HCW8078 Migration Endpoint Could Not be Created Explained and Fixed

Hybrid migration is Microsoft’s own recommendation in case users wish to move their on-premise exchange version 2010 and above, so when an error like HCW8078 Migration Endpoint could not be created pops up, it is cause for concern. Not only does this halt the migration process even before it begins, but it also creates a risk of data loss. Therefore, we have prepared this article to give a clear-cut breakdown of the entire problem along with the solutions. However, before we delve into the solution, let’s first identify its main reason.

Root Cause Why “HCW8078 Migration Endpoint Could Not be Created”

During the migration, Microsoft provides an assistant program called Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW). It is when this wizard is incorrectly configured, either at source or destination, that the endpoint creation issue arises. It is indicated with an error message; below this error message, there are a set of diagnostic tools. Out of them, select the “Open Log File” option for detailed information. Depending on the message, your issue can fall under a variety of options. 

• Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) not running
• Exchange Web Services (EWS) Virtual directories are not set up
• Internet Information Services (IIS) need to be reset
• The EWS External URL is not accessible from outside
• The EWS connection is not working
• The service is too busy
• No endpoint was found listening at the specified address
• The request channel timed out

Lets now discuss the ways to solve them 

Manual Solutions to the EndPoint Creation Issue

Given below is a list of guidelines for some of the most common scenarios. 

First of all, look at the status of the Mailbox Replication Service. 

• Open the services tab on your machine.
• Scroll down and find Mailbox Replication Service. 
• Right-click and look at the current status
• If the service is already in a Running state, restart it. 
• Otherwise, it might be stopped, then start it.

If this fails to resolve the issue, then go to the Event Viewer of the Exchange server, where you can get information on the user, computer, and time at which the change was made. This can lead you to the person responsible.

Next, Check if Virtual Directories of the Exchange Web service are Set or Not

The most likely case is that they are not set; otherwise, the error would not have popped up. However, it is best to be sure, so follow the instructions below to remove any suspicion.

Within the Exchange Admin Center, go to Servers, under which you will find Virtual Directories Tab

Select the EWS (Default Web Site) and press the Edit button (pencil Icon).

Check the external URL; if it’s not populated (pre-filled) then populate it manually. Moreover, be sure to mark the checkbox next to the Enable MRS Proxy endpoint option.

Try to Reset the Internet Information Services (IIS) 

If adjusting the Virtual Directory does not do the trick, then you might have to perform a reset of the Internet Information Services (IIS). It can be done via typing in the following command in the PoerShell Module

iisreset

Only those individuals who possess valid credentials can perform this task. Moreover, make sure to only change the required settings and not anything else, as it might create more problems altogether. 

Then rerun the Hybrid Configuration Wizard to check if the problem persists. In most cases, the problem should not exist anymore. However, if you are among those rare few who still cannot resolve the issue, we have another method.

Ensure EWS External URL is Accessible from Outside

Now you might have to escalate the issue and talk with the Network Analyst or equivalent position in your organization. They are the ones who can ensure if the EWS External URL is blocked or not. Once the network team has given the green light on the issue from their end, cross-check it using the Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer.

Also Read: Easy Way to Copy Document Library from One Site to Another In A few Steps

Open Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer, select Exchange Server, and Choose the “Synchronization, Notification, Availability, and Automatic Replies.” option

Once you’ve filled out the necessary details, you should be able to obtain the outcome and determine whether the service can be accessed from the outside or not.

HCW8078 Migration Endpoint Could Not be Created Because  Server is Too Busy

Another one of those less likely scenarios is if the exchange server is too busy. In other words, there would have been some communication errors within the organization due to which the server does not hold enough capacity to undergo migration. As administrators must understand, calibrating a hybrid migration is resource-intensive means all non-essential tasks on the exchange server must be postponed. If this is not done, such issues are bound to happen.

No Endpoint Was Found Listening at the Specified Address

The endpoint creation issue can occur if the target is unavailable or not configured to receive the data. Admins, therefore, must ensure that all preparations and prerequisites are sorted out beforehand. Only then should they send a migration request.

The Request Channel Timed Out Resulting In HCW8078 Migration Endpoint Could Not be Created

If the bandwidth is not sufficient, the connection request can default without making contact with the target. This is sure to result in a channel timed-out alert or an endpoint that cannot be created. This means hardware specifications should also be above the minimum requirements.

Professional Solution for HCW8078 Migration Endpoint Could Not be Created Error 

One way to solve this issue is to skip over the hybrid configuration entirely and perform a full migration. So there is no better way to make the switch than the Systools Exchange to Office 365 Migration Tool. The philosophy of keeping users first is incorporated into its simplistic UI. This means any user, regardless of technical ability, can easily operate and work with the tool. Apart from this, under the hood, advanced algorithms are at work to shift all of your data to its required position. Just follow these simple steps and do away with any endpoint creation errors.

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Step 1. Launch the utility Choose Exchange as the source and Office 365 as the destination.

Step 2. Make Workload Sections (data you want to move) and apply the Date filter too.

Step 3. Then, on the source screen, add all necessary information, including Admin username, password, Exchange server IP, Active Directory IP, etc.

Step 4. Likewise, fill in the admin credentials for the destination as well.

Step 5. Choose a mapping method from Fetch, Import, or Download.

Step 6. Once the tool loads, all users make the necessary checks, apply priority, validate, and Start Migration.

Conclusion

In this post, we discussed the reasons and solutions regarding the “HCW8078 Migration Endpoint could not be created” error. Moreover, we saw how complicated and technically demanding the solution is. Apart from that, the manual resolution gives no guarantee of success anyway. Therefore, users can make a smart move by directly going for the utility instead.