How to clone Exchange 5.5 for testing 1

[PaulMThomas]

I want to make a copy of my Exchange 5.5 server which is running on NT4 to use for testing a Domain Migration to 2003 server and ADC.
The existing server is an old Dell Poweredge with SCSI Raid etc. the test server will be a glorified PC.

What's the best way to go about this ?

My test environment consists of 2 Domain controllers running W2003. They started as BDC's on our main domain and then got removed, promoted and upgraded.

 

[KPMIS]

Actually this is exactly what I do On proliant Servers though.

You really need the same machine to clone.

Also you need a clone of the DC to a similar machine as well.

There is a good book called Exchange 5.5 24 Seven

THis book explains in detail how to move exchange Information stores to a new server in a detailed manner.

However this does not solve the DC issue.
I guess you can make a new test sever on a workstation promote it to a DC then take it off the network and seize the roles so it can be used as a test DC off the network. This will allow you to retain the user accounts for the mailboxes. This scenario just might work.

KP

 

[PaulMThomas]

Thanks

I already have the PDC sorted, I added 2 BDC's onto our main domain and then moved them to a stand alone switch. I then promoted one to PDC and ran the W2003 server upgrade on both, this worked with no problems and I have documented the upgrade procedure.

I have now realised though that I have to install the ADC, because I am in a large corporate I probably need to test the install for the ADC.

 

[zbnet]

You need to read the DR papers before doing this stuff, they were written to help people do exactly this sort of thing:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/55/support/exdisrec.mspx

 

[ImWoody]

Hi Paul,
This KB article should help you do what you're looking to do.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=155216

Good Luck!

ImWoody

 

[KPMIS]

Remember it is easier to run the ADC after you create a 1 to1 relationship for Mailboxes to Domain user accounts. If you dont then you need to run NTDSNoMatch.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q274173&sd=tech

In addition you need tochange your LDAP port on the exchange 5.5 Server to 390

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;232606

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr...ademigrate/series/planningguide/p_04_tt1.mspx