reinstalling OS on an Exchange server??

[cahelmster]

I have a WINNT 4.0 BDC that I'm trying to setup as a dedicated Internet and interoffice Exchange box. Exchange is running and seems to be functioning properly. This server used to be the PDC and is running around 4 years old. A bunch of software and services have been installed and uninstalled over the last 4 years. If I wanted to save my current Exchange information/databases/mailboxes etc., format the server, reinstall NT and Exchange, install all the latest security updates, and setup Exchange with the previous data, is there any humane way of doing this successfully?

Thanks for all responses!

 

[SteveJepson]

The quick answer is yes.

1. Back it up first and do not allow any further mail activity.

2. Remove the IMC (its easier) but document it first.
3. Run the Optimiser and document the file locations.
4. Stop the services and copy all the exchsrvr directories onto another server.
5. Waste the server
6. reinstall NT (and IIS if used) and service pack to current level along with IE and fixes on current box.
7. install Exchange using the RUN option not the popup install. Use setup.exe /R
8. When asked use the existing Service account but select a new new organisation and site (use TEMPORG & TEMPSITE).
8 when the optimiser runs set the locations as documented in step3.
10 Patch with service pack using UPDATE.exe /R.
11 Ensure all services are stopped and set to manual.
12 copy back all the exchsrvr directories.
13 run regedit and search for all TEMPORG and TEMPSITE and replace with your current org and site names (keep the CASE SETTINGS !).
14 Start the services.

 

[AlexIT]

Or just follow Q155216 from M$, and you won't have to regedit per above.

Alex

 

[vb8304]

That is basically how I created a backup exchange server, using Q155216 from MS. The only time I had to make registry changes was when I did not name the server correctly. Then I went in and made the changes needed to restore to that server.

Vince.