We are currently looking to migrate current Exchange 2003 to 2010. We have a single forest and single domain AD infrastructure. 5 AD sites across the nation with each site has their own DC. The AD function level is 2000 native. The site A where Exchange 2003 server sits has only one DC, which is a GC, but is not schema master. The schema master is holds by a DC on site B. My understanding is the best way to prepare AD for Exchange 2010 is to have schema master within the same site. So my option for this environment will be: move the schema master from B site to this site A, or prepare the AD at site B, then install Exchange 2010 on site A. Both solutions do not look hard to do to me, not sure if this will actually be the case. Is there anything alarming for doing 1 or 2?

First off, you domain and forest functional levels must be set at 2003. Please run the Pre-Deployment Analyzer before doing anything: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=88b304e7-9912-4cb0-8ead-7479dab1abf2&displaylang=en AD/Schema must be prepped from a 64-bit 2008 (or R2) server in the same AD site. So either of your options will work. For more details about the requirements around prepping your AD see: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb125224.aspx Tim Harrington - Catapult Systems - http://HowDoUC.blogspot.com

Hi, Transfer the Schema master to a DC (which is running Win 2008 Sp1 or later)on the site you planed to install E2010. you have to raise the domain and forest functional lever to Win 2003 Native, and install the server side pre-requisites though /ps will run /pl automatically run in the following order /pl /ps /p /pad (will prepare all AD domains) refer http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb125224.aspx also take a look at Exchange 2010 Deployment Assistant http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee681665.aspxRegards, Hari | MCSE+ Messaging

Transfer the Schema master to a DC (which is running Win 2008 Sp1 or later)on the site you planed to install E2010. The Schema master does not have to be on a DC that is Win 2008. It must be located on a minimum Win 2003 with SP1. Please see the following link, "Network and Directory Servers" section: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa996719.aspxTim Harrington - Catapult Systems - http://HowDoUC.blogspot.com