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how do I remove an exchange server that no longer exists?

about a month ago there was a failed exchange 2010 installation. The admin simply just deleted the vm without removing it from the domain first & now when ever Im trying to manage exchange 2003 we still see the 'exchange2' which doesnt exist. tried removing it but I get:

'the server exchange2 cannot be removed because: one or more users currently use a mailbox store on this server. These users must be moved to a mailbox store on a different server or mail disabled before uninstalling this server'

did a search to see who was still listed (click the domain OU --> find --> exchange tab & all of my users are still listed as on the exchange 2003. Im at a loss.

Simon Butler (Sembee)

Does the machine account still exist ?
If so, then simply rebuild the machine with the same name, and then install Exchange 2010 using the command:

Setup /m:RecoverServer

Then remove Exchange using add/remove programs.

Manual methods you might find elsewhere (or someone might post them) are not supported by Microsoft.

Simon.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Manpreet SIngh Khatra

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M A

--->tried removing it
How you tried removing it?

If the server OS still exists do as per the comment above
else you please check this
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/exchange2010/thread/1c638bdd-67ba-44dd-996d-882be5fe5b09/

John Achille

ASKER

Sembee2: no the server long gone

abbasiftt: checking out the link

Rancy: YES I need help with adsiedit

Amit

If you are using adsiedit as Rancy said. make sure to delete db's first and then Exchange server. Later remove it from AD. Wait for AD replication and you are done.

firstheartland

I have used this method with success in my environment for a damaged exchange server.

Use ADSIEDIT.MSC

Conenct to the server which holds the schema master

connect to the configuration container

choose the server

Delete

Right click and update the schema

wait for 15 mins and confirm the removal of the orphaned server.

John Achille

ASKER

amitkulshrestha: its not showing in AD

Manpreet SIngh Khatra

Removing Active Directory Objects:

1. Open ADSIEDIT
2. Right Click on ADSIEdit and Click Connect to
3. Connect to “Configuration Partition”
4. Navigate to the following objects and Delete them.
5. Navigate to the following objects and Delete them.

CN=Configuration,DC=Domain,DC=Com -> CN=Services -> CN=Microsoft Exchange -> CN=Administrative Group -> CN=Servers (Find the server and Delete)

CN=Configuration,DC=Domain,DC=Com -> CN=Services -> CN=Microsoft Exchange (Under Database you will find that)

6. Wait for Active directory Replication.

If any doubts lets share some screenshots and only once sure do something

- Rancy

Amit

So, object from AD might be removed. Now use ADSIEdit and perform further clean up, if exist. However be careful with every steps. It is like AD registry you are modifying any wrong step can lead you into another issue. Don't want to scare you, but it is better to be bit careful with this tool.

Simon Butler (Sembee)

I wasn't referring to the server itself, but the object in AD.

Simon.