Hello! We have a very old server running Windows 2000 Server/Exchange 2000. I think I may have finally talked our company into purchasing a new server with Windows 2003/Exchange 2007. I have been told that I need to first upgrade the old box to Windows 2003/Exchange 2003, then upgrade to Exchange 2007. My thought is that if we are buying a brand new box with the current software loaded, can't I just have our users export their email out to a .pst folder on our file server, then import it back in to the newly created mailboxes on the 2007 server? I don't see where the upgrade to 2003, then to 2007 makes sense if we are also replacing the server. If anyone has any advice or suggestions, I'd really appreciate it!

You cannot "upgrade" Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007. You must build a new server and migrate users. The reason for this is Exchange 2007 runs on x64 only and Exchange 2003 runs on x86 only. You cannot upgrade from x86 to x64. Generally you would introduce a new windows 2003/ windows 2008 x64 box into your domain, and install exchange 2007 here. Once installed you begin to decomission Exchange 2003. I think you should take a class on exchange 2007 or at least get a book. you can also read through this: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb125244(EXCHG.80).aspx

At this point, we are still on Exchange 2000 running Windows 2000 OS. My thought is tobuild the new Exchange 2007 server (with Windows 2003 OS), export the Exchange 2000 mailboxes to .pst files on a neutral server, introduce the new Exchange 2007 server and import the .pst files in. Is this a valid plan? I'm trying to bypass having to do anything with Exchange 2003 altogether. Thanks!

So you want to create a whole new Active Directory Forest? This would not be ideal. You will want to introduce Exchange 2007 into your existing forest, and move mailboxes. taking them out to pst and re-importing them is a lot of work. also: you need a domain controller for exchange 2007 that has windows 2003 sp1 or later. it is also recommended that this server be seperate from the exchange server. both of the above mean your windows 2000 server will have to be replaced or upgraded. email me if you would like to discuss this offline.