So I have an exchange 2007 CCR cluster and it runs all our production mail. As users leave i've slowly accumulated a bunch of accounts in my list that, while hidden from the GAL and unable to send or receive mail, are still an administrative headache. I was thinking of installing a "dead" exchange server soley for the purpose of hosting these old accounts so that I can still access the mailboxes easily if I need to, but they won't reside on the production servers. If I just install the Mailbox Server Role and use my production hub transport server to push the mailboxes to this server would that be the best method of controlling these old boxes? I am open to comments and interested in hearing what others do in this scenario. Thanks!

I wouldnt bother with another server unless there are storage issues. Why not create another database instead? Do you really need to keep these mailboxes?

I already have them in a terminated database and my reasoning for keeping is that it's easy to mount and access the old mail if I need it. Sure I have backups, and sure I have a compliance server for searches but it's just easier to have them around if I need them. I guess I am just looking for a long-term storage idea to keep them around but out of exchange.

Well, you could always export to a pst as they are termed. Since you mentioned compliance server, I would run run this by the legal team in your company to determine how long you need to keep those mailboxes and use that number to help you figure out the solution.