Moving Exchange 5.5 to a new server

[jfrenzel57]

Hello, currently I have exchange coexisting on a server with 2 database apps running SQL. I have just ordered a new server and want to move my exchange onto it. All documentation I have been finding deals with moving exchange to a new server but taking out the old server. That is not an option for me. Is there a simple procedure for moving exchange? I was not the one that originally set up exchange so I can't even draw from a past experience.
Thank you for any info you can share. B-)

 

[Zelandakh]

There are plenty of threads recently on migrating. You are technically taking your server out as once you have got the new server up, you can stop the Exchange services on the existing server.

 

[ex]

Follow the following steps

1. Make new NT server (BDC??)
2. Make exchange on it I prefer to have same version and same SP as your existing exchange
3. Join the existing site when asked during the installaion of exchange server
4. Note down the settings of IMS from old server and make same settings in new one. Stop the IMS on old server
5. Move your mail boxes. (I tested with one mail box first)
6. Sync. your personal folders
7. Read the artcal "Removing first server from site" in microsoft site (I forgot the Q number)

This is the easiest and tested method I worked on. My exchange server is behind the Proxy and the migration was pain less.

 

[jfrenzel57]

Thanks so much for the post. Being new duties for me,and lacking experience, sometimes I find the water is way over my head. I appreciate the info.

 

[Guest_imported]

....add another server to the SITE...under advanced on each user account, change the server. This will begin to move the accounts over. A bulk move can be made by block highlighting and selecting tools and 'move mail'.

If you have public folders.....relocate by adding a replica to the new server. Allow for replication, change the PF's home server (under advanced) and then remove the replica on the decomissioned server.

Moving users around and particularly public folders hammers the logs...keep and eye on them and make sure they don't crash the system i.e. fill up disk space.

If you are keeping the the old Exchange system i.e. for a dedicated hub, it may be an idea to claw back some disk space - running eseutil will clear out white space left by the migrations. Following that, rerun the optimizer to change the server type from user to Hub etc

hope this helps.

 

[metanoia]

I have to do the same thing, but unfortunately I am running Small Business Server and I cannot make my new server a BDC... any sugestions on how to replicate exchange so I can swap it out?