So, I've had a lot of things go horribly wrong this morning. The short version is that we have a Exchange 2003 server currently running, and we're getting ready to migrate to Exchange 2007. I had the new Exchange server setup and added to the organization, with only one mailbox moved over (as a test). This morning when I came in, the server was completely hosed (with no chance of recovery). I don't have backups of that Exchange 2007 server since it was so new (I know, I know, yell at me for this later). I have the time and the capacity to rebuild the server, but I need to know how to first remove the Exchange 2007 server from Active Directory (or, do I need to?). The only articles I can find deal with removing the Exchange 2007 server with the Add/Remove Programs box, which I clearly can't do for obvious reasons? Can anyone help out a very discouraged admin (especially since I know it's my fault for not having backups)?

Hi,Why don't use the setup /m:RecoverServer this will get all the information it has from the server (as most configurations are saved in AD) and will install the roles it had before.There are a few things you should keep in mind, such as the servername etc.Have a look at the following article:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb123496.aspxRegards,Johanblog: www.johanveldhuis.nl

Yes, I agree with Johan. Manual removal is not supported in Exchange 2007 and only suppored way is to uninstall it properly from Add/Remove program. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927464 You can use /m:RecoverServer switch to recover the server. Amit Tank | MVP - Exchange | MCITP:EMA MCSA:M | http://ExchangeShare.WordPress.com

Yes, /m:RecoverServer switch is a right choice for this situation The posts in this thread may also help

Thank you all! The recover server option hadn't come up in any of my searches, but sounds like the perfect solution. Will be trying it in the next few hours.

Thanks everyone! It worked like a charm! I've got things setup better now (backing up) and am going to setup a few more precautions before putting it back into full production.