I'm looking at replacing an existing 32-bit exchange 2003 SP2 server running on windows server 2003 with a new 64 bit 2008 server box running 64-bit exchange 2007. The existing exchange is the only box in the organization which is a native 2008 domain. What steps should I follow to acheive this? Will the AD schema changes issued by the 2007 install break the 2003 server?Thanks in advance,Mike

HI, Can you Describe about your domain environment and How many servers you will proposed for exchange 2007 ? Regards Chinthaka

It's a single domain with one exchange 2003 server. We're just looking at migrating to exchange 2007. From what I've been reading, Exchange 2007 supports only 64-bit OS. I also understand there is no upgrade path from Windows 2003 Server 32-bit to Windows 2008 Server 64-bit. My understanding is to install a 2nd exchange server (2007 on 2008 server) and move the mailboxes over to it. Is there a whitepaper describing this process? My primary concern is installing the appropriate roles and then being able to communicate with the 2003 server in order to accomplish the move. I do not foresee adding additional 2007 servers in the future.Thanks for your help,Mike

I assume that you are installing Exchange 2007 in same AD forest and not restructuring your AD. For transitioning from Exchange 2003 to 2007 you can follow below article and it doesn't break your Exchange 2003 server since Exchange 2007 allows you to run Exchange 2003/2000 in coexistence. How to Transition from Single Forest to Single Forest http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa997617.aspx You can refer below article to understand various transition and migration processes of Exchange 2003 to 2007. Upgrading to Exchange 2007 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124008.aspxAmit Tank | MVP - Exchange | MCITP:EMA MCSA:M | http://ExchangeShare.WordPress.com

That's what I'm looking for - I was in that area of the docs, just didnt see it.Thanks again!Mike

HI, AMith gave you solid answer. If you use same AD forest,you can coexistence with exchange 2003 server then move mailboxes to exchange 007 mailbox server. Remove Old exchange 2003 using microsoft Best practices. http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Implementing-Exchange-Server-2007-coexistence-Exchange-Server-2003.html http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa998604.aspx http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa995972.aspx RegardsChinthaka

Thanks for the help. I got the 2007 server coexisting. It appears 2007 does not use the SMTP server built into Windows and instead implements SMTP through the Hub transport (is this true?). This is causing me a problem migrating an SMTP hook to Exchange 2007. The SMTPReg.vbs throws an error saying it cannot create an instance of "Event.Manager". The hook is using the IMailTransportSubmission interface to intercept inbound mail and remapping recipients (e.g., mike.anythingIputHere@mailserver.com maps to mike@mailserver.com) among other things. Does the Hub transport support extensions in this fashion? Once I work out this problem, i can decommission the 2003 server (which right now is acting solely as the SMTP server).Thanks,Mike

Yes, transport method has changed in Exchange 2007 and it is possible to create custom transport agent but Exchange 2007 has its own set of library in VS & C#/.Net. Are you using any custom SMTP script in Exchange 2003? You may need to develop similar custom transport agent for 2007. Check out below guidance on it. How to write Exchange 2007 transport agents http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2006/12/04/431755.aspx You may get better assistance in Development forum or in Application newsgroup. Exchange Server TechCenter>Exchange Server Forums>DevelopmentAmit Tank | MVP - Exchange | MCITP:EMA MCSA:M | http://ExchangeShare.WordPress.com

That's exactly what I was looking for. Mission Accomplished.Thanks for all the help.Mike