How to upgrade windows 2000 domain controller to windows 2008?

We are running a simple domain controller on windows 2000 and have a
second server that is windows 2000 (backup domain controller) that
also runs our exchange server (very old version, 5.5).

For us, this is a "once in five year" upgrade. We only do it because
all of this technology is becoming end of life.

I have been instructed to upgrade our domain controllers to windows
2008 and install the latest exchange server and upgrade that.

So first things first, what I want to know is, what is the best path
for this? We have about 100 exchange users (so 100 users in active
directory).

Do I:
1. upgrade the domain controllers to windows 2008, have the exchange
server (running 5.5 and windows 2000) use this upgraded domain
OR
2. install a fresh domain and fresh exchange server and manually add
all the users
OR
3. is there a middle ground somewhere here?

my concerns:
If I upgrade to a 2008 domain and I make a mistake and can not attach
the windows2000/exchange5.5 server to the new domain, then I am in big
trouble because our mail servers will then be dead. has the domain
controller technology evolved that this can be an issue or will the
windows2000 server work just fine if i upgrade the domain?

What are the steps, i have googled for detailed instructions and can
not find any. Does someone have detailed instructions on how I will
do this? what happens to the servers that are pointing to the Windows
2000 DC, do they just continue to run and point to the new DC or do
they need to be rebooted or reconfigured? We still have a lot of
windows 2000 servers that are destined to be upgraded as well.

Thanks

Hello stevehunter_1@hotmail.com,

For your questions see inline.

Well, you can not directly upgrade either to 2008 server or 2007 exchange
from 2000 server and an exchange5.5 organisation.

For upgrading to server 2008 you need at least 2003 sp1 or you have to add
the 2008 as an addittional DC to the 2000 domain after preparing the schema
for 2008.

You cannot upgrade an existing Exchange Server version 5.5 organization to
Exchange 2007. You must first migrate from the Exchange Server 5.5 organization
to either an Exchange 2003 organization or an Exchange 2000 organization,
and then you can transition the Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2000 organization
to Exchange 2007.

Also it is not recommended to run Exchange on domain controllers, it should
run on member servers. DC's will be heavy loaded with exchange and this can
decrease the DC's performance.

Here are some links for Exchange:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...EXCHG.80).aspx

http://searchexchange.techtarget.com...215638,00.html

Here are some links for 2008:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=951041

http://technet2.microsoft.com/window....mspx?mfr=true




Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> We are running a simple domain controller on windows 2000 and have a
> second server that is windows 2000 (backup domain controller) that
> also runs our exchange server (very old version, 5.5).
>
> For us, this is a "once in five year" upgrade. We only do it because
> all of this technology is becoming end of life.
>
> I have been instructed to upgrade our domain controllers to windows
> 2008 and install the latest exchange server and upgrade that.
>
> So first things first, what I want to know is, what is the best path
> for this? We have about 100 exchange users (so 100 users in active
> directory).

First upgrade your exchange environment to exchange 2003. After that switch
to server 2008 and then to exchange 2007. That's what i would do.

> Do I:
> 1. upgrade the domain controllers to windows 2008, have the exchange
> server (running 5.5 and windows 2000) use this upgraded domain

I would start as stated before.

> OR
> 2. install a fresh domain and fresh exchange server and manually add
> all the users

This decision is the badest for your users, i would not do it this way.

> OR
> 3. is there a middle ground somewhere here?

I am not sure but i think you can use ADMT v3.1 beta in the moment to migrate
to the new domain. Be reminded, it is still a beta version but it should
work like expected:
http://blogs.technet.com/ad/archive/...-3-1-beta.aspx

> my concerns:
> If I upgrade to a 2008 domain and I make a mistake and can not attach
> the windows2000/exchange5.5 server to the new domain, then I am in big
> trouble because our mail servers will then be dead. has the domain
> controller technology evolved that this can be an issue or will the
> windows2000 server work just fine if i upgrade the domain?

If Exchange 5.5 will stay on the 2000 DC it shouldn't be a problem from my
point of view. It run's on a supported platform with server 2000.

> What are the steps, i have googled for detailed instructions and can
> not find any. Does someone have detailed instructions on how I will
> do this?

