HI,

I have been doing lots of research into finally upgrading our Primary Domain Controller that is running Windows 2003 Server to a new box running Windows 2008 R2. I have already done all the preps and checks but one thing is of concern...we have on premise Exchange Server 2010 SP1 I fully understand how to promote and then decommission the new and old server. Given the Exchange Server is there anything further that must be done to ensure no malfunction?

Currently have only single domain with single DC of course as only one it holds all FSMO records.  When I bring the other onto the domain as second controller and import all FSMO's will this be ok with Exchange Server?

Thanks

Ron

Just make sure that your Exchange Server 2010 is SP3 RU5 or higher. Exchange Server 2010 supports DCs running Windows Server 2008 R2 as mentioned here: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff728623%28v=exchg.150%29.aspx

As for the upgrade, simply proceed like the following:

• Install a new server running Windows Server 2008 R2 and install the available MS patches
• Promote the new server as a DC and make it a DNS and global catalog 
• Transfer FSMO roles to the new DC
• Use dcdiag and repadmin commands to check that your DCs and AD replication are in healthy state
• Demote the old DC (You can shut it down for a while to make sure that everything is okay before demoting it)

Of course, I would recommend doing a system state backup of your current DC before proceeding.

Please note that it is recommended to have at least two DC/DNS/GC servers for the HA of AD and DNS and for DRP purposes.

HI,

I have been doing lots of research into finally upgrading our Primary Domain Controller that is running Windows 2003 Server to a new box running Windows 2008 R2. I have already done all the preps and checks but one thing is of concern...we have on premise Exchange Server 2010 SP1 I fully understand how to promote and then decommission the new and old server. Given the Exchange Server is there anything further that must be done to ensure no malfunction?

I suggest promote your 2008 server as an additional domain controller first and move all FSMO roles and then proceed to demote the old DC. It is by far the safest method. Also keep in mind that at least have 2 domain controllers in your domain for fault tolerance. From AD perspective if you have a functioning DC and all your FSMOs are OK then there is no worries.