Transition from Server 2003 to Server 2008, incl new Domain
Some background...
There was an initial configuration of two servers, both running Server 2003. One was running Exchange Server 2003 (Server2) while the other was Domain Controller that also provided file/print/fax server (Server1). Active Directory was replicated to Server1 from Server2. Server1 failed and Server2 services were brought online to provide DHCP, DNS, network authentication and failed services. All has been fine.
Now - the question...
We will move to a new server running Server 2008r2 and Exchange Server 2010 running on a single (but adequate) box. The server build will be started from scratch and will include assigning a new internal domain. AD will be rebuilt as will file/print shares etc. The network is small so this is not a big issue.
My main concern probably revolves around Exchange but, in general, I’d like to know how to best transition from the old server to the new and have as little down time as possible. I will not be able to ‘use’ the old Exchange box for a number of reasons, not to mention the new AD structure and domain.
So - what is the best way to handle this and maintain all Exchange data? I know we can export Exchange 2003 content to PST’s and (I think) reimport into Exchange 2010. But will next workstation (W/S) sync then duplicate all OST records on a new Exchange server with new SIDs etc? For that matter, will I lose all OST data when the W/S is removed from the old Exchange connection to enable connecting to the new connection, before such dupes could even occur?
Also for specific reasons, W/S’s are configured to PU external mail directly and cache back to Exchange. This in turn means that there could be newer content on the W/S than there is in Exchange. I suppose I could cutoff internet but that is definitely disruptive.
Thoughts for best/smoothest transition?
There was an initial configuration of two servers, both running Server 2003. One was running Exchange Server 2003 (Server2) while the other was Domain Controller that also provided file/print/fax server (Server1). Active Directory was replicated to Server1 from Server2. Server1 failed and Server2 services were brought online to provide DHCP, DNS, network authentication and failed services. All has been fine.
Now - the question...
We will move to a new server running Server 2008r2 and Exchange Server 2010 running on a single (but adequate) box. The server build will be started from scratch and will include assigning a new internal domain. AD will be rebuilt as will file/print shares etc. The network is small so this is not a big issue.
My main concern probably revolves around Exchange but, in general, I’d like to know how to best transition from the old server to the new and have as little down time as possible. I will not be able to ‘use’ the old Exchange box for a number of reasons, not to mention the new AD structure and domain.
So - what is the best way to handle this and maintain all Exchange data? I know we can export Exchange 2003 content to PST’s and (I think) reimport into Exchange 2010. But will next workstation (W/S) sync then duplicate all OST records on a new Exchange server with new SIDs etc? For that matter, will I lose all OST data when the W/S is removed from the old Exchange connection to enable connecting to the new connection, before such dupes could even occur?
Also for specific reasons, W/S’s are configured to PU external mail directly and cache back to Exchange. This in turn means that there could be newer content on the W/S than there is in Exchange. I suppose I could cutoff internet but that is definitely disruptive.
Thoughts for best/smoothest transition?
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See my last post for details.
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As mentioned I know I can export to PSTs BUT the W/S's get mail direct from external email mail hoster and cache back to Exchange. Thanks for the confirmation that I can reimport into Exchange 2010.
But, if I export from Exchange 2003 there is possibility - or more likely - a probability of lost emails in the time between export of that data and setup of new server with a functioning Exchange 2010 system as the clients will have received new emails. This would be different if I could leave the old Exchange Box online until ready to transtion.
Here are some additional questions...
- Will the OST file remain after disconnecting from Exchange 2003 and removing the Exchange account - or will it revert to a std Outlook PST file?
- Will an existing OST file (assuming above remains intact) sync to a new Exchange 2010 connection?
Thx