Upgrading exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007

Good Morning,

I am going to do a upgrade on our exchange box to 2007. What would people advise. This is what i think will do the job can any one advise me if it looks like it will work. cheers

1. Full backups of the server and mail boxes
2. formate old 32bit windows and reinstall 64bit win
3. install all updates and service packs for 64 bit win plus other bit and bobs
4. install and setup exchange 2007
5. using backupexce to put the 2003 mail boxes on the 2007 exchange
6. test and run.

or do you think i should put 64bit win on then put 2003 exchange then put the mail boxes back on then upgrade to 2007 exchange?

any advice would be excellent.

Thanks

Mark

Morning...

Ive just completed the upgrade (well I say just - it took about 2 months!)...

You are going to need a new server is the first place to start. I would recommend that what you do is:

1. Install x64 Server 2003 on it
2. Install Exchange 2007 SP1 on it
3. Migrate a few test mailboxes
4. Migrate remaining mailboxes
5. Migrate public folders
5. Remove Exchange 2003
6. Use old server for something else

This website will guide you through the whole process:
Upgrading to Exchange 2007 Server – A real life experience

Transitioning from Exchange 2000/2003 to Exchange Server 2007 (Part 1)

PM me if you want to know more - quite happy to help you through it. Most important thing is allow plenty of time for it.