I have search and there are actually TOO MANY ways to do this...so I am lost..need the most simplistic and/or reliable.
Here is what I need to do...I will be ordering a new server (probably with Windows 2003 pre-installed IF I CAN...docs I have read say OS must match...not sure it that means exactly as far as OS Service packs are concerned), and I need to just move a working Exchange system onto a better server. Reason for the move is we got a very basic server (Dell PE 400SC), and the SATA raid card sucks...we had 2 drives fail in it, first time it let us replace a drive no problem because the primary drive didn't fail...once the primary failed, it would not let us switch the other mirrored drive to the primary or even boot off the array, no way to bring it online. We are opting for a new server, because this one will serve a great purpose for our website, which is important but not mission critical, nor nearly as hard to bring back from failure as Exchange.
That said...we are running win2k3 with exchange 2003 (6.5.7226.0)
No service packs installed (I know they SHOULD be).
Now for the fun..here is what I have found with a bit of help from google and MS's KB search.
I just need help with what process is the best to do...I can do most of what the articles describe...but restorations from backups don't really thrill me, but I would LIKE to keep the same server name, but don't have to, as I would like to move to a new naming convention sometime soon for server names.
http://www.amset.info/exchange/migration.asphttp;//
www.windowsitpro.com/articles/print.cfm?articleid=20294(these seem like the same thing...just one is detailed...other is like a check list)
http://www.msexchange.org/pages/article_p.asp?id=740 (this mentions EXMERGE at the end...would that be all I need to use??)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822954 Would this be the "BEST" solution?
Any other help guides, or just directing me through this jungle of potential solutions would be helpful. I am looking to do this relatively soon, pending approval for a new server, or at least to put on a "temp" server while I make a new mirror array on this crap raid card (actually its good for a "home" system...and that is what I think it is made for...gamers, workstations, etc. its a Promise S150 TX2 or something like that). Plus side is Dell replaced both drives with 160's, were 120's(odd...maybe the 120 all had problems...since 2 failed and they didn't replace either with 120's when the server is just now turning close to 1 year old).
Thanks for any and all help.
