Exchange 2003 GRT backups to tape

[Jonneybegood]

Hi-

We're running Symantc 12.5 and attempting to backup Exchange 2003 usnig GRT to tape. End goal is obviously to give us the oppertunity to restore by individual mailbox if necessary.

With AOFO selected we're getting the below error

Has anybody seen this before and what's the best work around?

Error category    : Resource Errors
Error             : e000fed1 - A failure occurred querying the Writer status.

For additional information regarding this error refer to link V-79-57344-65233

[AmolB]

Its not recommended to use AOFO for Exchange backups.

Check the writer status on the exchange server (vssadmin list writers)

Install VSS rollup patch If its a Win 2003 server

[Jonneybegood]

I get the below status on the mail server when I run vssadmin list writers

Are there any risks associated with installing VSS rollup patch ? does it require a reboot?

Writer name: 'Microsoft Exchange Writer'
   Writer Id: {76fe1ac4-15f7-4bcd-987e-8e1acb462fb7}
   Writer Instance Id: {ec423e04-9e05-407f-8a23-ef58c7d7fb67}
   State: [9] Failed
   Last error: Retryable error

[AmolB]

VSS rollup patch requires a reboot and its only applicable for Win 2003 server.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940349

[CraigV]

...there's ALWAYS a risk when patching, but I have done this a couple of times and haven't run into a problem.

Just make sure you have a current backup, especially of the registry, and do the necessary preparation on your side.

If this doesn't work, and you still have VSS issues, check the MS website below. It offers a small utility that reregisters VSS for you. I used this, and it works like a charm!

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940184