Migrating from Windows NT Domain

[Guest]

I have a Windows NT domain running Exchange 5x with about 150 users. I would
like to upgrade to Windows 2003 server with AD and Exchange 2003. I am
thinking about ghosting the domain controllers and the Exchange servers to a
SAN box. Then i want to upgrade the domain controllers rather than migrate.
After that i would like to do an in place upgrade of the Exchange server.
Since i am upgrading rather than migrating would i need to go around to each
workstations and join it to the new domain? I am thinking that since i will
have an image on the SAN this will be a pretty safe method. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Bodo

 

[Paul Bergson]

You can't do an in place upgrade of Exchange 2003. You will need to install
Exchange 2003 and include an Active Directory Replicator until you have
migrated all your users from 5.5 to 2003. If you can do the whole thing
over a weekend (Which you probably can) it won't take to much to accomplish.

I'm totally confused on what you are trying to do with your SAN. You can do
an inplace upgrade on your DC's going from 2000 to 2003. There would be no
requirement to "Walk" around to each machine and do anything.

Both AD and Exchange will require you to prep the domain and forest.

AD Upgrade
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;325379#2

Exchange
http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Migrating_Exchange_5_5_to_2003.html
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/2003/library/default.mspx
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;exch2003

I am currently working on migration of both as well.