Hello everyone and thanks for your help in advance.  I have been tasked with the upgrade of an exchange 2003 server to Exchange 2013.  After reviewing the lack of upgrade paths directly to 2013, I think the best path would be to transition through 2010.  The domain controller is also 2003.  If I understand the process correctly, I should join the new Exchange box to the current domain.  Then install Exchange 2010.  My questions are:

1.  Is installation as simple as the way I described?

2.  After installation, is there a way to port the Exchange data from the old machine to the new machine without taking down the Exchange 2003 machine?

Unfortunately, I have only a very basic understanding of Exchange, so I need to take this in small steps.  Any help would be appreciated.

Hello

tip: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/exdeploy2013/Checklist?state=2419-W-AQAEAAAAQAAAAAEAAAAAAAA%7e

1 install only exch 2010 migrate all users and pf
2 remove exchange 2003
3 install exchange 2013
4 move all user pf and mailbox to 2013

allways check support matrix for outlook client and AD environment, and use latest cu or ru for exchange.

how many mailboxes?

what type of business, can you business handle some downtime?

it is not only about moving the mailboxes and public folder but also email flow and email routing , dns changes, NAT changes.

I'd recommend you to work with a messaging consultant

Thanks for the response.  Does simply joining the new server to the existing 2003 domain, sufficiently set up Active Directory?  Is there a way to populate the new server from the old one?

This is a small business that can have downtime over a weekend.  Approximately 35 mailboxes.

See response above.  No budget for a messaging consultant.

Hello

when install new exchange its upgrade schema and AD.
But if not sure what is step by step try  in virtual environment if you can.

Hi Kmcnet,

Base on my experience , if only a small number of mailboxes, the most convenient way is to export/import PST files.

I recommend you consider using the following method to upgrade the exchange to 2013:

1.Export all the users mailbox contents into a PST since its only 35 users 

2.After you confirm the exported pst are fine remove the exchange 2003 server

3.Install Exchange 2013 in your environment and create new mailboxes for 35 users 

4.Import the pst to their new mailboxes 

Best regards,

Thanks for the response.  One last question.  Should I join the new Exchange server to the 2003 domain, or do a fresh AD install?  What export tools do you recommend?

2003 is end of like - you should consider going to Win 2008 R2 or Win2012 R2 servers

Right.  I understand that.  But I think I can accomplish this a couple of ways.  One is to do a fresh install of Server 2012 and then recreate everything from scratch.  Or, I can join a 2012 server to the 2003 domain, then promote the 2012 server.  I guess my concern is what pitfalls come with the second approach.

For a better step by step guide use the deployment guide provided by MS - https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/office/dn756393.aspx

The process involves checking prerequisites, making sure you are running the correct versions of existing exchange, forest and domain functional levels are at least 2003. Updating the schema etc etc

The hardest part to master normally is DNS both internal and external, making sure you have the correct certifcates inplace.

Good luck.