Complete Exchange Server Upgrade

[itgeek]

Hello all. I have an exchange site with a primary domain controller and 1 BDC. Both are running NT 4.0 and Exchange 5.5 sp3. I want to upgrade to 2000 server and exchange 2000 server. But there is a catch. I want to eliminate the PDC completely because of the age of the machine and use only the BDC. I want to upgrade the BDC to 2000 server and exchange 2000. So my questions are:

1. What would be the best course to take during this upgrade?

2. If I remove the PDC will I have to change the name and IP of the BDC before upgrading?

3. Can I just upgrade the BDC and then remove the PDC?

I also have to do this upgrade with the least amount of down time for our users. If anyone can help please respond. Thank you.

Jeff Ryerson
I.T. Administrator
PGA National Resort & Spa

 

[Guest_imported]

I had a smiliar situation. I demoted my PDC computer1 to a BDC and promoted my BDC computer2 to a PDC. Took computer1 offline to ensure a recovery path in the event of an upgrade failure. Upgrade computer2 to WIN 2000 / PDC.
Chnaging the name of the server can cause alot ofr problems for exchange.

 

[ATCal]

How many users on your network.

If you have one DC in your 2k network, it will assume all 2000 roles. To then install Exchange on top of that would be quite a burden.

Al
atc-computing@home.com