I need a definitive answer about Exchange 2003 SP2 and Windows 2008 Domain Controllers
I am planning to upgrade my Windows Server 2000 domain controllers to Windows Server 2008, taking my domain to the Windows 2008 forest/domain function level.My Exchange 2003 SP2 server is running on Windows Server 2003 SP2. I do not want this system to change.Will Exchange Server 2003 SP2 running on Windows Server 2003 function properly in a Windows 2008 forest/domain function level environment?I've looked at this: http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/09/09/452361.aspxAnd this: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee338574.aspxThese seem to disagree with each other. The supportability matrix doesn't show Exchange 2003 SP2 being supported in a 2008 domain functional level environment.So, what's the answer? Can I upgrade my domain controllers to 2008 function level and continue using my Exchange 2003 SP2 server?Brantley AllenSystem Administrator
November 27th, 2009 9:49pm

Please see:http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/exchangesvrdeploy/thread/b8abbd6f-c415-4eaa-b84f-bf67943885ad As per your first referenced link:Exchange Server 2003 is not supported in Active Directory environments whose domain/forest functional levels have been raised beyond Windows Server 2003. However, Exchange Server 2003 SP2 is supported against Windows Server 2008 Active Directory servers.
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November 27th, 2009 9:56pm

To me, the wording is vague. That's why I'm asking for clarification.I can operate Exchange 2003 SP2 on Windows 2008 (NOT R2) domain controllers IF the domain function level has NOT been raised to 2008, correct?Brantley AllenSystem Administrator
November 27th, 2009 10:51pm

That is correct and how I read it. You can have all your DCs be running Windows 2008 but don't raise the domain or forest level to 2008. Mark Morowczynski|MCT| MCSE 2003:Messaging, Security|MCITP:ES, SA,EA|MCTS:Windows Mobile Admin|Security+|http://almostdailytech.com
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November 27th, 2009 11:57pm

If by "On", you mean "against", then yes.Exch 2003 SP2 isnt supported to install on the Windows 2008 O/S, but the DCs can be 2008 ( not R2), as long as the domain/forest levels arent at the 2008 level.Hope that makes sense.
November 27th, 2009 11:59pm

Yes, it does.It's the 2008 domain level that's concerning me. I WANT to go to the 2008 domain level. So, that means I'll have to upgrade to Exchange 2007 or 2010 to go to the 2008 domain level.One more question, then. Why would I want to upgrade my domain controllers and NOT use the 2008 domain function level? What's the point of upgrading?Brantley AllenSystem Administrator
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November 28th, 2009 12:08am

Well, if the feature set you get for upgrading to the 2008 forest level isnt something you must have, then you arent missing anything. I suspect there a lot of orgs out there you never upgrade the forest level and dont even notice until they absolutely require it - though the password and logon enhancments for the 2008 forest level are compelling:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754918(WS.10).aspx
November 28th, 2009 12:12am

My main reason for upgrading to the 2008 domain level is I'm wanting to use Virtual Machine Manager. I have to have at least a domain level of 2003. Since we are 2 years into the 2008 server release it made more sense to go ahead and upgrade to Server 2008, with the associated domain function level.Now, it might make more sense to upgrade the function level to 2003, and still use Server 2008 until we upgrade Exchange and then upgrade the domain function level.Does that make more sense?Brantley AllenSystem Administrator
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November 28th, 2009 12:30am

Yep, that sounds reasonable. I cant see any reason not to use 2008 DCs, then once you are at supported Exchangelevel for the 2008 Forest Level, then pull that trigger.
November 28th, 2009 12:37am

One more related question, though this might be better served in a different forum.Since I'm moving from DCs running Server 2000 ina Windows 2000 domain level to DCs running Server 2008 in a Windows 2003 domain level, can I upgrade my domain level, install Server 2008 and have JUST Server 2008 servers running with any actual Server 2003 DCs?Or, do I need to have at least 1 DC running Server 2003 at a 2003 domain level?Brantley AllenSystem Administrator
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November 28th, 2009 12:44am

The domain levels indicate what is the minimum that can be run at that level. So you can have all 2008 DCs and leave the domain level at 2003. Then if you choose to install a 2003 DC, you can do that. If your at a 2008 domain level, the lowest DC you can install then is 2008.Mark Morowczynski|MCT| MCSE 2003:Messaging, Security|MCITP:ES, SA,EA|MCTS:Windows Mobile Admin|Security+|http://almostdailytech.com
November 28th, 2009 12:52am

And to add to what Mark posted, you'll get to pick what Forest Level you want to raise to once the DCs are at 2008.Note of course that once you raise the level, you cant go back, and also note that you cant do inplace upgrade for 2000 to 2008, so you'll need to introduce the DCs as new servers or do an inplace upgrade from 2000 > 2003 > 2008.
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November 28th, 2009 1:03am

Right, on that. I've got 2 new HP servers ready to go!Brantley Allen
December 1st, 2009 12:21am

Excellent!!!!I'll get the SP for 2008 and be ready to go.That is really wonderful. This makes my weekend after Chrismas "MUCH" more palatable, now.Brantley AllenSystem Administrator
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December 1st, 2009 12:23am

Wait, that's the same thing I've seen before. Still, Forest Level 2003 will be ok.Brantley AllenSystem Adminsitrator
December 1st, 2009 12:24am

Andy,Except the Support Matrix here (last updated 12/9): http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee338574(EXCHG.80).aspx which the blog post you referenced links to does *not* have Exchange Server 2003 SP2 x'ed for Windows Server 2008 R2 DCs.So, do we need to keep one W2K3 SP2 DC in our domain? Because we have no 2008 servers at all (DCs or otherwise) and are going directly to 2008 R2. Or is the Support Matrix incorrect?Thanks,jremmc
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December 21st, 2009 3:01am

It may take a bit before that link is updated.Bottom Line, if it's in the EHLO blog, you can be assured that it's supported.
December 21st, 2009 3:36am

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