QUESTION POSED ON: 17 October 2007
I need help with two issues. First, I have two domains, one external and one internal. Exchange 5.5 ("ProdCorp") and Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 are on the external domain. I am trying to replicate the Exchange Server data on a newly set up server (also on Windows 2000 SP4) on the internal domain (lab). The plan is to get the internal Exchange server ("TestCorp") to the same level (i.e., same size and data) as the other server, in order to test the in-place upgrade to Exchange 2000/Exchange 2003. What is the easiest way to do this?
I used an Exchange-aware backup program, but it will not restore on the TestCorp Exchange server, as some of the files can only be restored on the original server. I have also used directory backups (.CSV files), but with no luck. I could use some step-by-step instructions or white papers on this topic. I'm looking for a clear, menu-based and/or script-based solution. Please keep in mind that the TestCorp server cannot see the ProdCorp server. Also, the IP addresses and names of both Exchange servers are different.
Secondly, we have Exchange 5.5 running on dated hardware. We need to upgrade Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000 or Exchange 2003, but we can't afford any downtime. What is the best approach for a successful Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000 or 2003 upgrade with the least amount of downtime?
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