Removing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2

What are the full steps to retire and remove an exchange server that is still on our network even after our email system has been moved to Office 365 cloud over 2 years ago?

Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2 on a WIndows 2003 Server SP2 still connected to local domain.

Our Domain controllers are windows 2008 R2.
GorapsI.T. ManagerAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
If there is nothing there, you can uninstall Exchange (going by recall at this point). You need the installation CD's to do this.
0
Luis MouraCommented:
0
GorapsI.T. ManagerAuthor Commented:
I guess I should of asked first... Why does this need to be removed? Why can't I just shut server down and remove physically from my network?
0
Simplify Active Directory Administration

Administration of Active Directory does not have to be hard.  Too often what should be a simple task is made more difficult than it needs to be.The solution?  Hyena from SystemTools Software.  With ease-of-use as well as powerful importing and bulk updating capabilities.

Learn More
Luis MouraCommented:
You can but is not best pratices.
Its better remove to clean all objects from AD, and some connectors, that exist.
0
rindiCommented:
If you just shut it down it will still exist as an object in your AD domain.
0
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
If you have a new server, did not migrate, and are certain you do not need it, then you can shut it down and remove the server.
0
AmitIT ArchitectCommented:
0
GorapsI.T. ManagerAuthor Commented:
I am trying to log into exchange server and it's telling me the domain is not available.
0
AmitIT ArchitectCommented:
Use ADSITEdit option.
0
GorapsI.T. ManagerAuthor Commented:
When I try to use ADSITEdit option I get the following error;

The connection Domain could not be loaded.
The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacte.d
0
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
Is it possible to disjoin from the domain and rejoin the domain again?
0
rindiCommented:
You'd have to run ADSIEdit on your current DC's, not the on the server you want to remove. If your AD is working properly you shouldn't have any problems connecting to the domain.
0

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
Luis MouraCommented:
You need to run on DC, and if you can get login on exchange, try to dcpromo /forceremoval
0
GorapsI.T. ManagerAuthor Commented:
Exchange server so old it was pointing to a non-existent DNS server...  I am using ADSI EDIT and what I see is different then the document AMIT sent.

exc
0
AmitIT ArchitectCommented:
I assume you connected to config partition. Can you send the full screenshot. Hide your domain name info. Read this also
http://blogs.msmvps.com/bradley/2011/01/28/manually-removing-exchange-2003-from-the-migration-process/
0
GorapsI.T. ManagerAuthor Commented:
fdf
0
AmitIT ArchitectCommented:
CN=Exchange is your old server name and you need to remove that one. Whoever install it, he or she named it as Exchange.
0
GorapsI.T. ManagerAuthor Commented:
What do I do after I delete it?  Shut down and remove server?
0
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
Shut down and remove server?   <--- Yes, I think so. It is old, gone and thoroughly out of use.
0
AmitIT ArchitectCommented:
Once you delete it, your Exchange is going or cleaned up. Go to AD and server for Exchange Server computer object, remove it and you are done. Then you and use it for other purpose. Format and join to domain again, if needed.
0
GorapsI.T. ManagerAuthor Commented:
The exchange is going and not going back on the network...
0
Luis MouraCommented:
If not use remove it, and shutdown
0
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Exchange

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.

Question has a verified solution.

Are you are experiencing a similar issue? Get a personalized answer when you ask a related question.

Have a better answer? Share it in a comment.