Question : Exchange 2007 Server - Adding new DC (2008 or 2008 R2)?

Hi there,

I have an existing Exchange 2007 SP2 environment running with a 2003 Domain Controller.  I am going to be leaving the Exchange server as is but am wanting to retire the DC and replace it with a new one.  I'd like to go with Server 2008 R2 as it is presumably better than just Server 2008 but I am concerned about incompatibilities with our Exchange 2007 SP2 server (which is running Server 2003 R2).

I'm thinking if I went with Server 2008 R2, it would go something like this:

1. Install Server 2008 R2 on new box.
2. Join to domain and dcpromo as additional domain controller.
3. Move roles over to new 2008 R2 DC.
4. Update DNS on Exchange 2003 Server to point to 2008 R2 DC.
5. dcpromo and demote old DC.  Remove from domain, power off.

What am I missing, will I screw anything up when I extend the schema of the 2003 DC when I add the 2008 R2 DC?  Will Exchange 2007 have any problems with the new Active Directory environment?  Do I need to do anything to Exchange?

I'm trying to avoid any gotchas and would just go with Server 2008 normal if you think R2 will be a nightmare with this setup.

Thanks!!!

Answer : Exchange 2007 Server - Adding new DC (2008 or 2008 R2)?

You will be fine migrating to a 2008R2 DC. Exchange 2007 cannot be installed on 2008 R2, but since you have a pre-existing installation, you have nothing to worry about other than making sure you do the transition of DC's correctly which you already have mapped out.  I wouldn't immediately DCPromo the old server though, I would simply power it down and validate everything is functioning correctly then you may remove it completely after that.

Thanks