I have a single forest single domain Windows Server 2003 environment. I need to move my Exchange 2003 to a new server due to aged and/or failing hardware. What would be the steps to perform this? I have another server dedicated to OWA that I will leave in production. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Build up your new box, reconfigure it with any server settings needed (such as databases and such). Follow this article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822931 Chris Morgan

Yup, you need to make sure that you bring an additonal server and transfer all the roles, move the mailboxes and test the client connectivity, mailflow and backup etc before you remove the first one.Regards, Pushkal MishrA

if you need to keep the same server name and want to do it overnight what you can do it take a full backup of mailbox and public folder databases. turn off old server then reset the computer account for this server in AD join the new server with same name and use setup /disasterreovery switch restore back-up, you are all set !Dhruv

Wouldnt recommend the disaster recovery switch unless you had no other option. Reason is, if your backup doesnt work you are toast. Take the time and rebuild with a new server, move mailboxes and data, etc over. Leave the old server up until everyone has relogged in (this way they get redirected to the new server in outlook, and then you should be good. You will also need to manually repoint any applications/appliances that use SMTP to the new server.Chris Morgan

Add to Dhruv's reply: "To move Exchange 2003 to a new computer and keep the same server name, the new computer must have the same operating system installed as the original computer. " Details: How to Move Exchange Server 2003 to New Hardware and Keep the Same Server Name http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa997176(EXCHG.65).aspx Frank Wang TechNet Subscriber Support in forum If you have any feedback on our support, please contact tngfb@microsoft.com Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hi obnetadmin, Any updates on your issue?Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.