Joining a DC that is an Exchange server to a new domain - Help!

[DKMr]

I am merging domain A into domain B. In domain A I have a 2000 server that is the last domain controller and also the Exchange 2000 server for domain A. I want to demote this server and migrate all the Exchange data to another Exchange server in domain B. I have already migrated the mailboxes with Exmerge, but the public folders need to be replicated to the new domain, they can't be replicated till they are part of domain B. -is there a way to copy the public folders over directly to the new domain besides replication?

Here is my concern: if I demote this DC in domain A it will disband domain A. I can then join it to domain B and then replicate the public folders. However, I am worried that if I demote the server and therefore destroy the global catalog, all the domain A accounts will be deleted. Will the public folders still be accessible and migratable after I join server A to domain B, or will they be lost becasue the domain that they were created in is gone?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TravisM]

How many folders are we talking about here? I don't see any reason why you can't export them in Outlook, build the folders on the new server, and import the data back in.

The down side is you have to rebuild the permissions and stuff by hand, but at least it's %100 sure and viable.

 

[DKMr]

There are only about 25 folders, so recreating the permissions is not a big deal. I am mostly concerned with not loosing anything.

So you are saying I can log into the domain and with Outlook export the folders to another drive or server?

 

[TravisM]

Not directly to a server.

First go to the new site and create the public folder of the type you're wanting. A calender, for instance. Configure your permissions however you need.

Now, go back to the old site and open up Outlook. Select the folder, click file, select "Import and Export" and just go through the wizard to export that public folder to a .pst file. Now that you've got an offline copy of the information, open up Outlook in the new site, go to "Import and Export" and just import the information from the .PST file. It's low tech, and maybe unsavvy, but it's very direct and fool proof.

 

[DKMr]

Thanks TravisM, that did the trick. I just copied the folders to a laptop and then replicated them over.

 

[TravisM]

Even better than my idea. Simple is always good!