Applications Systems

SAM AppInsight for Exchange - Failed to create PowerShell connections using provided information.

This article resolves an issue when AppInsight for Exchange is indicating "Failed to create powershell connections using provided information" when trying to set up the template.

First published date

10/15/2018 7:36 PM

Last published date

10/23/2025 3:43 PM

Overview

Appin sight for Exchange is indicating "Failed to create PowerShell connections using provided information" when trying to set up the template.

Product section

Server Application Monitor

Cause

This issue occurs when Windows Authentication is not enabled globally in IIS and the configuration section is locked, preventing SolarWinds from applying required settings for the /PowerShell virtual directory.
Additionally, the issue can also occur if the Windows Agent is deployed using one account and AppInsight for Exchange is configured with a different account, causing authentication failures for remote PowerShell sessions.

Resolution

Resolution 1: Enable Windows Authentication Globally Before Locking (Preferred) 
RDP to the Exchange Server
Open a command prompt as admin
Unlock the section temporarily:
appcmd.exe unlock config -section:system.webServer/security/authentication/windowsAuthentication

Enable Windows Authentication globally:

appcmd.exe set config -section:system.webServer/security/authentication/windowsAuthentication /enabled:true
Lock the section again:
appcmd.exe lock config -section:system.webServer/security/authentication/windowsAuthentication

Resolution 2: Align Agent and AppInsight Credentials

  • While assigning the AppInsight for Exchange template to the node, choose “Inherit credentials from node” to ensure consistency.
  • Use the same Windows account for:
    • Windows Agent deployment.
    • AppInsight for Exchange configuration.
  • Ensure this account has the following Exchange permissions:
    • Mailbox Search role.
    • View-Only Organization Management role.