Backup Exchange

[Tamir_Schen]

Running Win SBS 2003 R2, Backup Exec 11d -backup go on tape,(only one server) I can backup up the information store, and restore the mail boxes with no problem, But what about the .edb .stm files. Is there away to backup those files? Or backing up the Information Store is good enough in case of bad crash or lost of the exchange server ?
Thanks,

Tamir

[Keith_Langmead]

Since the .edb and .stm files are always in use while Exchange is running Backup Exec can't backup those individual files, so instead Backup Exec basically backs up Exchange as a whole, eg as an entire entity rather than a collection of files, and therefore the Information Store backup includes all the data which is contained within those files, so no you don't need to worry about them.

[Philip_Pearson]

Backing up the information store should be enough however, if you want DR you should backup all drives as well, which will include your .edb files by default.
If you are using GRT you don't need to backup the individual mailboxes but I still think it is a good idea until we know for a fact that the grt issues have been solved.

[Philip_Pearson]

Not contradicting you keith, we both posted at the same time.

[Bj_rn_Halstad]

Hi Tamir,

When using 11 to backup Exchange under the icon "Microsoft Information Store" you have done a backup of all the necessary database and log files in Exchange.
In restore selection there are 2 views. If you expand you will see the mailboxes with its items. If you select fx just one mailbox you will restore just this mailbox. If you select at the root of the IS/Storage group/mailstore you will do a database restore.
So yes, backing up the Information store is what you need to be able to recover from a bad crash, Exchange coruption etc.

Rgds,

Bj�

[Keith_Langmead]

Well Tamir, what more could you ask for, three people all rushing to answer your question! :)

Philip raises a good additional point though, while the edb and stm files are not needed, Backup Exec will automatically exclude them anyway from the backup so your best option is to just select everything and let Backup Exec handle it, as you do need some of the files (which are capable of being backed up) to do a DR restore. And of course you need to ensure you have a backup of your System State data as well, otherwise a DR restore won't work properly.

[Tamir_Schen]

Thanks you all for this info , was very helpful