Question : how to add an additional front end server and remove the old one

I'm in the process of virtualizing my network and I need to setup a new front end server and then bring down the old front end server.  What is the best way to accomplish this?

Answer : how to add an additional front end server and remove the old one

Install new Exchange server.

Make it front end server (ttp://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa998713(EXCHG.65).aspx)

Now Export certificate from old front and install in new fron end server.
http://www.digicert.com/ssl-support/pfx-import-export-iis.htm

install Rpc componenet if you using Rpc-https and configure valid ports

create exchnage-oma if you wanna enable FBA ( KB 817379 method 2)

Configure you internal DNS to point Mail.domain.com to your new server instead of old.

Configure your firewall so that all the traffic for mail.domain.com goes to your new server

Test if mail.domain.com goes to new server shutdown old and check if everything is working fine.

later gracefully remove exchange from old server.