Converting Win2K, SP4 Exchange 5.5 to Win2K3 exchange 2003

[eforcedude]

I have been tasked with upgrading a Win2K (SP4) server running Exchange 5.5 to a Win2K3 server running Exchange 2003. I would like some advice on the best way to go about this. I'm thinking (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the best (safest) way is to upgrade the Win2K server to Win2K3, then after it's stable, to upgrade Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003. Should I step Exchange (5.5 to 2000 to 2003)? Is a direct conversion of Exchange from 5.5 to 2003 the best way to do this? Which is the better (more certain chance of success) way? If that (5.5 to 2003) is the best way, are there any "gotchas" that I need to watch out for?

 

[Zelandakh]

In place like that is a bad idea. Best bet is to install a new Windows 2003 / Exchange 2003, mailbox move, replicate public folders, change PF home server, break replica.

Leave the old box in place until everyone has logged on. Then decommission the old box.

 

[eforcedude]

Zelandakh,
Sorry about the delay in getting back. Thanks for the info. I was hoping I could do it, but was afraid what you said was what I'd have to do.

Thanks.

 

[netometer]

Hi!
If you upgrade the existing Windows 2000 server to Windows 2003 Exchange 5.5 will stop working. I have tried this upgrade out of curiosity (Microsoft clearly states that Exchange 5.5 is not supported on Windows 2003). After the final reboot during the in place upgrade some of the Exchange 5.5 services can not start. One of them is the MSExchangeIS service.
If you are stuck with the current server the workaround is similar to what Zelandakh suggests. Use a temporary box as a Windows 2003/Exchange 2003 server. Move the mailboxes and other resources and services like files, WINS, DHCP, DNS etc. Reformat the old server and have a clean installation of Windows/Exchange 2003. Finally move back the mailboxes, resources and services and decommission the temporary box.
This sounds as a very complex approach but actually is not that difficult. You might find helpful the following video which demonstrates step-by-step a very similar scenario:

http://www.netometer.net/video/indexkey.html?tutorials/nt4upgrade/index.html

Dean

http://www.netometer.net/support/