Steps to configure Exchange 2007 CCR Cluster on VMWare workstation

Hello,

Here is an installation guide template for setting up a CCR cluster on Windows 2003 - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc742378(EXCHG.80).aspx

The process is no different using VMWare.

JJ

Since Microsoft Cluster service needs shared storage for both nodes, you need some sort of software iscsi solution to go with your setup.

Here's a good article about it:
Creating a cluster in VMWare Workstation using iSCSI
http://blog.baeke.info/blog/_archives/2005/5/6/657277.html

Also check out postings on VMTN:
http://communities.vmware.com/message/1288770

gd luck!

"Since Microsoft Cluster service needs shared storage for both nodes, you need some sort of software iscsi solution to go with your setup. "

Incorrect. A CCR cluster does not use shared storage.

JJ

My bad, didn't read carefully :) Thanx JJ.

Are you running this in a lab environment or in Production environment?

Pulled out this info from some digging: http://forums.msexchange.org/m_1800439632/tm.htm

"You need config Windows Cluster to can deploy Exchange CCR
First install Window server on both nodes. And then config Windows cluster on Node 1:
Config Cluster by normal step, when you are asked to location Quorum disk, lets choose "Majority Node Set".
On the Proposed Cluster Configuration page, verify that the information is correct, and then complete the installation.
Lets turn on your node2 and add it to cluster by cluster administrator on Node1.
Create share folder on your Hub transport server (exchange 2007 not Mail box server roles). grand fster.
Verify you can connect to that folder from node1 or node2 of your cluster. Open command prompt and type: Cluster DavtupCluster res "Majority Node Set" /priv MNSFileShare="\\Hubsvr\Davtupshare"  When DavtupCluster is your Cluster name, \\hubsvr\Davtupshare is UNC locate your share folder, and then press Enter.
OK. Now you just configured you cluster.
Next step: install Exchange 2007
Of couse you need install Exchange Prerequisites first.
On node1 run setup exchange 2007, select Active Clustered Mailbox Role, you must input information for your exchange Cluster name and IP address. When you complete you node1 go to node2 and select Passive Clustered Mailbox Role.
By this way you can deploy Exchange 2007 CCR on phisycal machine, VMWare Workstation, VMWare Server, Virtual machine, Vitual Server.... "

hope this helps.

JJ:
I was also curious, if it's running on top of cluster service, won't they need a "shared" quorum drive?

No. A CCR cluster uses a file share witness instead of a quorum drive.

JJ

cheers JJ.

Hi bbnp2006,

thanks
I have installed DNS, Exchange Hub Trasnport on a machine. I have also setup my two node cluster.
I will let you know once I install Exchange 2007 and Majority Node Set.

Hi,

Exchange on first node should be Active or passive ?
What is meant by Active and passive in this scenario.

Thanks JJ,
I am able to configure the Exchange 2007 cluster successfully.