"The server is not operational" error message when you try to open Exchange System Manager

When you try to start the Exchange System Manager administrative tool, you may receive an error message that is similar to the following: You may also experience difficulties if you try to open the Active Directory Users and Computers administrative tool. When you try to open the Active Directory Users and Computers administrative tool, you may receive an error message that is similar to the following:

This issue may occur if DNS is improperly configured.

To resolve this issue, you must modify the TCP/IP settings on your internal network DNS server. You must configure the TCP/IP settings on the DNS server so that the DNS server uses itself for DNS resolution queries.

To do this, follow these steps.

NOTE: You must perform these steps on the internal DNS server for your network.

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network and Dial-up Connections.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Properties.
4. Double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
5. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) dialog box, click Use the following DNS server addresses.
6. In the Preferred DNS server box, type the IP address of the internal DNS server, and then click OK.
   
   NOTE: This address must be the same as the IP address configured on this computer.
7. Click OK.
8. Restart the DNS server.