How to Run the Public Folder Migration (PFMigrate) Tool

  • Article

 

The Microsoft Exchange Public Folder Migration Tool (PFMigrate) is a new tool that enables you to migrate both system folders and public folders to the new server. This topic explains how to run the PFMigrate tool.

For more information about the PFMigrate tool, see the section "Using Microsoft Exchange Public Folder Migration Tool" in Migrating from Exchange Server 5.5 to Exchange Server 2003. The PFMigrate tool is a command-line script that administrators can use to create replicas of system folders and of public folders. This tool has been updated in Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1). To obtain the PFMigrate tool, use either of the following methods:

Before You Begin

After you run PFMigrate, only the hierarchy of the system folders and public folders is migrated immediately. You must wait for replication for the contents of the system folders and public folders to be migrated. Depending on the size and number of system and public folders, as well as your network speed, replication could take a considerable amount of time. In some cases, you may need to force synchronization.

To force synchronization

  1. Open Exchange System Manager

  2. Click Administrative Group, click Site, and then click Folders.

  3. Right-click the public folder for which you want to force synchronization.

  4. Point to All Tasks and then click Send Content.

Procedure

To run the Public Folder Migration (PFMigrate) Tool

  1. In Exchange Server Deployment Tools, on the Welcome to the Exchange Server Deployment Tools page, click Deploy the first Exchange 2003 server.

  2. On the Deploy the First Exchange 2003 Server page, in the Follow this process column, click Coexistence with Exchange 5.5.

  3. On the Coexistence with Exchange 5.5 page, click Phase 3.

  4. On the Phase 3. Installing Exchange Server 2003 on the Initial Server page, click Next.

  5. On the Install Exchange 2003 on Additional Servers page, click Next.

  6. On the Post-Installation Steps page, under Moving System Folders and Public Folders, click move system folders and public folders, and then follow the steps listed to complete your public folder migration.