If you see my answers before and decided how to go, we can go on here. I
assume that also some other people here will respond, so you get more then
my opinion and can collect all infos you need for starting.

> what happens to the servers that are pointing to the Windows
> 2000 DC, do they just continue to run and point to the new DC or do
> they need to be rebooted or reconfigured?

After upgrading the schema for 2008 DC's it will still work together with
2000 DC's. Also i think Exchange 5.5 will run without problems, but to prevent
Exchange problems i would upgrade exchange at first to exchange 2003.

Here are some links for Exchange upgrade:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/e.../bb288544.aspx

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...EXCHG.65).aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/...ange-2003.html

http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/...5_to_2003.html

> We still have a lot of
> windows 2000 servers that are destined to be upgraded as well.

Well, this will come after the domain and exchange upgrade. Personal i think
it can wait, if there is not an equal big step required. Depends on the software
running on the servers.

> Thanks
>

Thank you for the reply.

I forgot to mention I must deploy new servers as these servers are
about six years ago and showing their age.

I think I would lke to add 2008 as an additional DC, promote it to
master, and then remove the old 2000 server.
(a) will exchange server 5.5 work when there is only a 2008 DC?
(b) is there some instructions somewhere on doing this? (adding 2008
member, promoting it, and removing the 2000 DC)

How would you go about upgrading 5.5 to 2007 and doing it on a new
server? i'll read those documents, but it think they are geared
mostly to keeping the same hardware. i wonder how people move
exchange server to new hardware? must get tricky.






On Jun 14, 2:44*pm, Meinolf Weber wrote:

> Well, you can not directly upgrade either to 2008 server or 2007 exchange
> from 2000 server and an exchange5.5 organisation.
>
> For upgrading to server 2008 you need at least 2003 sp1 or you have to add
> the 2008 as an addittional DC to the 2000domainafter preparing the schema
> for 2008.
>
> You cannot upgrade an existing Exchange Server version 5.5 organization to
> Exchange 2007. You must first migrate from the Exchange Server 5.5 organization
> to either an Exchange 2003 organization or an Exchange 2000 organization,
> and then you can transition the Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2000 organization
> to Exchange 2007.
>
> Also it is not recommended to run Exchange ondomaincontrollers, it should
> run on member servers. DC's will be heavy loaded with exchange and this can
> decrease the DC's performance.
>
> Here are some links for Exchange:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...EXCHG.80).aspx
>
> http://searchexchange.techtarget.com..._gci1215638,00...
>
> Here are some links for 2008:http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=951041
>
> http://technet2.microsoft.com/window...ary/f1713937-0...
>
> Best regards
>
> Meinolf Weber
> Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
> no rights.
> ** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
> ** HELP us help YOU!!!http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>
> > We are running a simpledomaincontrolleron windows 2000 and have a
> > second server that is windows 2000 (backupdomaincontroller) that
> > also runs our exchange server (very old version, 5.5).
>
> > For us, this is a "once in five year" upgrade. *We only do it because
> > all of this technology is becoming end of life.
>
> > I have been instructed to upgrade ourdomaincontrollers to windows
> > 2008 and install the latest exchange server and upgrade that.
>
> > So first things first, what I want to know is, what is the best path
> > for this? *We have about 100 exchange users (so 100 users in active
> > directory).
>
> First upgrade your exchange environment to exchange 2003. After that switch
> to server 2008 and then to exchange 2007. That's what i would do.
>
> > Do I:
> > 1. upgrade thedomaincontrollers to windows 2008, have the exchange
> > server (running 5.5 and windows 2000) use this upgradeddomain
>
> I would start as stated before.
>
> > OR
> > 2. install a freshdomainand fresh exchange server and manually add
> > all the users
>
> This decision is the badest for your users, i would not do it this way.
>
> > OR
> > 3. is there a middle ground somewhere here?
>
> I am not sure but i think you can use ADMT v3.1 beta in the moment to migrate
> to the newdomain. Be reminded, it is still a beta version but it should
> work like expected:http://blogs.technet.com/ad/archive/...-3-1-beta.aspx
>
> > my concerns:
> > If I upgrade to a 2008domainand I make a mistake and can not attach
> > the windows2000/exchange5.5 server to the newdomain, then I am in big
> > trouble because our mail servers will then be dead. *has thedomain
> >controllertechnology evolved that this can be an issue or will the
> > windows2000 server work just fine if i upgrade thedomain?
>
> If Exchange 5.5 will stay on the 2000 DC it shouldn't be a problem from my
> point of view. It run's on a supported platform with server 2000.
>
> > What are the steps, i have googled for detailed instructions and can
> > not find any. *Does someone have detailed instructions on how I will
> > do this?
>
> If you see my answers before and decided how to go, we can go on here. I
> assume that also some other people here will respond, so you get more then
> my opinion and can collect all infos you need for starting.
>
> > what happens to the servers that are pointing to the Windows
> > 2000 DC, do they just continue to run and point to the new DC or do
> > they need to be rebooted or reconfigured?
>
> After upgrading the schema for 2008 DC's it will still work together with
> 2000 DC's. Also i think Exchange 5.5 will run without problems, but to prevent
> Exchange problems i would upgrade exchange at first to exchange 2003.
>
> Here are some links for Exchange upgrade:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/e.../bb288544.aspx
>
> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...EXCHG.65).aspx
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...D=38F816A4-FB6...
>
> http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/...ry-Migration-E...
>
> http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/...5_to_2003.html
>
> > We still have a lot of
> > windows 2000 servers that are destined to be upgraded as well.
>
> Well, this will come after thedomainand exchange upgrade. Personal i think
> it can wait, if there is not an equal big step required. Depends on the software
> running on the servers.
>
>
>
> > Thanks- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Hello stevehunter_1@hotmail.com,

