Exchange 2000 - DCPROMO

[zxice]

All,
I've got 3 DC's in an AD, one of which is a Exchange 2000 Server. I want to demote it to a member server but am worried it might affect things. Can anyone tell me if they've done this and if so, was it painful?!!

I am currently working on a project to Upgrade this old server to Exchange 2003 - which will be a replacement machine. Any advice/warnings extremely welcome!

Thanks,
Ice

 

[Davetoo]

If you're going to replace the E2K box with a new E2K3 one, then why bother demoting the E2K machine? Bring up the new box, once it's running your mail, take the old one out.

I'm Certifiable, not certified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[zxice]

Because I don't want three DC's. The new Ex2003 will not be a domain controller. If you don't demote then the whole AD starts looking for the DC.

 

[Davetoo]

And that's all fine and good, but if you just bring up your E2K3 machine, transfer all the email roles over to it, then remove the E2K DC, you don't have to worry about screwing up your email system.

Since you're going to replace the E2K machine anyway, why risk screwing it up?

I'm Certifiable, not certified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[zxice]

Yeah, fair point. Is it going to be a problem bringing a new Exchange Server in to the equation and then removing the old one?