An Exchange Troubleshooting PowerShell Tool for IT Administrators
Troubleshoot Exchange connectivity issues with this comprehensive PowerShell script that tests all major Exchange protocols and generates professional HTML reports.
What is the Exchange Connectivity Tester?
The Exchange Connectivity Tester is a PowerShell script designed to help IT administrators and support technicians quickly diagnose Exchange connectivity issues. Just like Microsoft Outlook automatically detects and connects to Exchange services, this script performs comprehensive connectivity tests across all major Exchange protocols and presents the results in a clear, professional HTML report.
Why Do You Need This Tool?
Every IT administrator has faced the dreaded “Outlook won’t connect” support ticket. Instead of spending hours manually testing different connection methods, this script automates the entire process and provides you with actionable insights in minutes.
Automatic Detection
Automatically detects whether you’re using Exchange Online or on-premises Exchange Server, just like Outlook does.
Comprehensive Testing
Tests all major Exchange protocols in the same order and manner that Outlook uses for connections.
Professional Reports
Generates beautiful HTML reports that you can share with colleagues or include in support tickets.
⚡ Real-time Feedback
See exactly what the script is doing with color-coded console output and progress indicators.
What Protocols Does It Test?
The script tests all the same protocols that Outlook uses to connect to Exchange, ensuring comprehensive coverage:
Autodiscover
The foundation of Exchange connectivity – tests multiple Autodiscover URLs
MAPI over HTTP
Modern protocol used by Outlook 2013+ and Exchange Online
RPC over HTTP
Legacy protocol for older Exchange versions and Outlook clients
Exchange Web Services
API used by mobile devices and third-party applications
Outlook Web Access
Web interface for browser-based email access
Offline Address Book
Directory synchronization for offline Outlook functionality
Real-World Use Cases
Here are some practical scenarios where this script becomes invaluable:
Help Desk Troubleshooting
Scenario: User calls saying “Outlook won’t connect” after a recent office move.
Solution: Run the script on the user’s computer to quickly identify if it’s a network, DNS, or Exchange configuration issue. The HTML report provides clear evidence of what’s working and what’s not.
Office 365 Migration
Scenario: You’re migrating from on-premises Exchange to Exchange Online and need to verify connectivity.
Solution: Use the script before and after migration to document connectivity status and ensure all protocols are working correctly in the new environment.
New Employee Onboarding
Scenario: Setting up a new employee’s computer and want to verify Exchange connectivity before they start.
Solution: Run the script as part of your standard setup process to proactively identify and resolve any connectivity issues.
Mobile Device Issues
Scenario: Users report that their mobile devices can’t sync email, but Outlook works fine.
Solution: The script tests EWS (Exchange Web Services), which is used by mobile devices, helping you isolate mobile-specific connectivity problems.
Network Infrastructure Changes
Scenario: After firewall or proxy changes, some users report intermittent Outlook connectivity issues.
Solution: Run the script from different network segments to identify which protocols are being blocked and where.
How to Use the Script
Using the Exchange Connectivity Tester is straightforward and user-friendly:
Step 1: Download and Prepare
- Download the
ConnectivityTester.ps1script - Open PowerShell as Administrator (recommended for full functionality)
- Navigate to the script location
Step 2: Execute the Script
Step 3: Follow the Interactive Prompts
- Email Detection: The script will try to detect your email from Outlook automatically
- Manual Input: If auto-detection fails, you’ll be prompted to enter your email address
- Save Location: Choose where to save the HTML report using the file dialog
Step 4: Monitor Progress
Watch the real-time console output as the script tests each protocol:
Testing: https://autodiscover.company.com/autodiscover/autodiscover.xml
[Success] Autodiscover
Details: Autodiscover successful via: https://autodiscover.company.com/autodiscover/autodiscover.xml=== Testing MAPI over HTTP ===
[Success] MAPI over HTTP
Details: MAPI over HTTP endpoint is accessible: https://outlook.office365.com/mapi/emsmdb
Step 5: Review the HTML Report
The script generates a comprehensive HTML report with:
- Executive Summary: Quick overview of test results with visual statistics
- Detailed Results: Complete information for each protocol test
- Error Details: Specific error messages for troubleshooting
- Environment Information: Computer, user, and Exchange details
Professional HTML Report Preview
The generated report includes color-coded results, detailed error messages, and a clean, professional layout perfect for sharing with colleagues or including in support documentation.
Benefits for IT Teams
Time Savings
Instead of manually testing each protocol and connection method, the script automates the entire process. What used to take 30-60 minutes of manual testing now takes just 2-3 minutes.
Standardized Troubleshooting
Ensure consistent troubleshooting across your IT team. Every technician gets the same comprehensive test results, reducing the chance of missing important connectivity issues.
Professional Documentation
The HTML reports provide professional documentation that can be:
- Attached to support tickets
- Shared with Microsoft support
- Included in incident reports
- Used for compliance documentation
Proactive Monitoring
Run the script regularly as part of your monitoring routine to catch connectivity issues before users report them.
Understanding the Results
The script provides clear, actionable results for each test:
✅ Success Status
Green indicators show that the protocol is working correctly and accessible from the client computer.
❌ Failed Status
Red indicators highlight protocols that are not working, with specific error messages to help identify the root cause.
⚠️ Warning Status
Yellow indicators show protocols that are deprecated or not applicable to your environment (e.g., RPC over HTTP in Exchange Online).
️ Advanced Features
Automatic Environment Detection
The script intelligently determines whether you’re using:
- Exchange Online: Based on MX records and domain analysis
- Exchange Server: On-premises installations
- Hybrid Environments: Mixed configurations
Email Auto-Detection
Automatically detects the user’s email address from:
- Outlook MAPI profiles
- Registry settings
- User input as fallback
Customizable Reports
The HTML reports are fully customizable and include:
- Responsive design for mobile and desktop viewing
- Print-friendly formatting
- Professional styling suitable for client presentations
Additional Resources
- PowerShell Requirements: Works with PowerShell 5.1+ on Windows 10/11 and Windows Server
- Permissions: Administrator privileges recommended for full functionality
- Network Requirements: Internet access for Exchange Online testing
