I'm trying to install MS Exchange 5.5 on Server 2000 so that I can later install Exchange 2000. I get about 2 minutes in and get error 0xc002041d. Delving a bit tells me that the Microsoft Exchange System Attendant Service is not starting in a timely manner.

I have checked the error on the MS web site and done everything they suggest. It still won't work.

Any suggestions?

Look through the event viewer and go over your network configuration thoughrally to make sure all your network settings are correct. Static IP addresses, dns etc etc

Pay attention to errors in the event viewer even if you dont think they are related

Have you tried a clean install of windows if thats an option?

Why not just install Exchange 2000? It doesnt make sense to install 5.5 first if you dont have to. Just before running the Exchange 2000 install for the first time make sure you run setup /forestprep and setup /domainprep.

presumably because he wants to learn 5.5 or at least practice a migration, I dont think anyone is stupid enough to do an upgrade for any other reason... I hope

Thats why I am asking.

Just for the record, I'm installing version 5.5 first because I only have an upgrade disc for 2000. The upgrade doesn't recognise previous versions on a disc, only previous installations.

I'll try those suggestions - thanks