move Exch03 to new Exch07 in a different domain???

[dpsmith]

Hello.
I've been doing a lot of reading but want to throw this out for some more ideas.
(Don't ask me why the Network is like it is, I inherited it.)

Currently, there are two domains both with AD.

Domain1 [W2003 Servers] and Domain2 [exchange 2003] are on the same subnet and use the same DNS entries.

Both Domains have the same AD info for all users.
So if a new person starts I need to make sure the logons and passwords match on both Domains and the users can't change it.
During the Outlook 2003 setup on someone's PC or Terminal session I point it to the IP# of the Exchange Server and it works fine.

The main problem is that the Exchange server is dying a slow painful death.

What I want to do is install an Exchange 2007 (64bit and already purchased) server on Domain1, somehow *easily* transfer the needed user data to the new Exchange server and kiss the old 2003 Exchange Server goodbye.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to find that particular plan anywhere.

I found this but it doesn't mention about if it matters that the backup is from a server on another domain. Is this possible for me?

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa998340.aspx

I've also read about "cross-forest topology" but that doesn't seem to do what I want.

I'm only dealing with about 400 email accounts if that makes a difference.
And I understand that I'll have to manually change everyone's Outlook 2003's Exchange ip# settings as well.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[Zelandakh]

If there are users in both domains with the same names and passwords then assuming Exchange isn't a DC, you can use netdom (I think it is) to move the Exchange 2003 into domain1 then you are done and can concentrate on putting 2007 in.

But wait for someone else to confirm that!!

 

[dpsmith]

Thank you, but the Exchange 2003 Server is a Domain Controller (it's the only server/computer in that domain).

 

[ntinlin]

Umm.

Your post is a little unclear, to me at least.
Are these domains part of the same forest or completely separate?

i.e. Would the Exchange 2007 be part of a new Exchange organisation or the same one?

 

[dpsmith]

The Exchange 2003 server is a Domain Server (only anything actually) in it's own domain.

Everything else in the company is in a separate Domain.

I want to eliminate having 2 and make one Domain.
So I was hoping that there was some way to join this Exchange 2003 server to my existing domain.

I guess maybe my addinga new 2007 Exchange server into the mix at this time might make it more confusing than it has to be, although it also needs to be done.
If that can be put off to better integrate the Domain I have no problem with that.