asked on

Add Second Exchange 2010 Server to Domain

Hello Experts:

I want to install a second Exchange 2010 box in my virtual environment. We have one that we test on now, the problem is, when the services come on, huge performance loss on that machine. I want to install another Exchange 2010 server on the DC, since it is not used as heavily. The end goal being my users can test exchange with minimal impact on the original Exchange Server. DAG not needed, I just want to take the load off of the first box for testing. Any input appreciated. thanks

Postmaster

Exchange is a hungry app.
I would always suggest that Testing takes place on dedicated test hardware.

The last thing you want is your tests to impact production systems.

Howlermunkey

ASKER

When I said testing I meant for other things (software). Forget I used that term. What I mean is, we have a 3 virtual server network. 2010 is on one box, not the DC. I want to copy the exchange environment to the DC (second server), and ultimately turn the services off on the first machine. Any tips?
Basically, I need to keep 2010 in this environment, hardware not an option. Im just going to run through the install and install mailbox, hub, transport roles.

Postmaster

If the 2010 system is virutal, it should move quite easily.
Nothing really changes much.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Adam Brown

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Howlermunkey

ASKER

Thanks for the responses (just got home). the network is virtual, but dont want to change virtual environment. Basically , we have an environment that 4 or 5 users work in daily, in sql, asp etc. We set up 2010 on one of the vm's (not the DC) -- a sql test machine actually. The problem is, when we flip on the services for exchange, the server is maxed out (no joy for me :) ) So, the virtual dc is 2008r2 enterprise 64, and I figure, ill put exchange on that instead (its not used as much). The prob is like acbrown2010 says, its fully integrated in AD, in my lkittle v network, and I didnt want to make major changes. Its just for some tests. Im gonna run through the install disk now, feedback still welcome. Thanks again

Adam Brown

Exchange will use up all the resources you give it up to 8GB or more, so don't let the resources available on your VM fool you. You can do a *lot* of testing with just 2GB of RAM (trust me. I've done tests with 5 VMs including Exchange 2010 on a HyperV server with 8GB of RAM).

Howlermunkey

ASKER

Thanks guys for your input. The install was fairly simple, except for a couple of items. (notes for any readers)

TCPIPV6 was causing hub-transport role to hang on install. You have to not only disable the network adapter (uncheck tcpipv6), but then go to registry hklm\system\ccs\services\tcpipv6\parameters and add dword "disabled components" with hex value of ffffffff.

Also, i already had exch 2010 in network on sep box. I installed side by side no issues, then flipped off services on original box, no issues.

If you do have to reinstall hub transport -- first try to clear the transport reg key values "action" and "watermark". If you reinstall entire 2010 use add/remove to cleanly uninstall , and del the exch/v14 dir.