ecp_lite

Overview

This script provides a web-based control panel for managing Exchange Remote Mailboxes, Shared Mailboxes, Distribution Groups, and Room/Equipment Mailboxes. It runs a simple HTTP server on your local machine, allowing you to perform common Exchange recipient management tasks via a web browser.

Why ecp_lite?

Modern environments often have:

• Exchange attributes without Exchange servers
• Hybrid remnants
• Need for helpdesk-friendly tooling

ecp_lite provides a lightweight ECP-like interface without requiring a full Exchange deployment.

Use Cases

• Hybrid environments after Exchange decommission
• Helpdesk mailbox management
• Attribute management without full Exchange server
• Lab environments

Disclaimer

• The script is provided as-is and it is not recommended to use it in production environments without proper testing and security considerations. I cannot be held responsible for any damage or issues caused by using this script. Use it at your own risk.
• If you would like to see improvements or have any suggestions, please feel free to contribute to the repository.

1. Prerequisites

• Windows Server or Workstation with Exchange Management Tools installed.
• Exchange Management Shell (EMS) must be available.
• PowerShell (preferably 5.1 or later).
• Administrator rights on the machine.
• .NET Framework (required for System.Net.HttpListener).

2. Preparation

a. Exchange Management Shell

• Ensure you can run Exchange cmdlets like Get-RemoteMailbox, Set-RemoteMailbox, Get-DistributionGroup, etc.
• If not, install the Exchange Management Tools for your environment.

b. Script Placement

• Download the latest version of the script.
• Place the script file in a secure folder on your workstation.

3. Running the Script

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Navigate to the script's folder:
• cd "C:\Path\To\Your\Script"
• Run the script:
• ecp_lite.ps1
• Wait for the message:
• Exchange Control Panel running on http://localhost:8080/

4. Accessing the Web Interface

• Open your web browser (preferably Edge).
• Go to: http://localhost:8080/
• You will see the Exchange Control Panel home page.

5. Main Features

a. Navigation

• List All Mailboxes: View all remote mailboxes (paged, 50 per page).
• List All Shared Mailboxes: View all shared remote mailboxes.
• List All Distribution Groups: View all distribution groups.
• List All Room/Equipment Mailboxes: View all room/equipment mailboxes.
• Search for mailboxes, distribution groups, or room/equipment mailboxes.
• Enable Remote Mailbox: Create a new remote mailbox.

b. Paging

• Lists are paged (50 items per page).
• Use Previous and Next buttons to navigate.

6. Managing Mailboxes

a. Viewing Mailbox Details

• Click a mailbox name to view details.
• See properties like Name, Display Name, Alias, UPN, Primary Email, Email Addresses, Remote Routing Address, Mailbox Type, Archive info, etc.

b. Updating Mailbox

• Edit Primary Email Address or Email Addresses.
• Click Update Mailbox to save changes.
• If you change the Primary Email Address, the Remote Routing Address will update automatically.
• Email Address rules:
• Format: smtp:xyz@yourdomain.com;
• Always separate email addresses with ; and a space after it.

c. Disabling a Mailbox

• Click Disable Mailbox.
• You will be prompted for confirmation.
• Confirm to remove Exchange properties from the user (cannot be undone easily).

d. Converting Mailbox Type

• Use Convert to Shared or Convert to User to change mailbox type.
• Note: Shared mailbox delegation works in Exchange Online only.

e. Disabling Archive

• If the mailbox has an archive, a Disable Archive button appears.
• Click to disable the archive.

7. Managing Distribution Groups

a. Viewing Distribution Group Details

• Click a group name to view details and members (sorted alphabetically).

b. Disabling a Distribution Group

• Click Disable Distribution Group.
• Confirm the action.
• The group will be disabled and Exchange properties are removed. Object will remain in Active Directory.

c. Deleting a Distribution Group

• Click Delete Distribution Group.
• Confirm the action.
• The group will be deleted from Active Directory.

8. Managing Room/Equipment Mailboxes

a. Viewing Details

• Click a room/equipment mailbox to view details.

b. Disabling or Deleting

• Use Disable Room/Equipment Mailbox or Delete Room/Equipment Mailbox.
• Each action requires confirmation.

9. Creating a New Remote Mailbox

• On the home page, use the Enable Remote Mailbox form.
• Enter the alias (username) and click Create.
• Use Active Directory to check UserPrincipalName of the user to avoid typos.
• The script will create a new remote mailbox with the correct routing addresses.
• The mailbox will be a user mailbox. If a Shared mailbox is needed, convert it afterwards.

10. Setting the OwnerN Attribute

• On the home page, use the Set OwnerN Attribute form.
• Enter the account (UPN or sAMAccountName) and the desired OwnerN (UPN).
• Only accounts in specific OUs (as defined in the script) can be modified.
• If successful, the attribute is set; otherwise, an error or restriction message is shown.

11. Searching

• Use the search forms on the home page to find mailboxes, distribution groups, or room/equipment mailboxes by name.
• Results are paged.

12. Stopping the Script

• To stop the web server, press Ctrl+C in the PowerShell window.
• If not working, close the PowerShell window.

13. Security Notes

• The server listens only on localhost (not accessible remotely).
• Only users with sufficient Exchange permissions can make changes.
• Do not expose this script to the internet.

14. Troubleshooting

• Port 8080 in use: Change the port in the script if needed.
• Exchange cmdlets not found: Ensure Exchange Management Shell is installed and available.
• Permission errors: Run PowerShell as Administrator and ensure your account has Exchange recipient management rights.
• Script errors: Review the PowerShell console for error messages.
• For any operation, simply follow the on-screen instructions and use the navigation buttons provided.