt exchange mailboxes to their healthy state. Not to mention it packages all of this in a single user-friendly product. Install the tool from the link below and use the easy steps provided here.
Step 1. Launch the tool on your machine.
Step 2. Browse >> Add >> Pick a scanning option for the EDB file.
Step 3. View Recovered Data along with attachments.
Step 4. Repair mailboxes all at once or in batches.
Step 5. Export the resultant files back to the target exchange server.
Conclusion
In this blog, we provided the complete tutorial on how to fix HTTP error 500 in Exchange Server. We learned that any mistakes during the server updation or transition to a new version might trigger this internal server error. However, it is quite easy to resolve if admins follow the guidelines presented here. The real challenge is to make sure that this error is not reencountered. For that, it is recommended to use a professional tool for all Exchange Server Migrations between version 2013 to 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Error 500 in the Exchange Server?
Ans. It is an internal server error that comes up during the reconnection attempt after an update installation or server upgrade.
Q. Are there differences in resolving HTTP Error 500 between Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019?
Ans. No, this error is not version-based but a connection issue that’s why the steps to resolve it are the same regardless of the version you use. However, one thing to keep in mind is the older your version the more likely you are to get this error.