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Rename Exchange Server

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9 replies

by mrochr

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Have a question on how to Rename my Exchange server. IF anyone has done this with now Problems will appreciate any help. Have to Rename it for DNS purposes.
Thanks
Rick

9 replies

by gregory w. smith

What DNS purposes? You can change the DNS name under TCP/IP network settings without affecting Exchange at all. However, I have seen numerous problems from renaming an Exchange server's PC name, some not appearing for up to a week...

by rhowell

You didn't say what version of Exchange so I assume it is 5.0 or 5.5.. Well, to put it simply .."Your screwed". The only way I know is to reload exchange. The server name is tied to the x.500 delivery mechanism of exchange and to the exchange database in several places. There are several ways to accomplish the reload that will have minimum effect on your users, however, I am not aware of any process that is transparent to the user.

Good Luck.. I wish the news was better...

by doubledown

It is definitely easier to rename the DNS entry yourself, or even if you have to yell at your ISP until they change it (if they maintain your DNS tables).
You will not like what happens if you rename the server.

by mckaytech

I agree that this is not a particularly good situation to be in. As far as I know, you can't just change the hostname in DNS without causing all manner of strange and unseemly problems.

The only approach I know of is to use a tool like Exmerge to export all the mailboxes and information in them, rebuild the server with the new name, install Exchange with the new name, and then import the exported information. (make sure you have a verified backup before starting, etc. etc.)

However, I've never had the chutzpah to try this particular procedure so I can only say that it SHOULD work but not that it DOES work.

paul

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