Recipe2.11.Upgrading the Evaluation Version of Exchange

Recipe 2.11. Upgrading the Evaluation Version of Exchange

Problem

You've installed the 120-day evaluation version of Exchange 2000 or 2003, and now you need to upgrade it to the full licensed version, but you don't want to rebuild your server.

Solution

Using a graphical user interface

1. Launch the Exchange setup utility (setup.exe) from the product CD or installation point.

2. Click Next at the initial welcome screen.

3. Accept the license agreement and click Next.

4. If prompted for your 25-character product key, fill it in, and click Next.

5. When the Component Selection page appears, set the Action for the Microsoft Exchange component to Reinstall, then click Next.

6. Click Next on the summary screen.

7. Wait for the installation to complete. The Exchange services will automatically restart.

8. Launch the Exchange System Manager (Exchange System Manager.msc).

9. Select the Servers node beneath the AG that owns the target server. Check the server type shown in the righthand pane to verify that the server type no longer says Evaluation.

Discussion

Microsoft freely distributes 120-day evaluation versions of Exchange Server 2003, in both Standard and Enterprise Editions, from http://www.getexchange2003.com/dl. At the end of the evaluation period, the information store will no longer mount any databases. The files are still intact, and you can move them to another server, but it's easier to install the licensed version of the product because doing so restores the server to full functionality. You don't have to reboot after the upgrade, but during the upgrade itself, your users won't be able to access their mailboxes.

See Also

Recipe 2.7 for more on installing Exchange