How do I create a new Public Folder store?

A. When you first install Exchange 2000, you have a default Public Folders store. However, you might want to create your own separate Public Folder store for certain uses, such as a store for Internet newsgroups. Creating a new public folder store requires three steps:

1. Creating a new public folder tree
2. Creating the new public folder store
3. Connecting the public folder tree to the public folder store

These steps aren't complicated. I cover each in detail below.

Creating a New Public Folder Tree

1. Start the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Exchange System Manager snap-in (Start, Programs, Microsoft Exchange, System Manager).
2. Go to the Folders branch.
3. Right-click the Folders, and select New, Public Folder Tree.
4. Enter a name for the public folder root (e.g., Windows Folders).
5. Click OK.

Creating the New Public Folder Store

1. Start the MMC Exchange System Manager snap-in (Start, Programs, Microsoft Exchange, System Manager).
2. Expand the Servers, Server name, First Storage Group.
3. Right-click the First Storage Group (or another storage group if you have one) and select New, Public Store.
4. On the General tab, enter a name. This name should match the public folder root, so, in our example you'd enter Windows Folders. Under "Associate public folder tree," click Browse, and select the folder you created (e.g., Windows Folders). Click OK.


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5. On the Database tab, the system creates default names based on the name you entered, so you can leave these. All other tabs are optional.
6. Click OK.
7. The system will display a dialog box to confirm the creation and ask whether you want to mount the new store (mounting makes it usable). Click Yes.
8. Click OK to the mount confirmation.

Connecting the Public Folder Tree to the Public Folder Store

1. Start the MMC Exchange System Manager snap-in (Start, Programs, Microsoft Exchange, System Manager).
2. Go to the Folders branch.
3. Right-click the root folder branch you created.
4. Select Connect To from the context menu (if this option isn't available, stop and restart the MMC Exchange System Manager snap-in).
5. From the displayed list, select the Public store required and click OK.

You now have a usable new public folder store.