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Demote a Windows 2003 DC Server with Exchange 2003 installed RRS feed

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    The original and only Exchange Server 2003 was installed on a 2003 DC several years ago.

    The Exchange on this server was installed after another Exchange server crashed. Apparently this was the only server available at that time. It was a difficult recovery at the time.

    Problems exist with the setup. e.g. Outlook from Terminal Services on a 64Bit Server 2008 wiill not communicate with it.

    This DC is no longer needed (two other DC's in network)

    Want to get to a "clean" installation with only Exchange running on system.

    Various aritcles imply problem using DCPromo to demote the server to a member server.

    Is this true? Do I need to create a new Exchange Server, move the mailboxes, remove the oringinal Exchange server, rebuild it and move the Exchange server 'back" to it?

    Notes:
    Cannot upgrade to Exchange 2007. Will upgrade to Exchange 2010. Can't wait that long.
    Cannot run VM's unitl next budget year. Current Proliants do not support HyperV
    Both Exchange 2003 and Server 2003 are patched current.
    Technically, the only server I could conveniently move Exchange to is one of the other DCs. I could take a workstation and temporarily turn it into a "Server"
    About 65 mailboxes with 90GB data.
    Storage is not a problem. Have an HP array in the network.
    Monday, June 8, 2009 9:19 PM

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    As per http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822179, "You can run Exchange Server 2003 on either a member server or on a domain controller. After you install Exchange Server 2003 on a server, do not change the role of the server. For example, if you install Exchange Server 2003 on a member server, do not use the Dcpromo tool to promote the server to a domain controller. Or, if you install Exchange Server 2003 on a domain controller, do not use the Dcpromo tool to demote the server to a member server. Changing the role of a server after you install Exchange Server 2003 may result in loss of some Exchange functionality and is not supported."

    So, the move mailbox scenario is the safest (and supported) way to go.
    • Marked as answer by JEJDallasTx Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:11 PM
    Tuesday, June 9, 2009 11:08 AM

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    As per http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822179, "You can run Exchange Server 2003 on either a member server or on a domain controller. After you install Exchange Server 2003 on a server, do not change the role of the server. For example, if you install Exchange Server 2003 on a member server, do not use the Dcpromo tool to promote the server to a domain controller. Or, if you install Exchange Server 2003 on a domain controller, do not use the Dcpromo tool to demote the server to a member server. Changing the role of a server after you install Exchange Server 2003 may result in loss of some Exchange functionality and is not supported."

    So, the move mailbox scenario is the safest (and supported) way to go.
    • Marked as answer by JEJDallasTx Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:11 PM
    Tuesday, June 9, 2009 11:08 AM
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    Thanks for the confirmation. Just wanted to make sure I hadn't missed anything.
    Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:12 PM