What is the best way (minimal downtime) to move Exchange 2003 to new hardware when the current Exchange box is not a DC, but is the first and only exchange box in the domain. the new Exchange server will be a second DC. The previous server will be retired after migration is complete.
QUESTION POSED ON: 22 JUL 2006
QUESTION ANSWERED BY: Bharat Suneja
The best way, with minimal downtime, for users is what's known as the "swing" method -- you install the second server in the same Exchange Organization, then move mailboxes and replicate public folders. The PFmigrate.wsf script found on your Exchange server CD is great for moving public folders.
Once you're done, follow KBA 822931, which has step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process.
Firewall & External DNS settings: If the server being removed is accessible from the Internet on any ports/protocols like SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, HTTP/HTTPS, et al, you will need to make sure these settings are also implemented for the new server. You will also need to create a new A record for the new server in your external DNS zone, or modify the existing A record for the old server's IP address to point it to the new server's external IP address.
Once you're done and have tested all functionality on the new server (particularly inbound mail), shut down the old server for a couple of days. If all looks good, uninstall Exchange from the old server, and decommission the server.
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