Moving Exchange from NT to 2000 Server (Different Name - then Rename) 1

[SaleenWRX]

Ok first off let me thank anyone that replys with help. I have done a search on this subject but no one that I can find really fits my situation - so here it goes

I need to move my Exchange Server 5.5 SP3 on NT to a New W2k server running Exchange 5.5 SP4. Once the Data is moved to the W2K server I need to change the computer name and IP address to match the old servers (and of course the old server will be renamed and new IP address assigned)

I have installed Exchange 5.5 SP4 on the new W2K server and Joined the Domain.
DID not join the existing site. Created the new site with the same Exact Org and Site name as the old server. Configured all the connectors the same.
Here is what I want to do -

1- I want to move the mailboxes (MDBdata) over to the new Exchange server and basicly have all the settings for the mailboxes moved too.

2- Remove the old NT server from the Domain

3- Rename the W2k server the same name as the old NT server and assigned it the same IP address
4- Rename the OLD NT server and assign it a new IP address then join the domain.

So my questions are-
Can I just copy the MDBDATA folder to the new W2K machine and that will give me all the mail boxes and mail?

I found this article -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q155216

it doesnt really fit my situation since the server names will be different during the data move - then the New server renamed to the same name. But can I copy the folders it mentions to the new server (the Dsadata, Dxadata, Imcdata, Mdbdata, and Mtadata directories) and bring the new server up?

Also when I created the new server the SMTP address for administrator is administrator@SITE.companyname.com

the old server its just administrator@companyname.com

This is even after i changed it in the Routing Tab. When i copy the mailboes over will they have the same problem?

any help???

 

[tdallenkk]

Here is the deal..It will work but this is what you will have to do. Make sure that you copy and paste ALL of the exchange folders in the EXCACT same place on the new server.
What you will find out is that some of your services will not start.
I speak from experience it will work but you may have to
To run Isinteg -patch:
Ensure that the Directory and System Attendant Services are running. If either of these services are not running, Isinteg will fail with a DS_COMMUNICATIONS_ERROR message.
Change to the Exchsrvr\Bin directory, and type Isinteg -patch. The GUIDs will be replaced, and Isinteg will report that the Information Store has been updated successfully.
Restart the Information Store service.

 

[SaleenWRX]

Thank you for your reply

I am guessing you mean follow the instructions provided by MS to move to a new server with same name by copying

the Dsadata, Dxadata, Imcdata, Mdbdata, and Mtadata directories

Now for my last question - I think i know the answer

my Optimizer on both servers moved these directories to d:
But on c:\ these directories still exist - with log files and temp files (again on both servers)

I am guessing I have to move both the d:\ and c:\ folders to the new server in the exact same locations

then run Isinteg -patch

is this correct?

 

[Zelandakh]

Yup.

Get new mailserver and put it on the LAN called NewMail or something. Any IP is ok. Have the SAME partition letters as the old server and install WINNT in same folder name on same drive.

Install Exchange 5.5 and same SP onto new server. Run perfwiz and move folders to same locations as on old server.

Stop every service on the existing server.

Then copy EVERY exchsrvr folder from the old server to the new server.

Ensure all services on new server have right account details.

Then start DS and Sys Att, run isinteg -patch. RESTART.

This works - I've done it live!!!