How to Fix Error “HCW8078 Migration Endpoint could not be created” in Exchange?

Hybrid migration is the smoothest migration method when it comes to migrating from on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server to Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online). For a hybrid setup to work, you need to install the Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW) – a tool provided by Microsoft to facilitate the hybrid setup. Sometimes, during the configuration of the application or after the completion of the wizard, an error pops up, saying “ HCW8078 Migration Endpoint could not be created.”

In this screen, at the bottom, there is logging information to check the application log.

When you open the log, you might find an error message like this:

Your Exchange Hybrid Configuration has completed but a few items need to addressed or potentially configured manually. Please see the details below.
Configure MRS Proxy Settings
HCW8078 Migration Endpoint could not be created.
Microsoft.Exchange.Migration.MigrationServerConnectionFailedException
The connection to the server 'mail.mycompany.lan could not be completed.
Microsoft.Exchange.MailboxReplicationService.MRSRemoteTransientException
The call to 'https://mail.mycompany.lan/EWS/mrsproxy.svc' failed. Error details: The HTTP request was forbidden with client authentication schema 'Negotiate'.--> The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden..
Microsoft.Exchange.MailboxReplicationService.MRSRemotePermanentException
The HTTP request was forbidden with client authentication schema 'Negotiate'.
Microsoft.Exchange.MailboxReplicationService.MRSRemotePermanentException
The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden.

The above message indicates that there is an issue with the Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) service. If this service is not functioning well, then you won’t be able to set up your hybrid setup for migration. So, let’s see how to fix this issue.

Possible Solutions to Fix the HCW8078 Migration Endpoint could not be created Error

Here are some ways you can try to resolve the issue.

1. Check if Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) is Running

As the error message indicates towards the Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) service, the first thing to do is check whether the service is running or not.

If it’s not running, try to start the service. If it is running, try to restart the service. If the service is stopped even after you restart it, then it might be an issue with the Exchange Server. In such a case, you can look into the event viewer to find where the problem is.

2. Verify if the Exchange Web Services (EWS) Virtual Directories are Setup

Now, you can confirm that the Exchange Web Services (EWS) virtual directories are setup and the service is configured properly. For this,

• Open the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) and click on Servers and Virtual Directories.

• Click on the EWS (Default Web Site) option and click on Edit.
• Confirm that the External URL is populated. If not, you need to populate it. Make sure that the Enable MRS Proxy endpoint option is enabled.

• Click OK

Note: It is suggested to restart the Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service before retrying the wizard.

3. Reset the Internet Information Services (IIS)

After running the hybrid wizard again if the problem persists, you need to reset the Internet Information Services (IIS). For this, open the command prompt as Administrator and run the following command.

iisreset

This will reset the Internet Information Services (IIS) and all the websites. After this, you should be able to re-run the hybrid wizard and it will be successful.

4. Ensure EWS External URL is Accessible from Outside

If the issue still persists, then check with your network team and make sure that the EWS External URL is accessible from outside your network and not blocked. You can test this by using the Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer.

On Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer, click on Exchange Server and then select Synchronization, Notification, Availability, and Automatic Replies.

After entering the required information, you should be able to get the result and confirm that the service is reachable from outside.

To Conclude

Setting up a hybrid environment requires skill and a well-configured setup. If any issue arises, you will not be able to setup a hybrid system. Alternatively, you can use third-party EDB to PST Converter Software such as Stellar Converter for EDB to migrate mailboxes and other data from Exchange database to Microsoft 365. It can easily process user mailboxes, user archives, disabled mailboxes, shared mailboxes, and even public folders with ease. The software provides smoothest migration experience while migrating mailboxes to Office 365 or Microsoft 365 and helps minimize the impact on the business and users. The software also migrates bigger size EDB file in just a few easy clicks without having an Exchange Server running.

Was this article helpful?

YES0

NO

About The Author

Shelly Bhardwaj

I am a Product Consultant and is associated with Stellar Data Recovery from last 8 years. I write about the latest technology tips and provide custom solutions related to Exchange Server, Office 365, MS Outlook, and many other Email Clients & different flavors of OS Servers. Read More