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Q269374: XWEB: OWA Prompts Three Times for Credentials then Blank Page

Article: Q269374
Product(s): Microsoft Exchange
Version(s): 2000,4.0,5.5
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): exc55
Last Modified: 22-JUN-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Outlook Web Access, version 5.5, on platform(s):
   - Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
   - Microsoft Windows 2000 Server 
- Microsoft Exchange Server, version 5.5 
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SYMPTOMS
========

After a user types a mailbox name at the Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA)
logon page, the user may be prompted for credentials three times, and then a
blank page is displayed.

CAUSE
=====

This issue can occur because of any application that scans and modifies files,
such as an antivirus solution.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this issue, disable scanning of the Exchsrvr\Webdata folder for the
drive where OWA is installed. You can configure most antivirus applications to
disable scanning of the Exchsrvr\Webdata folder; refer to your antivirus
application manual or online help for further details.

MORE INFORMATION
================

Any time that the Global.asa file is modified, the file is re-run. The
Global.asa file sets up the application and session variables that OWA uses. Any
time that the Global.asa file is re-run, a new application and session are
created and the existing application and session are ended. When the current
session ends, all session variables are lost. The attempt to log on is
unsuccessful, and three prompt messages and a blank screen are displayed. While
antivirus applications may not visibly make any changes to the Global.asa file,
antivirus applications typically reset the archive bit on files that have been
scanned, and this is enough to cause the Global.asa file to be re-run.


Additional query words: virus signature update.

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Keywords          : exc55 
Technology        : kbOutlookSearch kbOWASearch
Version           : :2000,4.0,5.5
Issue type        : kbprb

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