exchange 5.5 to 2000

Perhaps this webcast presentation may help you. It describes how to set up Exchange 2000 in Exhange 5.5 environment. This is not quite what you asked for, but may give you some idea what to expect.

http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/webcasts/wc111600/wcblurb111600.asp

First of all you need a native (entirely w2k servers) environment with active directory working.

Than you can export using the tools, directory export menu.

There are two main approaches to upgrading Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000.

First is the upgrade method, which is really only usable for small organizations that generally have one Exchange server. It is advantageous in that it is quick, and doesn't require additional hardware. The basic steps are for upgrade are:
1. Ensure the 5.5 server is running on Win2000 SP1.
2. Backup the server (of course)
3. Perform an in-place upgrade of the server by installing Windows 2000 on it.

The second approach, coexistance, is a much more common approach, as most organizations have too many servers to perform an entire upgrade in one fell swoop. It can also be performed in conjunction with a Windows 2000 migration (but that is way too complicated to discuss here). Generally the steps are:
1. Install the Active Directory Connector to replicate between Active Directory and the 5.5 directory
2. Install a new Exchange 2000 server into the 5.5 site. Use Site Replication Services (SRS) to ensure that the 5.5 servers think the new guy in town is just like them.
3. Use the Move Mailbox wizard (same one you've always used) to move existing mailboxes from 5.5 to Exchange 2000.
4. Replicate your public folders to the Exchange 2000 server.
5. Once complete, decommission your 5.5 server.

As you requested, these are just the very basic steps. Please know what you're doing (and why) before you do this.

Hope this helps,
- Jim
Consultant