exchange 5.5 and AD after move from NT4?

[lowbot]

I have a 5.5 exchange install running on a Windows 2000 machine.

Im planning on upgrading our domain from NT4 to 2003, but I will be using the NT4Emulator key on the new 2003 server for rollback purposes. Im not sure how 5.5 will respond to finding itself on an upgraded domain, but in NT4Emulation mode.

Will I need to install the AD connector after the upgrade even with the NT4Emulator key on the domain server? What happens when I remove the NT4Emulator key in the near future? Will exchange handle this gracefully? I assume then I will need to install the AD connector. Is this correct?

Thanks

 

[zbnet]

The NT4Emulator emulator key is more about how the domain works with legacy members/clients, it doesn't really impact on Exchange.

The AD Connector's job is to enable you to synchronise the contents of the Exchange 5.5 directory with the AD - you still need it. You have various options how you set it up, and some pre-requisite work to make sure that every mailbox in 5.5 has a unique associated NT account.

 

[lowbot]

Thanks for the informative reply. We're actually only staying with 5.5 for a short while after the AD change. Does Exchange 5.5 work without the AD connector? I dont mind manually keeping it in sync by just changing the passwords in Exchange Administrator application. Or will it just not work once its on the AD domain?

 

[zbnet]

Sure, Exchange 5.5 works without the AD connector - but how are you going to migrate your mailboxes? The ADC preserves SID history, making your migration much easier.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc164304.aspx

http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Overview-Active-Directory-Connector.html

 

[lowbot]

Im going to upgrade the 4.0 PDC to 2003, so Im not going to be using ADMT. We will be sticking with the same domain.

Are you saying that I should use ADC because when I move to Exchange 2003 it will make things easier because i will already be talking to AD?

Thanks

 

[zbnet]

yes

 

[Zelandakh]

You install the ADC, upgrade then remove it once you hit Ex2000 onwards.

 

[lowbot]

Thanks. It turns out that we will be upgrading to Exchange 2007 and there's no direct upgrade path from 5.5. We're just going to recreate all the mailboxes and then import the mail via PST files.

That said, can I just run 5.5 without the AD connector for a while? Im hesitant to install the AD connector on a rickety old exchange box.

I dont understand how my outlook clients with authenticate after the move to AD. Right now its username/password/domain. After the switch to AD, will that still work? How will I add new users? The same way as before?

 

[Zelandakh]

Installing the ADC should be fine. Without it, you'll have problems.

Authentication will continue as before. You add new users the same way too.