Adding an SSL Certificate to Exchange Server 2007 for Migration to Exchange Online

Migrating to Exchange Online from Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 requires meticulous planning and configuration to ensure secure communication and service continuity. Adding an SSL certificate is a critical step in this process, particularly for enabling services like Outlook Anywhere, Cutover Migration, and Exchange ActiveSync.

At Medha Cloud, we specialize in delivering seamless migrations by handling SSL certificate configuration and other essential tasks for organizations transitioning to Microsoft 365. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for adding an SSL certificate to Exchange Server 2007.

Why an SSL Certificate is Essential

An SSL certificate enables secure connections between clients and servers. For Exchange 2007, certificates are vital for services like Outlook Anywhere and Exchange ActiveSync, ensuring encrypted communication during migration to Exchange Online.

Tasks for Adding an SSL Certificate to Exchange Server 2007

Adding an SSL certificate to Exchange Server 2007 involves three key steps:

1. Create a certificate request.
2. Submit the request to a certificate authority (CA).
3. Import the certificate.

Step 1: Create a Certificate Request

To create a certificate request, you use the New-ExchangeCertificate command in the Exchange Management Shell.

Prerequisites:

• You must have the Exchange Server Administrator role.
• Your account must be a member of the local Administrators group on the target server.

Steps to Create the Certificate Request:

1. Open the Exchange Management Shell on the server.

2. Run the following command, customizing it for your environment:
PowerShell

New-ExchangeCertificate -DomainName "owa.servername.contoso.com","mail.servername.contoso.com","autodiscover.servername.contoso.com","sts.servername.contoso.com","oos.servername.contoso.com","mail12.servername.contoso.com","edge.servername.contoso.com" -FriendlyName "Exchange 2007 Certificate" -GenerateRequest:$true -KeySize 2048 -Path "C:\certlocation" -PrivateKeyExportable $true -SubjectName "c=us, o=ContosoCorporation, cn=servername.contoso.com"

Step 2: Submit the Request to a Certificate Authority

Once the certificate request is created:

1. Submit the request file to a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) such as DigiCert, GlobalSign, or an internal CA.
2. Follow the specific instructions provided by your CA for submitting the request.
3. Ensure that the CA is trusted by clients connecting to your Exchange server.

Step 3: Import the Certificate

After receiving the SSL certificate from the CA, use the Import-ExchangeCertificate command to install it on the Exchange server.

Steps to Import the Certificate:

1. Open the Exchange Management Shell.

2. Run the following command: PowerShell

Import-ExchangeCertificate -FileData ([Byte[]]$(Get-Content -Path "C:\filepath" -Encoding Byte -ReadCount 0))

Replace C:\filepath with the location of the certificate file received from the CA.

3. The command generates a Thumbprint output parameter.

Steps to Enable the Certificate:

1. Use the Enable-ExchangeCertificate command to assign services to the certificate:

PowerShell

Enable-ExchangeCertificate -Thumbprint 5113ae0233a72fccb75b1d0198628675333d010e -Services iis,smtp,pop,imap

2. Specify services using the Services parameter. At a minimum, assign IIS and SMTP.

3. If prompted with Overwrite the existing default SMTP certificate?, type A to overwrite for all.

Final Thoughts

Adding an SSL certificate to Exchange 2007 ensures secure communication and supports key services during migration to Exchange Online. Proper configuration minimizes risks and guarantees a seamless transition.

For organizations looking to simplify this process, Medha Cloud offers comprehensive migration services. Our experts manage the entire SSL certificate lifecycle and provide end-to-end support for Exchange and Microsoft 365 migrations.

Contact Medha Cloud today to secure your migration with industry-leading expertise. Visit Medha Cloud’s contact page or call us to schedule a consultation. Let us help you unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 while ensuring a secure and efficient migration.