Install Exchange 5.5 with the "/R" switch - "Setup.exe /R"

When you use the "/R" switch the installation creates a stub directory Database. It allows the Setup to complete sucessfully but is incapable of replicating with other directory databases. The Setup will set up the server but stop without starting the services. This will allow you to restore data from backup before starting the services.

Again it is important to understand that the stub directory does not support the creation of Information Store Databases on the server. When you use the "/R" switch you must restore a previously existing directory database before the Exchange server becomes fully operational.

Q&A

Q: When should I use "/R" switch?
A: You should use "/R" switch when you have more than one Exchange servers in the target Site.

Q: What will happen if I have more than one Exchange servers in the target Site and I don't use the "/R" switch?
A: If you do not use the "/R" switch and you install the exchange Server with the same service account as the other Servers in the Site you may cause unintended replication with the original Site. This results in the loss of configuration information and the destruction of Free/Busy and Offline Address Book information.

Q: Can I run setup without the "R" switch if I have only one Exchange server in the target Site?
A: Yes, if you have only one Exchange server in the target Site you can run Setup without using the "R" switch because there are no other servers in the site to replicate with this one. This is true even if there are other sites in your exchange organization.

Q: Why I am not able to run Performance Optimizer again when I finsh "Setup /R" in order to change the database paths before i restore the databases?
A: At the end of the "Setup /R" installation you are prompted as usual with the Performance Optimizer option. If you skip it you can not run again Perfomrance Optimizer to change the database paths.

Q: I have exited "Setup /R" without running the Performance Optimizer. How can I setup the database paths?
A: You have to remove the whole Exchange installation and start over. To do this after using "Setup /R" delete the "\Exchsrvr" folder, run setup again, without the "/R" switch and select the "Remove All" option.