Again, see inline.

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> Thank you for the reply.
>
> I forgot to mention I must deploy new servers as these servers are
> about six years ago and showing their age.

That's a good idea. But doesn't influent the upgrade so much.

> I think I would lke to add 2008 as an additional DC, promote it to
> master, and then remove the old 2000 server.

Possible.

> (a) will exchange server 5.5 work when there is only a 2008 DC?

As long as exchange runs on the 2000 server, shouldn't be a problem.

> (b) is there some instructions somewhere on doing this? (adding 2008
> member, promoting it, and removing the 2000 DC)

It's quiet easy, insert the 2008 install disk in the DC which is the schema
master, find it with the command line tool netdom from the support tools
located on the 2000 server install disk in the support tools folder and run
"netdom query fsmo" in a command line without the qoutes.

To prepare the schema run "adprep /forstprep", then "adprep /domainprep /gpprep"
and "adprep /rodcprep" for upgrading to version 44. After running all preparations
check with "schupgr" the schema version. Give some time for replication to
all DC's. That's all.

> How would you go about upgrading 5.5 to 2007 and doing it on a new
> server? i'll read those documents, but it think they are geared
> mostly to keeping the same hardware. i wonder how people move
> exchange server to new hardware? must get tricky.

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

Hello stevehunter_1@hotmail.com,

Forgot the exchange part at the end. Follow this one to exchange 2003:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Exchanhe 2007:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555854

