Hi all, We currently have a windows 2003 enterprise server setup with exchange 2003 enterprise, Active Directory, and DNS. We are in the process of setting up new server to replace the existing one and are needing to plan a setup/restore.In the last few months, we have created a second server with DNS and Active Directory, both of which currently communicate with the existing server we are about to replace. We are going to de-commision the existing Exchange server and use a new one in its place however we are wanting to leave it as light as possible and want to know if its possible to not install Active Directory and DNS as we already have these running on our other box.I guess my questions are;1) Is it possible to run Exchange Server 2003 Enterprise without installing Active Directory and DNS on the same server2) If our backups were created on a server with Active Directory and DNS, is it possible to restore them on a server without Active Dir and DNS (assuming #1 is possible)If anyone has any possible answers or solutions/recommendations I would greatly appreciate a response. I've still got a lot to learn about Exchange and its setup so any help is appreciated.

If you already have AD and DNS in your environment you should not put AD on the same box as Exchange. Its prefferred not to mix Exchange and AD on the samebox. But if you only have 1 DC/GC you probably want another on for redundancy.

Thank you for Leases reply. It is correct, youd better have another DC/GC for redundancy. Meanwhile, Microsoft always recommend installing Exchange separately without AD on the server. therefore, based on the current situation, its better you reserve the existing one main GC/DC with DNS and an backup DC. You just need have another server which use to install Exchange Server only, then please move all your mailbox to the new Exchange server, and then you can uninstall the old Exchange server in the first GC/DC. Regards, Jason

Thanks for the responses you two. if I use the "move mailbox" wizard, will with delete the mailbox from the current exchange server or will it remain in tact? I'd like to just do some testing before I jump in head first but if I cant move it without deleting Im not sure how this would be possible.Thanks again for your responses.

You need care more things such as PF, F/B data, OAB, below is a article you may refer to. How to remove the first Exchange Server 2003 computer from the administrative group more links: ======= http://support.microsoft.com/?id=822892 http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Exchange_2003_Move_Mailbox_Wizard.html Jason