What happens when email is sent to a non-existent user?

Exchange Server expert David Sengupta explains what happens to email that is sent to a non-existent user.

Published: 01 Aug 2006

Good question. It ends up being issued in an Exchange Server non-delivery report (NDR), but what specifically happens to the message depends on your particular configuration. See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 315631 " How to forward mail with unresolved recipients to a single mailbox" for details.

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Related information from SearchExchange.com:

Expert Advice: Create a 'catch-all' box to receive improperly addressed email

Tip: Dealing with undeliverable messages in Exchange Server

FAQ: Exchange Server non-delivery reports

Reference Center: Exchange non-delivery reports tips and resources

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