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
** HELP us help YOU!!! http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> Thank you for the reply.
>
> I forgot to mention I must deploy new servers as these servers are
> about six years ago and showing their age.
>
> I think I would lke to add 2008 as an additional DC, promote it to
> master, and then remove the old 2000 server.
> (a) will exchange server 5.5 work when there is only a 2008 DC?
> (b) is there some instructions somewhere on doing this? (adding 2008
> member, promoting it, and removing the 2000 DC)
> How would you go about upgrading 5.5 to 2007 and doing it on a new
> server? i'll read those documents, but it think they are geared
> mostly to keeping the same hardware. i wonder how people move
> exchange server to new hardware? must get tricky.
>
> On Jun 14, 2:44 pm, Meinolf Weber wrote:
>
>> Well, you can not directly upgrade either to 2008 server or 2007
>> exchange from 2000 server and an exchange5.5 organisation.
>>
>> For upgrading to server 2008 you need at least 2003 sp1 or you have
>> to add the 2008 as an addittional DC to the 2000domainafter preparing
>> the schema for 2008.
>>
>> You cannot upgrade an existing Exchange Server version 5.5
>> organization to
>> Exchange 2007. You must first migrate from the Exchange Server 5.5
>> organization
>> to either an Exchange 2003 organization or an Exchange 2000
>> organization,
>> and then you can transition the Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2000
>> organization
>> to Exchange 2007.
>> Also it is not recommended to run Exchange ondomaincontrollers, it
>> should run on member servers. DC's will be heavy loaded with exchange
>> and this can decrease the DC's performance.
>>
>> Here are some links for
>> Exchange:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...24008(EXCHG.80
>> ).aspx
>>
>> http://searchexchange.techtarget.com..._gci1215638,00
>> ...
>>
>> Here are some links for
>> 2008:http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=951041
>>
>> http://technet2.microsoft.com/window...ary/f1713937-0
>> ...
>>
>> Best regards
>>
>> Meinolf Weber
>> Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
>> confers
>> no rights.
>> ** Please do NOT email, only reply to Newsgroups
>> ** HELP us help YOU!!!http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>>> We are running a simpledomaincontrolleron windows 2000 and have a
>>> second server that is windows 2000 (backupdomaincontroller) that
>>> also runs our exchange server (very old version, 5.5).
>>>
>>> For us, this is a "once in five year" upgrade. We only do it
>>> because all of this technology is becoming end of life.
>>>
>>> I have been instructed to upgrade ourdomaincontrollers to windows
>>> 2008 and install the latest exchange server and upgrade that.
>>>
>>> So first things first, what I want to know is, what is the best path
>>> for this? We have about 100 exchange users (so 100 users in active
>>> directory).
>>>
>> First upgrade your exchange environment to exchange 2003. After that
>> switch to server 2008 and then to exchange 2007. That's what i would
>> do.
>>
>>> Do I:
>>> 1. upgrade thedomaincontrollers to windows 2008, have the exchange
>>> server (running 5.5 and windows 2000) use this upgradeddomain
>> I would start as stated before.
>>
>>> OR
>>> 2. install a freshdomainand fresh exchange server and manually add
>>> all the users
>> This decision is the badest for your users, i would not do it this
>> way.
>>
>>> OR
>>> 3. is there a middle ground somewhere here?
>> I am not sure but i think you can use ADMT v3.1 beta in the moment to
>> migrate
>> to the newdomain. Be reminded, it is still a beta version but it
>> should
>> work like
>> expected:http://blogs.technet.com/ad/archive/.../admt-3-1-beta
>> .aspx
>>> my concerns:
>>> If I upgrade to a 2008domainand I make a mistake and can not attach
>>> the windows2000/exchange5.5 server to the newdomain, then I am in
>>> big
>>> trouble because our mail servers will then be dead. has thedomain
>>> controllertechnology evolved that this can be an issue or will the
>>> windows2000 server work just fine if i upgrade thedomain?
>> If Exchange 5.5 will stay on the 2000 DC it shouldn't be a problem
>> from my point of view. It run's on a supported platform with server
>> 2000.
>>
>>> What are the steps, i have googled for detailed instructions and can
>>> not find any. Does someone have detailed instructions on how I will
>>> do this?
>>>
>> If you see my answers before and decided how to go, we can go on
>> here. I assume that also some other people here will respond, so you
>> get more then my opinion and can collect all infos you need for
>> starting.
>>
>>> what happens to the servers that are pointing to the Windows
>>> 2000 DC, do they just continue to run and point to the new DC or do
>>> they need to be rebooted or reconfigured?
>> After upgrading the schema for 2008 DC's it will still work together
>> with
>> 2000 DC's. Also i think Exchange 5.5 will run without problems, but
>> to prevent
>> Exchange problems i would upgrade exchange at first to exchange 2003.
>> Here are some links for Exchange
>> upgrade:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/e.../bb288544.aspx
>>
>> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...EXCHG.65).aspx
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...D=38F816A4-FB6
>> ...
>>
>> http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/...ry-Migration-E
>> ...
>>
>> http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/...5_5_to_2003.ht
>> ml
>>
>>> We still have a lot of
>>> windows 2000 servers that are destined to be upgraded as well.
>> Well, this will come after thedomainand exchange upgrade. Personal i
>> think
>> it can wait, if there is not an equal big step required. Depends on
>> the software
>> running on the servers.
>>> Thanks- Hide quoted text -
>>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>>