We have an install of Exchange 2007 for which the actual program files (binaries, etc.), are stored on an attached drive array - not on drives internal to the server (the server is a Dell 2950 and the install files are on an attached MD1000 [direct attached storage]). There are many articles on how to move whole message stores from one set of drives to the other, but none that I can find anywhere for moving Exchange's install location. We want to move the install location and the binaries to a different volume on the same server - no renaming of the server or anything else like that. Is this even possible, and if so, where can I find instructions on how to execute it? Thanks in advance.

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It can be done but requires downtime. Have you considered using the /recoverserver command with the /t switch?I blogged about it here:
http://www.exchange2007.com/2008/08/recovering-exchange-server.htmlThis
would be the 'supported' way by Microsoft.I have also done it this way.1. Shutdown Exchange Services2. Copy the Program Files data from the old drive location to the new one3. Change the disk assignment in Disk Management so the new drive has the same drive letter (d:\ etc) as the old one.4. Reboot the serverThe above has some caveats, for example it presumes there's no other data or programs under Program Files - although this shouldn't make a difference.Both the above options I would prefer to going into the Registry (and also AD as my Blog post shows), and updating the information there.Please provide more details about this Exchange 2007 Server in question (roles, part of a CCR cluster for example, etc) in regards to any more specific information regarding supportability.Oliver Oliver Moazzezi | Exchange MVP, MCSA:M, MCTS:Exchange 2010, BA (Hons) Anim

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Oliver, Thanks for the speedy response. Here is the Exchange Server config: 1. Windows 2K3 64 Bit 2. All roles on same server: Hub Transport, Client Access, etc. 3. A single information store with 300 gigs of data 4. 120 user mailboxes 5. No clustering, high availability, etc. It's a pretty vanilla install. A few hours of downtime over the next coming weekend is permissible. I will read the blog post you posted. Thank you very much for taking the time to respond! -- Alex Sherwood

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Just remember that if your Exchange databases are in the default location, that they will also be moved if you decide to copy files and then re-assign the drive letter.So if you plan on doing it this way, but want your databases on another volume, I would recommend moving them to this new volume prior to performing the binary file move.OliverOliver Moazzezi | Exchange MVP, MCSA:M, MCTS:Exchange 2010, BA (Hons) Anim

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I agree with Oliver, the best way is to use Setup /M:RecoverServer to install Exchange again.

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Elvis/Oliver- I have review the TechNote on using Setup /M:RecoverServer, but somethings are not totally clear from the note. Couple of questions: 1. I assume the Setup.exe is not expecting to find any Exchange binaries......what happens to the existing services that are functioning just fine on the server? Does Setup stop them or do I need to do it manually? 2. Once Setup is complete, can I simply copy the contents of the folder that contains our current mailstore(s) into the new location and restart the services and be on my way? 3. My original install was from a disk-based ISO image that was virtually mounted. I now have a DVD - will it matter that the install media is different? Thanks much for your help on this..... -- Alex Sherwood

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Hello Alex,You are trying to move the Exchange Binary Files to a different drive.As suggested by Elvis/Oliver, running the installation with the Recover Server would be the best optionBut setup will pickup the default location of the installable files from the AD.Before we go ahead with recover sever, we need to change the location of the installable files.Steps:=====1. Adsiedit.msc> Configuration > Services >Microsoft Exchange > [Organisation Name] > Aministrative Groups > Exchange Administrative Group >. Server > [Server Name] > properties > msexchinstallpath-----change it to appropriate location2. setup /recoverserverhttp://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb123496(EXCHG.80).aspxhope this helps..cheers

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Hello Alex,You are trying to move the Exchange Binary Files to a different drive.As suggested by Elvis/Oliver, running the installation with the Recover Server would be the best optionBut setup will pickup the default location of the installable files from the AD.Before we go ahead with recover sever, we need to change the location of the installable files.Steps:=====1. Adsiedit.msc> Configuration > Services >Microsoft Exchange > [Organisation Name] > Aministrative Groups > Exchange Administrative Group >. Server > [Server Name] > properties > msexchinstallpath-----change it to appropriate location2. setup /recoverserverhttp://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb123496(EXCHG.80).aspxhope this helps..cheers
I stated that the /recoverserver command does not look at the install location via the object in AD and noted my blog which states this:
http://www.exchange2007.com/2008/08/recovering-exchange-server.htmlUnless
the /t switch is used it will just install to %programfiles%Modifying msexchinstallpath won't work.OliverOliver Moazzezi | Exchange MVP, MCSA:M, MCTS:Exchange 2010, BA (Hons) Anim

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Elvis/Oliver-I have review the TechNote on using Setup /M:RecoverServer, but somethings are not totally clear from the note. Couple of questions:1. I assume the Setup.exe is not expecting to find any Exchange binaries......what happens to the existing services that are functioning just fine on the server? Does Setup stop them or do I need to do it manually?2. Once Setup is complete, can I simply copy the contents of the folder that contains our current mailstore(s) into the new location and restart the services and be on my way?3. My original install was from a disk-based ISO image that was virtually mounted. I now have a DVD - will it matter that the install media is different?Thanks much for your help on this.....--Alex Sherwood
Hi Alex,1. when using /recoverserver it is expected not to find anything yes, you would have to uninstall Exchange - I have not tested this without uninstalling first.2. You would be able to leave your edb files and they would not be copied over. Any custom configuration like Exchange specific configuration files for Transport or POP or IMAP would be default.3. The media to recover from wouldn't matter, as long as it is the correct version - being on a usb stick, unc share or DVD doesn't matter.If you are unsure of this method, I would simply take Exchange offline, copy all files over to your new disk, change drive letters and bring Exchange back online as mentioned in my first post.If you are still unsure I would call PSS and they can go over either solution with you via the phone or using Microsoft Easyassist.Oliver

Oliver Moazzezi | Exchange MVP, MCSA:M, MCTS:Exchange 2010, BA (Hons) Anim |
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