Installation problems

[msal]

I was told that I could install Exchange 2003 on a new FE server whilst there was still an active Exchange 2000 FE server in the organisation, this info now appears to be wrong. I've done all the prep work and now when I try to install Exchange on this new server I get an error saying:
"Setup has detected that at least one FE server is running an older version of Exchange. You must upgrade all FE servers before you can install a new BE Server."

This is a bit of a pain to say the least. As far as I can see, I now have 3 choices:

1 - Uninstall Exchange 2000 from the current FE server and remove it from the organisation. Then install 2003 on the new server.
2 - Upgrade the current FE server to Exchange 2003, then install Exchange 2003 on the new server.
3 - Install Exchange 2000 on the new server, set it as FE and then upgrade to Exchange 2003

Do I have any other choices of getting Exchage 2003 to install whilst there is still an active 2000 FE server running??

Which is the best option to go for?

 

[Zelandakh]

You CAN do it. The error says that you are installing a BE, not an FE. During the install, you need to ensure that you are upgrading the FE to a 2003 FE.