Hi, We have and old P3 server and just recentlry bought a new one P4 Hp Proliant ML350. So had to transfer all the data to that one. This was no problem. However we wont be needing the old server. So i installed active directory and exchange on the new one. Over here i have some problems 1) Since everyone already is using the old server and the exchange email on it . Is it possible to name the new server exactly like the old one and also have the name for the new server active directory to be exactly same as the old one. My guess this will prevent me from going to each pc to register them with a different domain name and change the name of the exchage server. If its not possible then i will create a diffrent domian name on the new server and a diffrent exchange server name. 2) How will you copy the users from the old server to the new one along with their same passwords and their indvidual exchange email boxes? The old server is windows 2003 and the new server is also the same. In the old server the domain functionality level is 2003 while the new one is native mode. I tried using ADMT but did not get my desired output. I created a two way external trust between both the domains. Both domains are in seperate forests. Someone told me about using migration wizard of exchange so on the new server followed the settings first came the new server information, then came source exchange server did that then account which is adminstrator in both pc with same name and pass, After that followed the next step and when the page came to choose the users, i received and error "Data Is Invalid" and the list box for the users is completely blank Any ideas how to perform these tasks? I need help

#1 - You shouldn't run Exchange on a DC if you can help it. #2. You shouldn't run with a single DC. #3. Why are you bent on making a new domain? And no, method 1 won't work. TECH-NO-LOGICAL ROMANCE! http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs12.html

Ok Forget about Step 1 what about the rest. I know your right but we cant afford to buy new servers. This new one is the only one right now. So we need to make it a DC and run exchange on it. The reason for a new dowmain is because the old server is going to die anytime soon it giving lots of problems to us so we need to replace it and all the data. Thus the new one will suffice all our needs , So i have to make a new domain! Please Help I need help

No, you don't need to make a new domain. Promote the new server to a DC in the current domain, let replication occur. Also make the new DC a DNS server if you're using DNS on Windows, which would mean your old DC is probably your sole DNS server. Don't forget to config your clients and servers to use the new server as their DNS server. Install Exchange 2003 on the new server as an additional server in the org, and move all mailboxes from the old server to the new server. Move all FMSO roles from the old DC to the new DC, and make the new DC a Global Catalog. Remove Exchange from old machine. Demote the old DC with DCPromo. TECH-NO-LOGICAL ROMANCE! http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs12.html

Promote the new server to a DC in the current domain What you mean is create an Additional DC right? If so then when creating it, it gives error that adding to the server failed as the username already exists. I need help

Hire someone to help you. If you can't add an additional DC to your domain, either you have no idea what you're doing, or your domain is so messed up, it needs to be cleaned up. Let me guess, you named the new server the same thing you named the old one? If so, don't even try doing this. You will mess up repeatedly and potentially cause major problems later. Hire a good consultant! TECH-NO-LOGICAL ROMANCE! http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs12.html

Ok finally managed to solve that problem. I created the additonal domain controller as you said. Replication has occured and in the new server, i can see the users and computers. I installed DNS on the new server. Installed exchange on the new one properly and now i can move the accounts from one server to the other. However i have some questions- 1) When moving the exchange mailbox how do i configure the user settings. As i know when i created exchange account on user pc, it asks me for my exchange server name which comes as sharjah-schs.schs.org.ae the new one would be something like schs-exg.schs.org.ae So do i have to change it on all the pcs? Or will the setting automatically change when the user logs in? 2) You told after all is done to remove the old exchange and demote the AD on the old server, which is fine. But say suppose we dont need it anymore? Then what I shut the old server down and tried logging in the new server but tells me that the username, pass or domain is incorrect. However if the old server is online then i can sign in the newone. My guess is that the old server is required for authentication purposes Oh and thanks for helping me get this far :) I need help