This is the current situation: We have 2x servers (see below for specs). The old server is the only domain controller. The new server is currently running Exchange 2010 and everything is functioning correctly. Traditionally, when we install the new server, we make it a domain controller and THEN install Exchange. Unfortunately, that step was skipped. We would like to have a second domain controller, in case the old server dies. What are my options? Research has led me to believe dcpromo'ing after the exchange install will goof things up. New Server - Server 2008 R2 Std - Exchange 2010 Old Server - Server 2008 Std - Had Exchange 2007, but we migrated it off Caveats: I do not want to migrate to a temp server and then back. I would like to leave the servers as intact as possible in their current configuration.http://www.cnetsys.com

Hi, At first, I would like to say that Exchange server is not recommended on the DC except the Small business server scenario. From your description, it seems that there are two servers included. One is Windows Server 2008 Standard; the other one is Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard. 1. Windows Server 2008 Standard with Exchange server 2007 installed (migrated); 2. Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard with Exchange server 2010 installed; I think you could keep the old server as DC, and then use the new server joins the domain to install the Exchange server 2010. If you prefer two DCs to deal with the high availability scenario, I think you need to buy another server to install the Exchange server 2010. If its for small business, I think Windows Small Business Server is much more suitable for you. Regards, JamesJames Xiong TechNet Community Support

Hi, At first, I would like to say that Exchange server is not recommended on the DC except the Small business server scenario. From your description, it seems that there are two servers included. One is Windows Server 2008 Standard; the other one is Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard. 1. Windows Server 2008 Standard with Exchange server 2007 installed (migrated); 2. Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard with Exchange server 2010 installed; I think you could keep the old server as DC, and then use the new server joins the domain to install the Exchange server 2010. If you prefer two DCs to deal with the high availability scenario, I think you need to buy another server to install the Exchange server 2010. If its for small business, I think Windows Small Business Server is much more suitable for you. Regards, JamesJames Xiong TechNet Community Support

Hello, it is NOT supported to promote an Exchange server to domain controller. And it is NOT recommended, even not from Microsoft, to run Exchange on DCs. SO leave it as it is as a domain member server. In your case, without wanting some reconfiguration, work with a single DC(also not recommended), use an older machine as second DC/DNS/GC or buy an additional server. Best regards Meinolf Weber MVP, MCP, MCTS Microsoft MVP - Directory Services My Blog: http://msmvps.com/blogs/mweber/ Disclaimer: This posting is provided AS IS with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights.

We opted for this solution. We added an additional machine and dcpromo'd it. It works fine, we were just hoping to get out of this without purchasing more hardware.http://www.cnetsys.com