Part 1 of this Screencast is available here.

In the second part of this screencast, we complete the Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019 migration process. While the focus of the first part was installing prerequisites and introducing the new Exchange 2019 server to the existing Exchange organization, in this part, we perform the actual switch of the mailflow and migration of the available resources to the new Exchange 2019 server.

To ensure a systematic and well-organized migration, we have structured the process into seven distinct steps as follows:
– Creation of a dedicated Public Folder Database and relocation of the associated database and log files to the preconfigured volumes prepared in the first Part.
– Configuration and preparation of the Connectors, including the seamless switch of mailflow from the old system to the new Exchange 2019 server.
– Presentation of various approaches for mailbox migration, along with a comprehensive discussion of their respective advantages and disadvantages. This step also involves the migration of Arbitration and Discovery Search Mailboxes.
– Organizing of user mailboxes into batches and their subsequent migration to the Exchange 2019 database.
– Moving the Public Folders. In this screencast, we demonstrate the quick migration scenario and do not create a secondary hierarchy.
– Activation of MAPI over HTTP, a critical feature for enabling robust connectivity with Exchange 2019.
– Decommissioning of the Exchange 2013 server, marking the conclusion of the migration process.

By following these logically arranged steps, you will be able to navigate the Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019 migration smoothly and efficiently.

For your convenience, we have published the text file with our project plan and the commands that we are using in the Screencast here .

Step 1 In the first step, we create a dedicated public folder database and relocate the DB and log files to the corresponding volumes. We check the Storage Quotas on the Exchange 2019 DB as well to make sure that they match or exceed the quotas that we have documented in part 1.

Step 2 Next, we proceed with creating and modifying the required connectors. Then, we test the mail flow between a test mailbox on the Exchange 2019 server and the mailboxes on the legacy Exchange 2013 server. After changing the name resolution, we perform the actual switch of the mailflow and demonstrate different approaches to test the normal functionality.

Step 3 In this step, we demonstrate different approaches for moving the mailboxes and outline their advantages and disadvantages. Then we move the arbitration and Discover Search mailboxes to Exchange 2019 server.

Step 4 Next, we demonstrate different ways to organize and move the user mailboxes in batches, including the option to complete the move requests after work hours, to minimize the impact on the clients.

Step 5 In this step, we demonstrate how to migrate and validate the migration of the public folders to Exchange 2019 server.

Step 6 Next, we will show you how to enable and validate the new transport protocol – MAPI over HTTP.

Step 7 In the last step, we demonstrate how to decommission the legacy Exchange 2013 server and perform a final validation.