Exchange 2013 Installation Step-by-Step Cheat Sheet

Ok so I've setup a new Exchange 2013 server for a customer and got it installed with no errors.  These instructions pertain to installation on Windows Server 2012/2012R2.

I have condensed it down to make sense.  We all know TechNet instructions look like they were written by a lawyer.

I hope this helps with your install.  Good luck.

1. Install all OS updates

2. Install all the following prereqs

- .NET Framework (already on Server 2012R2).  Just use the server manager to install this as a Feature.

- Remote Tools Admin Pack ( Install-WindowsFeature RSAT-ADDS )

- Windows Components ( Install-WindowsFeature AS-HTTP-Activation, Desktop-Experience, NET-Framework-45-Features, RPC-over-HTTP-proxy, RSAT-Clustering, RSAT-Clustering-CmdInterface, RSAT-Clustering-Mgmt, RSAT-Clustering-PowerShell, Web-Mgmt-Console, WAS-Process-Model, Web-Asp-Net45, Web-Basic-Auth, Web-Client-Auth, Web-Digest-Auth, Web-Dir-Browsing, Web-Dyn-Compression, Web-Http-Errors, Web-Http-Logging, Web-Http-Redirect, Web-Http-Tracing, Web-ISAPI-Ext, Web-ISAPI-Filter, Web-Lgcy-Mgmt-Console, Web-Metabase, Web-Mgmt-Console, Web-Mgmt-Service, Web-Net-Ext45, Web-Request-Monitor, Web-Server, Web-Stat-Compression, Web-Static-Content, Web-Windows-Auth, Web-WMI, Windows-Identity-Foundation )

- Install Microsoft Unified Communications Managed API 4.0, Core Runtime 64-Bit

3. Extend the AD schema.  Use Command Prompt to drive letter with Exchange ( setup.exe /PrepareSchema /IAcceptExchangeServerLicenseTerms ).  When setup completes allow some time for AD replication to complete across all DCs.

4. Prepare AD for Exchange.  Use Command Prompt to drive letter with Exchange ( Setup.exe /PrepareAD /OrganizationName:"" /IAcceptExchangeServerLicenseTerms )

5.  Prepare all domains for Exchange 2013.  Use Command Prompt to drive letter with Exchange ( Setup.exe /PrepareAllDomains /IAcceptExchangeServerLicenseTerms )

6.  Install Office 2010 Filter Packs - Version 2.0  http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=191548 

7.  Install Office 2010 Filter Packs - Version 2.0 SP1  http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=262358 

8. Run setup.exe.  Follow prompts and allow wizard to complete install.

That's pretty much all there is to it to get it installed. 

If you want more information on detailed installation, configuration after install, and maintaining then I highly recommend you read Mastering Microsoft Exchange Server 2013.  I did and it has been a tremendous reference point for me now that Exchange 2013 deployments are becoming more common for me.

Enjoy the read and good luck!