What troubleshooting step is necessary for DNS host-name resolution in Exchange Server?

The necessary troubleshooting step for DNS host-name resolution in Exchange Server is to identify name resolution issues. Proper DNS resolution is crucial for the functioning of Exchange Server because many services rely on successful name resolution to communicate effectively with other servers and clients.

When you identify name resolution issues, you can systematically diagnose problems such as incorrect DNS configurations, server accessibility, or even client-side misconfigurations. This step often involves checking if the Exchange Server can resolve other domain names and if external DNS queries function as expected. Identifying these issues can help pinpoint the root cause of connectivity problems, ensuring that services like mail delivery, client connectivity, and Active Directory interactions work as intended.

Other options, while they might seem relevant in certain contexts, do not specifically target the core issue of DNS resolution. Checking network cables might be useful if there is a suspected hardware issue, but it is not a focused approach for DNS problems. Rebooting the server might temporarily resolve certain issues but does not actively address or identify the underlying DNS configuration or resolution errors. Updating DNS records is vital but would typically come after diagnosing what specific resolution issue exists. Thus, identifying name resolution issues serves as the most effective first step in troubleshooting DNS host-name resolution within Exchange Server.