Troubleshooting Binding an Android device to Exchange 2010

DO THIS FIRST: Network: Please verify that the phone has an active 3g/4g connection that allows you to websurf to https://exchange.tufts.edu If you cannot resolve exchange.tufts.edu, try yahoo.com and then subsequently cnn.com. If all three fail, then activate wifi on the phone and find a wifi network. Inform the user that their email account will only work when an active internet connection is present.

PRE-Amble

You have a LOT of options when trying to map an Exchange account, and due to all of these options doublecheck that the account isn't locked @ any point due to trying different configurations:

Field	Options	Notes
Verify Account Functionality	https://www.testexchangeconnectivity.com/	This is better than logging into OWA or Outlook Binding, especially for Activesync Connectivity
Email Address	first.last@tufts.edu utln@exchange.tufts.edu	utln@exchange.tufts.edu allows you to auto-detect username and server field. First.Last@tufts.edu will always require manual setup. First.Last@tufts.edu is recommended.
Server Address	exchange.tufts.edu https://exchange.tufts.edu	Try them in that order
Domain	Tufts Tufts.ad.tufts.edu	Try them in that order
Username	UTLN Tufts\UTLN	Try them in that order
SSL Connection Required	Must be enabled
Accept all Certificates	Must be enabled

Explanation

The Activesync protocol is an overall protocol but the access to it is not controlled by Microsoft, or by extension Tufts University.

Coca Cola has a similar licensing model - Coke is "mixed/brewed" locally around the world, so a coke in the USA tastes different than a coke in Saudia Arabia. All the code distributors around the world use the same recipe, but differences in ground water, local sugar substitutes, etc. result in slightly different results.

This is why Activesync on an iPhone functions differently than activesync on a Palm, or in this case – an Android. In the case of android, the support of Activesync can vary drastically between even the phones on the same carrier (sprint/verizon/t-mobile/etc.) based on the decisions and level that Activesync is configured/supported by the manufacturer.

Because of this variation, although Activesync is supported by Exchange – the WAY your phone manufacturer coded to activesync may vary. Generally OS 2.2 is recognized as the first version of android that is expected to function correctly with most calendar/contact/email integration features working.

Devices we have seen problems with are below. The IMAP and HTTPS protocol are other, lesser options as well.

Devices which Sometimes Exhibit Problems	Problem
HTC Hero	Trouble after account confirmation step, cannot create account

Additional Resources

Microsoft ActiveSync Client Feature comparison
Current issues with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and Third Party Devices