Online Backup vs. Offline Backup to Transfer Database

[MattJpopo]

I have reviewed much information on this site and Technet. I would like someone who has experience in migrating an Exchange could field this. I will be moving my exchange server to a new computer that has the same name but different operating system.

First off my environment:

"Old Server"
450Mhz CPU (Intel)
1024MB Memory
2 Volumes (C:\ E:\)
NT 4.0 SP6a (sorry to say this is a BDC)
Exchange Service Pack 4

"New Server"
1.4Ghz CPU (Intel)
2048 MB Memory
2 Volumes (C:\ E:\)
2000 Server SP3 Member Server
Soon to install Exchange 5.5 Service Pack 4 (Installed with /r option)

I have reviewed Knowledge Base Article 155216, threads and FAQs here and have two lingering questions.

1. Does anyone know what the pros and cons are between using an online backup to transfer the database files and using an offline backup to transfer the database files? I am leaning towards an online backup becuase it seems to be a bit simpler.

2. I know that having Exchange on a DC is wrong. The current server that it resides on is one of two BDCs at this location. This was this way long before I got here and I'm wanting to take this chance to fix this. I just wanted to double check that moving the exchange database from a DC to a member server wouldn't have any complications to my exchange environment.

Thanks to anyone who can answer either or both of these questions.

 

[LarryBags]

Well, I am in the process of updating too. I found thid site to be helpfull.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;155216

Hope this helps you too

 

[MattJpopo]

This is one of the KB articles that I reviewed. I have found it helpful but I have a questions about the statement

"Prepare the Core Databases
You can move the directory service, private information store, and public information store databases by using either of the following methods:

* Restore an online backup of the databases to the new computer.
* Copy the database files directly to the new computer."

I am trying to decide if I want to do an online or an offline backup to transfer my database files. Which are you doing and why?

 

[johnny99]

Some years ago I had to do something serius about the company Exchange servers.
They where old, unstable, tooooo small, no documentation and noone to ask, and something had to be done fast.

What I did was to add the new server (all where NT 4.0 but this more Exchange then operationsystem) to the Exchange complex. When it was up-and-running I started moving each single mailbox from to the new mailbox server (pain in the ass but I got control over the situation)
When all mailboxes where moved we moved the connectors (to another new server in the complex)
After some weeks with everything running without problem we removed exchange on the old servers)

A lot of work, but we got control and no downtime (we run 24/7/365)

One small advice is that after removing your old servers from the complex add an entry to your WINS server that points your old server name(s) to the IP-number of one of the new servers in the Exchange complex)