setup /preparead freezes

[chipk]

Greetings,

I've promoted a Windows 2008 domain controller to my mixed environment:
Single Forest/Domain/Org
Windows 2000 DC, Exchange 2000, Windows 2003 DC
Functional Level: Windows 2000 Native Mode

I've done all the preparation recommended by Microsoft for adding the first Exchange 2007 server; however, in preparing my Active Directory for Exchange 2007, the setup freezes during the Setup /PrepareAD command at 17% and does not move at all after that.

The only Exchange related events in the Logs are even 2116 in the Application Log:

The description for Event ID 2116 from source MSExchange ADAccess cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

The following information was included with the event:

ExSetup.exe
4304
exchsrv01.ossmscorp.com
5.0 (2195)
Service Pack 4

the message resource is present but the message is not found in the string/message table

Searches on this error and the stated behavior have revealed several problems: simply rebooting the DCs/Exchange server, ensuring the 2003 DC is the Schema Master, permissions issues, as well as AD and Exchange functional levels, none of which seem to be my problem.

I'm at a loss. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chipk]

Ok, found the obvious problem. Had my lines crossed between the AD preparation and the Exchange 2007 preparation. Although 2008 Server can co-exist with 2000 server, and Exchange 2007 can co-exist with Exchange 2000, Exchange 2007 apparently cannot co-exist with 2000 Active Directory. Although this fact is totally absent from the documentation from Microsoft (you'd think that would be pretty important to point out), the Exchange 2007 BPA catches it. My duh. Just a noob to the Exchange 2007 stuff and trying to trudge through it.