exchange 2007 on windows server 2008 32bit

[RabbieBurns]

Ive got 08 server running in a VM and I want to get 2007 exchange working so I can have a play with that, but I believe that 2007 is only available in 64 bit, my VM is only 32 bit. I found a 32 bit version of exchange 2007 which is available for evaluation purposes, however, it gets as far as the "readiness checks" and then fails saying it cannot be installed on the operating system. Is it for server 2003 only?

[irsprint]

The evaluation copy cane out before 2008 so I'd guess so

[Michael]

Realistically if you want to look at Exchange 2007 you do need a 64bit setup. I'm not quite sure why Microsoft bothered creating a trial 32bit version as they state themselves that a 32bit version wouldn't cut it performance wise and for scaleability. Talk about a big contradiction!

Have you checked the event logs as to why it's failing? The system specs on Microsoft's website (for the trial version) does only state Windows Server 2003 and doesn't state or later as you'd expect. You may be right.

[RabbieBurns]

Realistically if you want to look at Exchange 2007 you do need a 64bit setup. I'm not quite sure why Microsoft bothered creating a trial 32bit version as they state themselves that a 32bit version wouldn't cut it performance wise and for scaleability. Talk about a big contradiction!

Have you checked the event logs as to why it's failing? The system specs on Microsoft's website (for the trial version) does only state Windows Server 2003 and doesn't state or later as you'd expect. You may be right.

The 32bit was created purely for evaluation purposes, there isnt a 32bit for production use. Unfortunately I dont have a x64 machine spare, and as far as i know virtualbox doesnt create 64bit guest operating systems?

Ill try installing it on 2003 server instead see how I go.

Log Name: Application
Source: MSExchange ADAccess
Date: 19/07/2009 10:09:06
Event ID: 2152
Task Category: (1)
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: 2008Server.test.domain
Description:
The description for Event ID 2152 from source MSExchange ADAccess cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

The following information was included with the event:

ExSetupUI.exe
3068
1753
Error 6d9 from HrGetServersForRole

the message resource is present but the message is not found in the string/message table

Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="MSExchange ADAccess" />
<EventID Qualifiers="49156">2152</EventID>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>1</Task>
<Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2009-07-19T09:09:06.000Z" />
<EventRecordID>760</EventRecordID>
<Channel>Application</Channel>
<Computer>2008Server.test.domain</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data>ExSetupUI.exe</Data>
<Data>3068</Data>
<Data>1753</Data>
<Data>Error 6d9 from HrGetServersForRole</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>

[kmount]

virtualbox doesnt create 64bit guest operating systems?

It will if your cpu has virtualisation support.

[RabbieBurns]

Oh right, Ill need to look into it then. Its an althon in a hp proliant something or other. I tried to install the 64bit of 2008 in vm but it said wrong arch.

Might need to delve into the kernel for a look

[wagnerk]

...Is it for server 2003 only?

To answer your question, regardless of where it's the 64bit edition or the 23-bit eval version, you do need a server OS (Windows 2003 or 2008) to run it. See here.

You can only install the Exchange Management tools on a client manchine (eg Vista or XP).

-Ken

[kmount]

Oh right, Ill need to look into it then. Its an althon in a hp proliant something or other. I tried to install the 64bit of 2008 in vm but it said wrong arch.

Might need to delve into the kernel for a look

Probably won't work in that case; vbox tends to want intel vt/amd-v to work properly for 64bit guest OS. (In my experience anyway...)

[RabbieBurns]

To answer your question, regardless of where it's the 64bit edition or the 23-bit eval version, you do need a server OS (Windows 2003 or 2008) to run it. See here.

You can only install the Exchange Management tools on a client manchine (eg Vista or XP).

-Ken

Hmm, it should work on my 2008 server 32bit then.. Thanks, Ill persevere...

[wagnerk]

Hmm, it should work on my 2008 server 32bit then.. Thanks, Ill persevere...

The 32bit version of Exchange will work on the 32bit version of Windows 2008, however please note:

This is not supported in production environments.

-Ken

[RabbieBurns]

[PiqueABoo]

For info: Exchange 2007 per se isn't, but 32bit Exchange Management Tools ARE supported. You actually need the 32bit version to do some things e.g. PST import/export.

--

Meanwhile are you trying to install Exchange 2007 RTM? I believe you need Exchange 2007 SP1 to install on 2008.

[RabbieBurns]

For info: Exchange 2007 per se isn't, but 32bit Exchange Management Tools ARE supported. You actually need the 32bit version to do some things e.g. PST import/export.

--

Meanwhile are you trying to install Exchange 2007 RTM? I believe you need Exchange 2007 SP1 to install on 2008.

I initially tried to install the 2007 Exchange SP1 but it doesnt work on 32bit so I am trying the free download of Exchange 2007 32bit evaluation from here:

Download details: Exchange Server 2007 - Evaluation Software

but looking back at that page, it only lists 2003 server as supported OS

[wagnerk]

...Meanwhile are you trying to install Exchange 2007 RTM? I believe you need Exchange 2007 SP1 to install on 2008.

I forgot about that

Just a question... You're looking to install Exchange 2007, why not just install it on Windows 2003? It'll save alot of hassle.

If you're going to use Windows 2008, have you thought about trialing the beta of Exchange 2010?

-Ken

[RabbieBurns]

I forgot about that

Just a question... You're looking to install Exchange 2007, why not just install it on Windows 2003? It'll save alot of hassle.

If you're going to use Windows 2008, have you thought about trialing the beta of Exchange 2010?

-Ken

Ive never used any exchange before in my life im just trying to have a dabble so I can learn. And if getting it installed is anything to go by then Im in for a tough ride! Im installing a 2003 server installation just now so that I can install 2007 on it, I didnt realise 2010 beta was around, is there any legitimate channels to get it through?