NOTE: I have updated the version of the EBUCT.exe from version 1.0.0.0 to 1.0.0.1. The new build contains minor bug fixes that I have found since its release on the 04/11/2012. I have also made some very cosmetic changes to the user interface – the guidance below is still relevant and covers the appropriate use of the tool. For full revision history – please refer to the download page located here: http://www.telnetport25.com/2012/11/ebuctexchange-2013-bulk-user-creation-tool-2/
NOTE (14/04/2013): I have provided another update to the tool (now at version 1.2.0.0) where it is now compiled using version 4.0 of the .NET framework (some people were reporting problems as they did not have version 4.5). The tool now also creates an Event Log under Applications and Services so diagnostic information can be written about the tools execution. The new version can be downloaded from the link in the previous “note” section – or from the download area below. I have also fixed a bug for environments which only have a single mailbox database.
NOTE (26/04/2013): I have released version 2.0 of the EBUCT – available here: http://www.telnetport25.com/2013/04/released-exchange-bulk-user-creation-tool-v2-0-ebuct-2-0/
From my own perspective, whilst I love the new EAC (Exchange Administrative Centre) within Exchange 2013 – there is one thing that really annoys me – and that is the inability to create mailboxes in bulk for accounts that already exist within Active Directory from within the GUI – see below:
I should point out that it s possible to create mailboxes in bulk from the Exchange Management Shell in Exchange 2013 using the following management shell cmdlet:
Get-User -RecipientTypeDetails User -Filter { UserPrincipalName -ne $Null } | Enable-Mailbox
However – to my mind is a bit of a “blunt” tool – and I would like more control over the process – e.g. being able to choose specific mailboxes to be created in specific databases which the above PowerShell cmdlet does not allow for without significant modification.
So, I decided to break out my trusty copy of Visual Studio and write a little application which provides the same basic functionality for Exchange 2013, that was present within the MMC based Exchange Management Console in Exchange 2010.
Download
You can download the Exchange 2013 Bulk User Creation Tool from the following link. You will need to have version 4.0 of the .NET framework installed as well as the Exchange 2013 management tools.
[ Usage
Double click on the program icon to launch the executable “EBUCT.exe”
During execution (and depending on your systems security configuration) you might be presented with the following dialog box:
If you are presented with this message click on the “Quit” button. Right click on the EBUCT.exe program file and from the context menu that appears select “Properties”.
When the properties dialog appears – click on the “Compatibility” tab – and then check the "Run this program as an administrator” check box from the “Privilege level” area and then click “OK” – see below.
The EBUCT should then run correctly.
NOTE: The program notifies you about this, as during start up it tries to create an Event Log under Applications and Services – this is a privileged operation and needs your permissions to do so.
The main program window will then appear – click the “Refresh” button – this will retrieve a list of all the accounts in Active Directory which do not currently have a mailbox assigned and also populate the “Mailbox Databases” area. The program is designed to ensure that sensitive accounts within the directory are not shown in the list. You can also alter the number of accounts retrieved by selecting (or entering) a value from the “Number of users” drop down box.
From the “Active Directory Users without Mailboxes” area – select the accounts that you wish to create mailboxes for – if you wish to select all accounts – check the “Select / Unselect all mailboxes” label. When you are happy with your selections click on the “Select Users” button – this will transfer them to the “Selected user accounts” area.
Select the desired database from the “Mailbox Databases” area – then click on the “Enable” button.
The program will then create the mailboxes, and when completed reset ready to create another batch.
Checking Events
Hopefully the EBUCT will work with no issues, however if you should run into problems you are always welcome to e-mail me with the problem that you are experiencing. Before you do so, it would be good if you could have a look within the Event Viewer and navigate to [ Event Viewer (Local) –> Applications and Services Logs –> ExchangeEBUCT ] and provide me with the data which is contained within the log – see below.
I hope that you find the above tool useful.