Anyone done this before and have recommended steps?

I want to upgrade from Exchange 2010 in hybrid mode, to Exchange 2013 and then remove the hybrid links. We only need on-premise Exchange to keep our AD in good shape for synchronizing with Office 365 (DirSync no ADFS).

We have moved all of our mailboxes to Office 365 and the hybrid mode is now redundant. I can see why Active Directory needs an on-premise Exchange server, so we'll move to Exchange 2013 on a new box (license without mailboxes, as provided by MS).

• We have a single domain AD structure with a single Exchange server.
• Mail flow is cloud only.

Can I simply install Exch 2012 on new server to upgrade AD schema?

• Moved by Jason Johnston [MSFT]Microsoft employee 16 hours 3 minutes ago Not a development question.

This forum is for Exchange development questions. Your question seems more about migration or setup, and would be better served in the Exchange Setup forum on TechNet. I'll move it over for you.

Please post a link. I am in the process of starting the same project and would like to know others experiences. I am aware each environment differs in one way or another, but the more information available the better is it for everyone.

My apologies Jason. Please post the link and I'll be keen to follow it up.

Or am I looking at the moved thread already?

• Edited by mnorfolk 12 hours 30 minutes ago updated

Assuming we're in the right place...

I have checked this article and should be ready to proceed..
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh534377%28v=exchg.150%29.aspx

I have downloaded Exchange Server 2013 CU2 from here...
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh534377%28v=exchg.150%29.aspx
This file is the full installer for Exchange 2013.

I have applied for a free license key for Exchange Server 2013 - no mailbox version - designed specifically for this purpose... (can't find the link for this one)

And I have this link to the Exchange Server Deployment Assistant...
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/exdeploy2013/Checklist?state=2419-W-AAAAAAAAQAAAAAEAAAAAAAA~

• Edited by mnorfolk 12 hours 20 minutes ago correcting accuracy