i have already done setup /pl /ps /pad on the schema master. but when i try to run setup on another domain i receive error that this server is not in the same site or domain as the schema master, i relly dont want to install dummy exchange in the root domain and then continue i need it to be setup like we used to do with exchange 2003. we used to prepare AD then run setup, it used to be easy. please guys help I've tried so many ways and articles and no hope. am running this on my Hyper-V Lab. and i am getting ready to do it in production if this test pass. Thank You AllArman

Have you tried moving the server into the same AD site as your schema master?Will Shepherd - MCSE/MCITP/MCTS (Windows 2008,Exchange 2007,OCS 2007)

Ensure it's in the same AD Site.OliverOliver Moazzezi | Exchange MVP, MCSA:M, BA (Hons) Anim | http://www.exchange2007.com http://www.exchange2010.com http://www.cobweb.com |

thank you guys for the help, but the thing is i really dont want to move the new exchange server to the root domain, i need to install exchange in the child domain as we used to. in our Production environment we have empty root and child domains where exchange 2003 is placed in the child domain and need to add exchange 2007 to that domain. if there is no other way but to move exchange to the root then this would be a huge deployment issue in exchange 2007. please advice... Thanks againArman

Check Active Directory Sites and Services, it's a tool. It seems to be fussing about not being in the same Active Directory Site, Not Domain, as the GC. Also, run the prepare domain in the child to verify the domain is proerly prepared.Also, where are your domain controllers in yoru child domain? How many? Are there Global Catalogs in your child domain that are on Windows 2003 SP1 servers?Can you post your setup log?SF - MCITP:EMA, MCTS: MOSS 2007, OCS 2007, Exchange 2007 -- http://www.scottfeltmann.com

Suddenly... out of nowhere... it is working now... the only thing i did is open Active Directory Users and Computers and connected to the root domain then Ran setup again. i dont know if this is the cause or it is replication issue though i've done replication succesfully before... Thank you Guys Arman

hi, you must prepare the Schema on the root domain.then prepare the domain in the Child domain.