Need to move exchange 2003 server to another server with a different name

Hi,

  You have to make sure that storage group name is the same on the new server. Make a backup of your databases
  on the old server. Install new server using same drives pattern. After the new installation is successful, you can stop
  IS service, rename mdbdata folder copy the old one from a backup to the same location. Start the IS service.
  You might have to run adcleanup wizard and reconnect mailboxes when it's done.

Thanks.

can i use the move mailbox for the mailboxes and then use pfmigrate for the public folders? and then remove the old exchange 2003 server? will this cause any issues?

I'll support the move mailbox method. It makes the migration so much easier and removes a lot of the risks.
However get everything else replicating first - public and system folders. Mailboxes should be the last thing to move.
Furthermore by using the move mailbox method Outlook will redirect automatically when the clients connect the first time after the move. Just make sure that both servers are available.

Otherwise - take your time. There is no need to rush it unless the other server is about to die. I usually take anything up to 3 weeks to do a migration and most of the time the clients don't even know that anything as changed.

Simon.

Thanks for the help

Sembee...
Thanks for the follow-up, I had forgotten to mention the MAPI redirect (leave the old server up for ~1 week).  Most users will close their outlook the night you tell them they are being migrated...the next morning they should be redirected.

Bob