How To Implement New PDC & BDC in Existing Domain?

[Imashe]

Hi - I have 2 new Compaq servers which will replace my current PDC and BDC/Exchange server. I have installed both as BDC's on the production domain, using different server names. Now I need to take them off the production domain in order to test and install Exchange in a lab environment using the actual PDC/BDC server names.

My query is, do I rename the BDC's and promote the one that will become the production PDC while in the lab and off the production domain? This will allow me to do testing, BUT will it allow me to then bring down the production machines, remove them from the domain in server manager and replace with the new machines?

If this is not the proper approach - can someone please point me in the right direction? I am under a bit of pressure since the machines were purchased 6 months ago and are not in production yet. So, this project has become this months priority!

Thanks for any and all advice!!

 

[Zelandakh]

Here is a thought:

Nuke the prodn PDC. Install as a BDC on the live domain. Get it happy and settled and with a copy of the user list.

Take it off the live network and put it on your production network so it cannot be seen on the real network. Install the other Compaq as a BDC / Exchange server on the correct domain but not on the live network. Ensure the name is EXACTLY as the other real Exchange server.

Install Exchange as if you were disaster recovering the old one. Perform a full email backup on the old Exchange server and down it. On the real network, bring the new Exchange server up and perform a full restore from tape.

If things go pear shaped you have the old servers to fall back too.

Should be able to do all of that in under two days and realistically if people keep off your back you can do the lot in a day...

But quote a week and bill accordingly B-)

 

[Imashe]

This is sort of what I've already done - with the exception of the server names. In your second paragraph you say "Take it off the live network and put it on your production network so it cannot be seen on the real network." Do you mean put it on the LAB network? If so, that is where I am right now. I have a BDC that was installed on the production network/domain and all synched up with the PDC. I have a second BDC that was also installed on the production network/domain which is also all synched up and happy. So, wouldn't I be able to use these two in your scenario? Put them both on the lab network which is independent of the live network?