How to Synchronize Exchange On-Premises Hidden Objects with GALsync

Purpose

How to configure a GALsync or contactSync policy to synchronize objects that are hidden from address lists.

Background

By default, neither GALsync nor contactSync synchronizes hidden objects. Hidden objects carry the msExchHideFromAddressLists attribute set to True:

The behaviour is deliberate — an object hidden from the address list in the source is usually meant to stay out of the target's address list too. Enabling this setting overrides that, so confirm it is what you want before turning it on.

Procedure

The Include hidden objects setting must be enabled on both the export policy and the corresponding import policy. Enabling it on one side only will not synchronize hidden objects.

For each policy:

1. In GALsync, select the policy to update.
2. On the policy window, go to the Directory tab.
3. Click Settings.
4. Select the Include hidden objects checkbox.
5. Click Apply to close the settings window.
6. Click Save at the top right of the policy.

Export policy

Import policy

contactSync

The steps are identical in contactSync — start from a contactSync policy instead of a GALsync one.

Applies to

Tested in GALsync 7.6.4. The setting applies to other versions and to contactSync as well.