Part 5: Install Exchange Server 2019 on Server 2019 Core

This is Part 5 , the final part of this series. After we have checked thy system requirements and have installed the prerequisites in Part 4 we can Install Exchange Server 2019 on the prepared Server 2019 Core server.

In order to Install Exchange Server 2019 we need to copy the Exchange Server ISO file to Server 2019 Core:

Since this is a Server Core the most convenient way for me was to open an explorer and reach out to the Server Core’s drive C$. You will need to log on as a Domain Admin. ( Testlab.local )

Make sure you have read the info and you have installed all prerequisites mentioned in Exchange Server 2019 Prerequisites.

Mount the exchange Server 2019 ISO file:

The following lines describe how to mount an .iso file on Server Core.
I found the information on Mike F Roobin’s blog very clear and helpful.

Now we need to know the assigned drive letter:

Install Exchange Server 2019:

Prepare Active Directory for Exchange 2019:

We will need to run PrepareSchema, Prepare AD and PrepareAllDomains first. Make sure once again that the Exchange Server can reach the ActiveDirectory as a Domain Member. Use a Domain Admin Account.

PrepareSchema:

PrepareAD:

PrepareDomains:

Install Exchange 2019:

This can take an extended amount of time. Consider to give the VM where you install Exchange Server 2019 the most possible RAM and CPU power.

When I started to build a new test lab I had just 16GB of RAM installed on my host system. So I gave the Exchange Server 6 GB of RAM and eight I7 Skylake cores.
With these specs, it took somewhat over an hour to install Exchange 2019.

Later I extended my RAM amount to 48GB. Exchange 2019 usually gets 16GB now. That is well enough for my test lab.

Ok, there is nothing more left to be said.
Enjoy your Exchange Server 2019

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Part 4: Exchange Server 2019 Prerequisites

Here in Part 4 we will install the Exchange Server 2019 Prerequisites. We have joined the server where we will install Exchange Server 2019 to the Domain in Part 3 already.

Let’s take a look at the System Requirements first.

System Requirements Exchange Server 2019:

Additional Information Exchange Server 2019:

Exchange Server 2019 Prerequisites Install:

Copy the following required C++ Redistributable packages to the Exchange Server:

an install them through Command Line.

Install the Server Media Foundation windows feature:

Install required Windows components on Server Core:

Install UCMA from the Exchange Server 2019 .iso file:

( Use this one, not the one Microsoft states in the Error Message when you have started the Exchange Install but have forgotten to install UCMA. ( as I did )

Ok, we are good to go now to install Exchange Server 2019 on Windows Server 2019 Core.

Microsoft describes the required prerequisites for various scenarios here:
Exchange – Plan and Deploy – Prerequisites

The installation of Exchange Server 2019 on Server 2019 Core is covered in Part 5 :
Install Exchange Server 2019

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Part 3: Join AD Domain Server Core

This is Part 3 of how to Prepare a Hyper-V Exchange 2019 Lab and this post named Join AD Domain Server Core describes exactly what the name suggests:  We will join Windows Server 2019 Core ( Exchange2019 ) to the Domain we have set up in Part 2

Join AD Domain Server Core – Join Server 2019 Core to AD domain:

Logon to Exchange2019 ( Windows Server 2019 Core ) and type:

> sconfig > Choose 1  > Choose (D)omain
> type in the name of the domain to join. In this case testlab.local.

You will need to provide the credentials of the domain admin user.

When asked if you want to rename the computer before restart do so if not already done otherwise click:

Your domain ( testlab.local ) should be pingable now from this server.

Manage Server Core from AD Server Manager via GUI:

Log on to AD2019 ( Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience ) and open Server Manager
Go to:

> Dashboard > Add other servers to manage

Choose the DNS tab and write in the server name of the Exchange 2019 server ( Exchange2019 ):

> Add the server and click OK.

Exchange2019 will now appear in All Server ready to be managed with the following options to your disposal:

Before we start to install Exchange Server 2019 on Windows Server 2019 Core ( Exchange 2019 ) let’s check the system requirements and prerequisites covered in Part 4:

Exchange Server 2019 Prerequisites

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Part 2: Install Active Directory Role Server 2019

In order to install Exchange 2019 on Windows Server 2019 core, we will need an Active Directory Server promoted to a Domain Controller. In Part 1 we already have prepared 2 VMs running Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience ( AD2019 ) and Windows Server 2019 Core ( Exchange2019 ).

Install Active Directory Role on Server 2019 ( Desktop Experience )

Log in to the AD server and get rid of the nasty stuff + some preparation:

Configure a static IP address and Default Gateway on the NIC of the default switch:

The Default Gateway and preferred DNS IPs point to the HyperVisor default IP 172.24.96.129 which NATs to the NIC of the host machine.

>OK

Install Active Directory Role on Windows Server 2019 (AD2019) and further required features.

Use Roles and Features Wizard:

Installation Type:

Server Selection:

Server Roles:

Features:

AD DS ( Active Directory Domain Services ):

Confirmation:

Results

Configure the Domain Controller

Deployment Configuration:

Domain Controller Options

DNS Options:

Additional Options:

Paths:

Review Options:

Prerequisites Check:

Results:

After login with the built-in administrator account, I was not able to open the  network adapter options via right click on the taskbar > Open Network & Internet settings >  Ethernet > Change adapter Options:

It was possible though to open the network adapter properties the old school way:

You can find some workarounds on this TechNet forum:
Network-change-adapter-options-windows-cannot-access-the-specified-device-path-or-file

I worked around this issue creating a new domain admin user by copying the built-in administrator:

After login with the new admin, the adapter options can be opened via the network icon in the taskbar.

