Exchange Mailbox Move Error”Property expression isn’t valid”

KB ID 0000238 

Problem

Seen when attempting to move a mailbox.

Error:
Property expression “username” isn’t valid. Valid values are: Strings that include ‘@’ where ‘@’ cannot be the last character

During the move.

Property expression "username" isn't valid

When the move process has finished.

move request error

Note: If your error says

Property expression “username” isn’t valid. Valid values are: Strings formed with characters from A to Z (uppercase or lowercase), digits from 0 to 9, !, #, $, %, &, ‘, *, +, -, /, =, ?, ^, _, `, {, |, } or ~. One or more periods may be embedded in an alias, but each period should be preceded and followed by at least one of the other characters. Unicode characters from U+00A1 to U+00FF are also valid in an alias, but they will be mapped to a best-fit US-ASCII string in the e-mail address, which is generated from such an alias.” Then click here.

Solution

This is caused because for that particular user there is no entry in the “domain” attribute on the user object.

1. Log onto a domain controller.

2. Start > Administrative tools> Active Directory Users and Computers.

3. Locate the user > Right click > Properties > Account Tab.

4. Put the domain name in the domain section. (use the drop down).

no user domain

5. Now when you try and move the mailbox you will see this error instead.

Error:
The queue in ‘Mailbox Database xxxxxxxx’ database already contains a move request for {username}. While AD reports the mailbox as not being moved. It is possible that someone created the move request recently……..{text removed}…If you believe this to be an abandoned move request you can remove it by running ‘Remove-Move-Request -MoveRequestQueue ‘Mailbox Database xxxxxxx -MailboxGuid xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xx-xxx

move request exists

6. Press CTRL+C to copy all that to the clipboard.

7. Open Notepad > Press CTRL+V to paste the text in.

8. Locate the command its asking you to run.

remove move request

9. Launch the Exchange Management Shell > Paste in the command.

exchNGE MANAGEMENT

10. Now when you try and move the mailbox it should be OK.

completed move request

 

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

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Author: Migrated

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