Migration from Exchange 2000 to Exchange 2003   

Hey,

I currently have 2 Exchange 2000 server where one of them is also a DC.
I now want to upgrade to Exchange 2003. I have the option of using one
new server to do this upgrade with. Would it be best to install the new
server with Exchange 2003 and then add this Exchange server to my current
Exchange domain and then start moving mailboxes over to the new server and
after doing this reinstall the 2 Exchange 2000 servers with Windows 2003 and
Exchange 2003 and then move some mailboxes to both servers ?.

I would also like to upgrade to AD 2003 when would this be the best time.
Before or after i upgrade my Exchange servers ?.

TIA,
Jan -

date: Mon, 24 Oct 2005 10:24:39 +0200   author:   news.microsoft.com jsn @ linak dot com

Re: Migration from Exchange 2000 to Exchange 2003   

I would suggest upgrading to 2003 AD after you have removed or upgraded all 
your Exchange 2000 server to Exchange 2003.  If you choose not to, then you 
will need to read this before proceeding:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/314649

As you stated, I would also take the path of installing Exchange 2003 on 
your new server then moving all your mailboxes to this server.  Follow this 
article for removing the Exchange 2000 Servers:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307917&Product=exch2k

After you have completed your Exchange 2003 upgrades then follow this:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=325379

I would also suggest NOT installing Exchange 2003 on a DC.  See,

http://www.petri.co.il/problems_with_exchange_2003_installed_on_domain_controllers.htm

-- 
John Oliver, Jr.
MCSE, MCT, CCNA, Exchange MVP
Microsoft Certified Partner

"news.microsoft.com" <jsn @ linak dot com> wrote in message 
news:OceVjRH2FHA.2616@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Hey,
>
> I currently have 2 Exchange 2000 server where one of them is also a DC.
> I now want to upgrade to Exchange 2003. I have the option of using one
> new server to do this upgrade with. Would it be best to install the new
> server with Exchange 2003 and then add this Exchange server to my current
> Exchange domain and then start moving mailboxes over to the new server and
> after doing this reinstall the 2 Exchange 2000 servers with Windows 2003 
> and
> Exchange 2003 and then move some mailboxes to both servers ?.
>
> I would also like to upgrade to AD 2003 when would this be the best time.
> Before or after i upgrade my Exchange servers ?.
>
> TIA,
> Jan -
>
>

date: Tue, 1 Nov 2005 21:02:39 -0500   author:   John Oliver, Jr. [MVP]