Exchange 2000 Gurus

[TechInNeed]

Hi all,

I was wondering if someone can help me out with what is involved in setting up Exchange (basic concepts and understanding). I know that I have to run ForestPrep and DomainPrep before installing. Then install Exchange. I know I have to get my ISP two MX records to point to the IP of my server. If possible a point form breakdown will be much appreciated.

 

[robbyb]

That's a lot to ask! ;-)

But I'll kick the discussion off by saying that a first task should be to make sure that DNS is working on your proposed mail server. You need to be sure that your Internal DNS servers can resolve your network queries fine, but also that it can hand over external queries to your ISP for resolution.

So a good internal test would be to see if your server can ping another server by host name and by FQDN.

And a good external test would be to see if your server can ping

http://www.yahoo.com.

Don't do anthing with Exchange until this is verified as OK.

 

[Marcs41]

This post: thread858-474481 helped alot of people through their setup, you may want to do some reading,it's all in there. [sub]If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, excpect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC! - Marc[/sub]

 

[TechInNeed]

Sorry for the late response. I have been having major network problems.
thread96-511468 all is well now.

Right now I am testing on a test machine. Is there a way to test to see if i can send and receive mail without using the "LIVE" domain? Would I need to sign up for a domain and e-mail service and stuff? I basically need to test this before implementing it in my network, because what if I get my ISP to point the two MX records to the server's ip and it does not work. This will then create downtime with e-mail for my employees. All help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Marcs41]

You could setup locally on your test LAN an small mailserver, style Linux if you have any, or a simple PC with a free mailserver. As long as you can use SMTP with it, it's fine for tests. [sub]If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, excpect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC! - Marc[/sub]

 

[TechInNeed]

Just got off the phone with my ISP and he said that they would be able to create a subdomain (example, if my main domain is "maindomain.com" then the sub domain will be "test.maindomain.com&quotand point their DNS to point to the ip address of my "maindomain.com" server. But, I am using dial-up on this test server so, I have to call my ISP when I dial up so that I can give them the dynamic IP from the account and they would point their DNS to this ip. Because of this, I have to blow away my test server again to re-create the domain name. More questions to come

Thanks marcs41, you have been really helpful. And thanks to everyone as well for participating.

 

[TechInNeed]

I have yet another question

In terms of AntiVirus software, what is the best approach for me to take? ATM, all of my workstations have Symantec AntiVrius Professional protection on the client's end. What would be the best approach to protect my server and Exchange?

These are what I found:

http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat...N=5&PID=426882&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat...N=5&PID=426891&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

Should I just get the regular enterprise edition with the default 5 user pack and let the e-mail be protected at the client's end (cheaper). Or should I go with the Enterprise edition WITH Exchange Protection and purchase All 20 (3 user pack) employees user packs?
All those who have Exchange in their organization please make suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Marcs41]

Personally, I cannot give you a positive advice on any Norton/Symantec product, I had far too many problems with it on servers, and I am not alone.
Maybe someone else here has some sound advice on these? [sub]If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, excpect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC! - Marc[/sub]

 

[TechInNeed]

If not Symantec, what else is available on the market?

 

[Marcs41]

First look at this post:

thread858-502802 the rest, I don't use any, I protect and update the clients, to much load on the mailserver. [sub]If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, excpect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC! - Marc[/sub]