I would like to set up exchange on a new machine, keeping our existing server active until the new machine is up. In the end I basically want to turn the old server off and turn the new one on. How can I do this? 1. can I set the new server up without it being connected to the network...no dns or active directory 2 after machine is set up do a restore of mailboxes? don't really know for sure wanted to gather as much info before i started. any help would be appreciated mike

Have a look at the Ed Crowley move server method. This is for E2K, but the steps should still be relevant for 2003. http://www.swinc.com/resources/exchange/faq_db.asp?status=questions&faqID=1001&faqname=Exchange%202000&sectionID=1024&sectionName=Exchange%202000%20Move%20Server%20Method Tony