How to Set Up an Exchange Server

Exchange servers are part of most business and school networks. These servers manage all Microsoft Outlook accounts, including email and calendars. Sometimes Exchange servers are stand-alone servers, while other networks are small enough to allow Exchange to run on an existing server. Exchange servers work with the existing servers on your network to provide a central access point for all things Outlook.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Domain functional level of all domains at Windows 2000 Server or higher
• Domain controller with Active Directory running Windows Server 2003
• Stand-alone server (with Windows 2003 Server, .Net Framework 2.0, CD drive)
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

1. Insert the Exchange Server CD into the desired server. If the setup window does not appear, go to Windows Explorer, browse for the CD and click "Setup.exe."

2. 
   Setup window--MsExchangeTeam.com

   Install any necessary components by clicking on the black links. These are listed in order on the setup screen. If any steps are grayed out and listed as "Installed," you are ready to proceed to the next step. The installation steps include .Net Framework 2.0, Microsoft Management Console, Microsoft Command Shell, Microsoft Exchange and Critical Updates.

3. Install Exchange by clicking on Step 4 in the setup window once all other components are installed except the critical updates.

4. Enable "Error Reporting" by clicking the "Yes" radio button. This provides Microsoft with a way of seeing exactly what errors Exchange may cause.

5. Choose the type of installation you want. The options include Typical and Custom. Custom allows for more control over the installation.

6. Choose the server roles you want to install if you chose Custom in Step 5, and click Next.

7. Provide the organization name if you are setting up a new organization. If you are simply joining an existing Exchange organization, this will be detected automatically.Existing Exchange organizations will also require you to select the existing Exchange server to connect to.

8. Choose whether any clients are running Outlook 2003 on your network.

9. Wait for the setup wizard to perform readiness checks for each role you chose to install. If all prerequisites are met, the "Install" button will become available to be checked. If any prerequisites are not met, perform any steps that the wizard says are required for installation.

10. Click "Install" and allow installation to complete.

11. Install any critical updates to finish the steps on the setup window.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your server meets the minimum requirements listed with the Exchange software.
• Research the different versions of Exchange server to be sure you purchase the version that is right for your network. These steps cover Exchange Server 2007.
• Never purchase Exchange software from questionable sources. You will more than likely lose your money and receive OEM software whose license has already been used.

Resources

• Microsoft Knowledge Base article for Exchange 2007