I'm currently in theprocess ofcoming up with a planto doan in-place upgrade from Exchange 2000 Standard to Exchange 2003 Enterprise. The 'Exchange Server Deploment Tools' have a good 9 step guide to achieve this upgrade. Does each step have to be done on the day of the actual upgrade (step 9) or can you do each step over a period of time (e.g. removing the components no longer part of Exchange 3 weeks before the upgrade, running 'ForestPrep' 2 weeks before the upgrade and running 'DomainPrep' 1 week before the upgrade)? Thanks in advance.

Hi Glen, You can do all steps in once. I would divide into two parts, prepare your AD (forestprep & domainprep) in advance and then install Exchange 2003 servers later so extended schema for Exchange 2003 would have replicated across the DCs when you start installation. Here is a guide and fine tuning tips are available for your upgrade. Doing an in-place upgrade from Exchange Server 2000 to 2003 http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/upgrade_exchange_2000_to_2003.html