How can I install Exchange Server 2003?

A. Before you install Exchange 2003, ensure that your hardware meets the OS requirements and that any additional OS components (e.g., Microsoft ASP.NET) are installed where needed, as discussed in the FAQs "Which Windows versions does Microsoft Exchange Server run on?" and "Which Windows components must be present before I install Exchange Server 2003?". You should also have run ForestPrep and DomainPrep where appropriate. To install Exchange 2003, perform the following steps:

1. Log on using the primary Exchange account that you specified when you ran the Exchange 2003 ForestPrep. When you specified this account, ForestPrep gave it the full Exchange Administration rights.
2. Insert the Exchange 2003 installation CD-ROM.
3. Start Windows Explorer, navigate to the \setup\i386 folder on the CD-ROM, then double-click setup.exe.
4. The Microsoft Exchange Installation Wizard will start. Click Next.
5. Click "I agree" to the license agreement, then click Next.
6. You now need to select which components you want to install; under Action, click Typical as this figure shows, then click Next.
7. Select the option to "Create a new Exchange Organization," as this figure shows, then click Next.
8. The wizard will prompt you for the organization name--enter a name, as this figure shows (typically the company name). Be aware that after you enter it, the organization name isn't easy to change.
9. Confirm the license regarding per-seat licensing by selecting the "I agree that I have read and will be bound by the license agreements for this product" check box, then click Next.
10. The wizard will display the summary of installation actions. Click Next.
11. The installation will start and a progress screen will display the current actions. After the installation is complete, click Finish.
12. If the system prompts you to restart the machine, click Yes.

You're now ready to start configuring and using Exchange 2003.