Looking for the best method to move Exchange 2003 to another server

[GeoDM]

I want move Exchange 2003 to a different server and remove the server it was previously on. This server will have a different name. My thought process to doing this would be.

1) Setup Exchange on second server running them both at the same time. (Both running Server2003)
2) Transfer Mailboxes to new server using the Move Mailbox Wizard in AD.
3) Point ports 110 and 25 to the new server.
4) Test new server for sending and receiving.
5) Demote old server
6) Remove old server

Of couse this is quite general but I would really like some more info or to see how other have done it and what I could run into.

 

[Koonan]

There are issues when dealing with the "first" Exchange Server in a site. Look at this KB from Microsoft to help with your move.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822931&Product=exch2003

Mike


=====================================
The good ole days weren't always good
and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems
=====================================

 

[GeoDM]

This is a great article. I guess I was tying the wrong things in the search because I had not come across it yet. While reading it, it shows moving mailboxes as the last step. Would you recommend doing that first?

 

[Koonan]

It really doesn't matter. Just don't turn the "old" server off, until you do the other steps.

Mike


=====================================
The good ole days weren't always good
and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems
=====================================