NT migration to 2003

[Paidegua]

I have a network that is run by 2 NT 4 servers w/sp6a,
both are domain controllers, and also run exchange 5.5. I
want to upgrade to 2003 server and Active Directory.

Do I need to upgrade the PDC to 2003 then migrate
Exchange to 2003.

Or

Can I add a new server w/ Server 2003, put exchange 2003
and migrate the exchange 5.5 users to the new 2003
server. Then take exchange off my PDC, and upgrade to
2003 server w/AD.

Also:
Does the Active Directory domain need to be in place
before I migrate to Exchange 2003? I cant seem to find a
clear answer.

 

[Brian Desmond [MVP]]

Hi,

The rule with Exchange 2000+ is that you must have an AD in place before you
move to it. You could do either of your scenarios with that in mind, but,
it'd be a lot easier to do the AD upgrade first, adn then the Exchange move.

So, I'd take this route:

Do I need to upgrade the PDC to 2003 then migrate
Exchange to 2003.

One thing you'll need as soon as you get the upgrade done is to have the
Exchange Active Directory Connector (ADC) off the Exchange CD up and
running. This will sync your Exchange 5.5 directory with AD, and permit the
mailbox move (and make mailboxes accessible until then).


--
--
Brian Desmond
Windows Server MVP
(e-mail address removed)12.il.us

Http://www.briandesmond.com

 

[Paidegua]

I was afraid of that thanks.

One more Q.
To install Active Directory, I am putting in a new more
powerful machine. Can I bring it on my network(within the
same domain) running 2003 server, and migrate the old
domain settings from NT to it.

Do I have to create a new domain to use, or can the new
machine be an Active Directory machine in the same domain
with the idea of getting rid of my two current NT domain
DC's when the domain has been migrated to my new server,
and making the 2003 server the PDC?

 

[Brian Desmond [MVP]]

To keep the old domain, you actually have to install NT4 as a BDC on the new
machine, promote it to PDC, and then pop the 2003 CD in to perform an
upgrade. The way I like to do this process is this:

Get an extra machine (a desktop works)
Install NT4 as a BDC, promote to PDC
Do the in place upgrade on this machine
DCPromo your new hardware into the active directory you just created
Transfer the FSMOs from the temp box to the new hardware
DCPromo the temp box out of the domain.

--
--
Brian Desmond
Windows Server MVP
(e-mail address removed)12.il.us

Http://www.briandesmond.com