How To Install Exchange Server 2007 in 13 Easy Steps

By Gosia Grabowska
December 11, 2007

Topics Mentioned
Software:: Exchange Server 2007

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 has a lot to offer, including new capabilities, more efficiency, advanced protection, and many other advantages over its predecessors.

For those of you who have already made the decision to move up to the new version of Exchange, I’m here to show you just how easy the installation process can be! All it takes is 13 easy steps!

We’ll go through all of the steps you’ll need to successfully install Exchange Server 2007 on Windows Server 2003. If you’re using Server 2008 instead, then check out this how-to article oninstalling Exchange Server 2007 on Windows Server 2008.

Before we get started, you should make sure that your machine meets the minimum system requirements. As with any operating system installation, this is a critical step that you don’t want to overlook.

Microsoft recommends for every administrator to check the network, hardware, software, client computer as well as other recommended elements before the actual Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 installation. For more information about the minimum system requirements see Microsoft TechNet. Now let’s get started!

Installing Exchange Server 2007

1. For our installation, we will be using the Exchange Server 2007 Setup Wizard.So start by logging on to the server on which you want to do the install and insert the Exchange Server 2007 DVD into the DVD drive. Setup.exe will automatically start.

2. On the Start page complete steps 1 through 3:

Step 1: Install .NET Framework 2.0
Step 2: Install Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
Step 3: Install Microsoft Windows PowerShell

Note: If you already have these installed on your server you will automatically be taken to the next step.

3. The physical installation of Exchange Server is the fourth step in the installation process. Once you’re ready to continue, click on:

Step 4: Install Microsoft Exchange

And in the Introduction window click on Next

4. Click on the I accept the terms in the license agreement option and click Next

5. Select Yes or No for the Error Reporting option. In my example I’m going to enable this feature. When ready, click on Next

6. Select one of the installation types listed. I’m going to select the Typical Exchange Server Installation. In this window you may also specify the path for the installation; I’m going to accept the default. When ready, click Next

7. In the next window you can specify client settings. Click on the Yes option if you think that one of your clients might have Outlook 2003 on his or her system.

If you are positive that all client computers have Outlook 2007 installed, you may click on No. When ready, click on Next to continue

8. Once the Readiness Checks are done running, click on the Install button to start the installation

9. The entire installation takes approximately 30 minutes. When it is successful you will see this window, on which you can go ahead and click Finish

10. You should update your Exchange server right after the installation. To do so, go back to the main install screen and click on Step 5: Critical Updates for Microsoft Exchange