Exchange/Windows 2000 co-exist Exchange/Win2003

[csjoseph]

I have a customer that wants to be difficult.

Currently has:

(A) Windows 2000 DC / Exchange 2000
(B) Brand new server

What he wants:

(A) Windows 2000 DC / Exchange 2000 (for family/reason: licenses)
(B) Windows 2003 DC / Exchange 2003 (for Business)


Plan ?

1. Install Windows 2003 on new server.
2. Promote Windows 2003 to DC
3. Install Exchange 2003 on new server.
4. Move business mailboxes from Ex2000 to Ex2003

Questions:

1. Can I have all this installed without compatibly issues?
2. What is best way to move mailboxes? Still exMerge or just use the Exchange move process.

Any advice, corrections, links are much appreciated.

 

[58sniper]

First, it's never recommended to have Exchange on a DC. Bad idea.

Second, yes, you can have two Exchange servers, but you're not really going to save yourself anything. It would be much easier, and a lot let hassle to put everything on the same version of Exchange.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[csjoseph]

Ok, suppose I leave the old server as domain controller and install Exchange on the new server (leave as a 2003 member). What is the best way to move those mailboxes?

 

[58sniper]

All things being equal, use the Move Mailbox Wizard, and leave Exchange on the old server up and running for a while. That way, Outlook will automatically update itself for all your users.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP