upgrading from Exchange 5.5 to 2000

The upgrade process is a bit more painful than SQL Server 7 to SQL Server 2000, but it can be managed. Most of the problems I have seen were with larger orgs who maintained a mixed environ for awhile, but the switch to a full AD structure is a majorone, so I am sure you could have a FUBAR in a well controlled updgrade, I just have not seen it.

Make sure you have Exchange upgraded to SP3. Have not tried an upgrade with an earlier version; I would assume it would warn you, but I do not know. In a larger org, one SP3 5.5 server can do the synchronization, but I have not attempted this.

Be very careful about how you are setting up your Win 2k domain, if you do not have one in place. Without major pain, a forest architecture is a one shot deal.

A couple of resources:
http://www.asap.com/microsoft/exchange2000/E2KUpgradeGuide.zip - most thorough guide, includes recommendations for AD in Windows 2000

http://www.asap.com/microsoft/exchange2000/E2KSixStepUpgrade.zip - shorter more concise document.

http://vcmproapp02.compaq.com/ActiveAnswers/Global/en/solutions.1128/offline.9637/default.asp - Compaq's white papers. More useful if you are using Compaq servers, but a lot of general use information.

Finally, the site that every admin should be aware of is TechNet. The exchange section is located at: http://agent.microsoft.com/technet/exchange/default.asp - you can find the Exchange upgrade series here.

I hope this helps.

Gregory A. Beamer
MCP: +I, Se, SD, DBA

These resources are a MUST if your are going to be running Exchange 2000.

Exchange 2000 Server Error and Event Messages Database.
http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/en/60/help/default.asp

Exchange 2000 Server Docuementation: Planning, Deployment, Migration.
http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/techinfo/E2Kdocumentation.htm

Hope that helps.