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msmaby

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Upgrading from Exchange Enterprise 2000 to Exchange enterprise 2007, Windows 2000 domain

I know this has been asked and answered here many times, but my research has me greatly concerned that I could screw this up big time.   Here is my scenario.

I have 2 Exchange 2000 Enterprise servers running on a Windows 2000 domain with 3 ADC's.  I also have several Windows 2003 member servers, any of which could be promoted to an Windows 2003 ADC.  I need a proven set up steps to get me to (as I understand it)
1. A Windows 2003 domain -via Domain prep and Forest prep
2. Then I think I need to do some sort of fix to prepare for Exchange 2007 (another domain and forest prep?)
3. Then I can promo an existing windows 2003 member server to an ADC and transfer all FMSO, PDC, etc.
4. Finally I can install Exchange Enterprise 2007 and start migrating users.

Of course the docs I read warn of dire consequences... Killing all the AD in the domain, etc.
I have imaged the Windows 2000 AD that I plan to install the domain and forest preps and I intend to remove it from the network during the domain and forest prep (good or bad idea?)

One of the Windows 2000 ADC is on another island, so screwing this up would be major.

Anyone with a good cook-book on this?

Marcus
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Hendrik Wiese
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Good Guides to look at:

1. Common Mistakes When Upgrading Exchange 2000/2003 To a Exchange 2007

Very Good Guide or Cook-Book (if you like)
2. Upgrade to Microsoft Exchange 2007 from Exchange 2003 or 2000

Let me know if it helps?
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msmaby

ASKER

Thanks for the quick response.

The 1st document is the one I found that raised my hackles. As I see it, my first task is to move to a Windows 2003 based domain, but without killing my existing Exchange servers.  Here is where the major nerves come.  I do not have the luxury of having a lab to experiment in. I need to do this in a production environment.  Any cook books for this first step?

Thanks in Advance
Marcus
Hi Marcus, Moving your domain to a 2003 function level would not break anything. And using the guides I provided above, if you follow everything step by step and ensure that everything is in place nothing will go wrong.

So my suggestion is have some faith and go for it.
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Hendrik Wiese
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