I have a single AD domain running under Windows Server 2003. Exchange 2003 running on the same machine.I'm considering upgrading to Exchange 2007 and Windows Server 2008. I'd like to introduce a new machine with Server 2008 and Exchange 2007.I'd like to copy the mail boxes from the exchange 2003 server to the exchange 2007 box.Once migrated over, I'd like to decommision the 2003 server.I also have 2 other DCs running windows server 2003.My Question:Does the migration strategy sounds okay? Will I have to upgrade the other 2 DCs running server 2003 to server 2008 OR will they run alongside a 2008 DC?Any help much appreciated.

Hi, You can have a Microsoft Exchange 2K7 server in a Windows 2003 domain without any issues. Read this document:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124008.aspx If you want to add a Win2K8 DC into the mix you will need to read this document:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753437.aspx They should be able to help you. Regards, TerryTerry http://www.sucked-in.com

I'd like to introduce a new machine with Server 2008 and Exchange 2007.I'd like to copy the mail boxes from the exchange 2003 server to the exchange 2007 box.Once migrated over, I'd like to decommision the 2003 server.I also have 2 other DCs running windows server 2003.My Question:Does the migration strategy sounds okay? Will I have to upgrade the other 2 DCs running server 2003 to server 2008 OR will they run alongside a 2008 DC?Any help much appreciated. 1) I'd like to introduce a new machine with Server 2008 and Exchange 2007.Yes Certainly youcan do that.2)I'd like to copy the mail boxes from the exchange 2003 server to the exchange 2007 box.Yes you can move all the mailboxes from old legacy exchange 2003 server to Exchange 2007 server ( This procedure is called as transition)3)Once migrated over, I'd like to decommision the 2003 server.Yes after transition you can decomissionyour old legacy servers.4) My Question:Does the migration strategy sounds okay? Will I have to upgrade the other 2 DCs running server 2003 to server 2008 OR will they run alongside a 2008 DC?Do not upgrade instead do a transition and Before doing all the procedures please make it sure you have all the complete backup and this time tryo to install exchange 2007 on the member server instead on a domain controller.Thanksand Hope it helps if you have more doubts related to theissue need assistance or documentaion keep posting I will sure helpyou out.http://technetfaqs.wordpress.com

Hello,Your straegy sounds good, bu will advise you not to put Exchange and AD in the same box. You can leave your current W2K3 domain controllers and add the W2K8 box as a standalone server and use it only for Exchange 2007 only.Isaac Oben MCITP:EA, MCSE

Hello,do not install Exchange on a DC is a recommendation also from MS, even it is supported. Especially 2007 should not run on it, performance reason and also security.http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa997407.aspxIn your case i would install the 2008 as a member server to the domain and install exchange 2007 on it. Leave the 2003 DCs like they are. Then you can transition exchange to the new server.Exchange preparation and transition:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb125224.aspxhttp://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124008.aspxAlso see the additional 2 parts in the link:http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Transitioning-Exchange-2000-2003-Exchange-Server-2007-Part1.htmlAll other OS version DC will coexist with 2008 DCs. Disadvantage is that you can not rasie the Forest/Domain functional levels and use new features like "Fine grained password policy" for example.If you still use the new machine as DC and Exchange installed, move the FSMO roles to it , at least the PDCEmulator role, becasue it will create a new security group with 2008.Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Thank you for all your feedback. I will definitelybe sure to use a member sever versus Domain for exchange 2007. Thank you!