In Part 3 we will join the 2nd VM running Windows Server 2019 Core to the domain:

Join Windows Server Core 2019 to AD Domain

.

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Part 1: Exchange Server 2019 Hyper V Install – Prepare VMs

This post is the first part of a series where I share my experience on how to prepare an Exchange Server 2019 Hyper V install and install an AD Server and an Exchange 2019 Server on Hyper V.  The first part covers the Virtual Machines.

Microsoft recommends min. 128 GB of RAM for an Exchange 2019 Install in a production environment. Curious about how Exchange 2019 behaves and for testing purpose I will set up a test environment on my test lab before we start to build our real test environment at work.

Before we begin some information on the available resources :

You see it’s just a home lab, so much more curious am I if Exchange 2019 is able to run with these specifications.

Exchange Server 2019 Hyper V Install

Target is to prepare 2 VMs

• Server 2019 as Domain Controller running Active Director with Desktop Experience ( GUI )
• Server 2019 Core where we will install Exchange 2019

Ok let’s get to it :

Create a new Virtual Machine for the Domain Controller ( AD2019 ) running on Server 2019 with Desktop Experience ( GUI )

Specify Name and Location:

> Choose 2nd generation > Next

Assign Memory:

I do not use Dynamic Memory in hope of a better Performance.
When we later prepare the VM for an Exchange Server 2019 Hyper V Install a fixed memory is mandatory. Exchange 2019 does not support Dynamic Memory.

Configure Networking:

Set it to fit your needs but make sure that Exchange and the Domain Controller can communicate with each other. I will choose the default switch for both VMs. This makes sure that they NAT to the NIC of the host machine ( Win 10 ) and have internet access. You can block internet access if needed through the firewall of the host machine by blocking all inbound and outbound connections from and to the Hyper-V default IP ( 174.24.96.129 ). When blocked both guests still can communicate with each other.

Connect Virtual Hard Disk:

Under Create a virtual hard disk specify the location and size of the Virtual Disk ( .vhdx ). In this case, 45GB will be more than enough for my needs.
If you already have a Domain Controller prepared on an existing virtual hard disk choose that option.

Installations Option:

Choose the location where you have stored the Server 2019 installation media.

Check the Summary and confirm with Finish.

Go to the Settings of the newly created Virtual Machine to check the hardware :

Install Windows Server 2019 with Desktop Experience

First, connect to the newly created Virtual Machine ( Ad2019 ). It is easier to hit a key straight away after the VM starts when you connect first. You will need to hit a key to boot from DVD.

Set the language to install, Time and currency format and the keyboard or input method.

This VM ( AD2019 ) will run Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Edition with Desktop Experience.

Since this scenario covers a new install on a new VM choose Custom

Wait until Windows Setup finishes. Depending on your chosen hardware specs this can take some time.

Create the 2nd Virtual Machine for Exchange 2019 running on Server 2019 core.

In Hyper V Manager create a new virtual machine and repeat the steps listed under Point 1.

I gave this VM 60 GB disk space. This should fit all needs for this Exchange Server 2019 Hyper V Install.

Don’t forget to adjust the hardware in the settings of the VM.

Install Windows Server 2019 core on the 2nd Virtual Machine

Again first connect to the newly created Virtual Machine ( Exchange2019 )

Set the language to install, Time and currency format and the keyboard or input method.

This VM ( Exchange2019 ) will run Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Core named just Windows Server 2019.

Since this scenario covers a new install on a new VM choose Custom

Again wait until Windows Setup finishes. Depending on your chosen hardware specs this can take some time. The install to the SSD is really fast and takes only a couple of minutes.

After the install has finished you need to change the password of the built-in Administrator

Now we need to make sure that both servers can communicate with each other:
Disable IPV6 on the Domain Controller ( AD2019). Otherwise, the server responds with its IPV6 IP. For me, it is more transparent this way since my config is based on IPV4.

You can disable IPV6 on Server Core ( Exchange 2019 ) as well if needed.
After  I have disabled IPV6 on Server 2019 Core I was not able to open Network Settings under Network Adapter Settings: Invalid Index.

Find more information here :
Disable IPv6 on Server Core through Powershell and deal with the Invalid Index state

Next, disable the appropriate Firewall to make sure both servers can see each other:

Note: Since it is a test lab I have disabled the firewall on all three networks > Domain, Public and Private. Adjust this according to your environment.

Disable Firewall on Exchange2019 Server Core and enable Remote Management:

Check the status with:

Disable the firewall:

The core server Exchange2019 will be pingable now.

Enable Remote Management: Powershell

Configure a network interface to communicate with the Domain Controller:

Type sconfig > the Server Configuration shows up.

I have already assigned a fix IP address to this server.
You can configure the IP address and Default Gateway through the following options:
Set Network Adapter Address :

Enter the Default Gateway:

Set DNS Server:

Now that both servers can ping each other the next step in our Exchange Server 2019 Hyper V Install will be to prepare and install the AD Server Role on  Server 2019 Desktop Experience.

This is covered in Part 2 : Install the Active Directory Role on Server 2019

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