To rebuild a server

1. Replace damaged hardware.
2. Rebuild the server.
   1. Perform a new installation of Windows 2000, ensuring that you use a random computer name and make the computer a member of a workgroup instead of joining the domain.
   2. Next, install any other applications (other than Exchange 2000) that run on the server. Be sure to reconfigure the applications as they were previously configured, such as installing them to the same drives and directories to which they were originally installed.
   3. Finally, install any service packs, patches, or updates for Windows 2000 and your server applications.
3. Restore your Windows backup set. Restoring your System State data and Windows operating system files restores the Windows 2000 registry database files that provide the rebuilt computer with its original NetBIOS name, returns the server to its original domain, and restores many other important files (such as the IIS metabase).
4. Restore your dynamic data from backup.
5. Run Exchange 2000 Setup in Disaster Recovery mode. This reclaims the Active Directory configuration information for the rebuilt Exchange 2000 server and returns the Exchange 2000 files to the computer.
6. Install any Exchange 2000 service packs in Disaster Recovery mode. When you install Exchange 2000 service packs, use the disaster recovery setup switch. This switch prevents the Exchange 2000 databases from being mounted at the end of the setup, so that you can proceed directly to restoring the databases from backup.
7. Restore Exchange 2000 database using Backup. To save time, consider running multiple instances of Backup simultaneously to reduce the time it takes perform the restore process.

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Enterprise Edition
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Standard Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition
• Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server