Question regarding Backup Exec 2012 & Exchange 2007 backups

[VulcanCowboy]

In "Best practices for Backup Exec 2012 Agent for Microsoft Exchange Server (http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=HOWTO74428)" says "Run Exchange backup jobs separately from other backup jobs".  I'm not sure I understand this statement.  Does that mean on each of my 4 Exchange servers I need to create at least 2 jobs; 1 that backs up the files and folders (and presumably not the Exchange databases) and a 2nd job to back up the Exchange databases?  If so, why?

I just upgraded from Backup Exec 12.5 to 2012 and am trying to figure things out.  Any help would be appreciated.

[pkh · Accepted solution]

Because when you backup Exchange you will turn off AOF, whereas for the file backup job you will turn on AOF

[VulcanCowboy]

Thanks for the quick reply, I feel pretty stupid, but what is AOF? 

[pkh]

AOF = Advanced Opened File. This is the facility to enable you to backup files which are opened during the time of the backup. It is in the job properties

[VulcanCowboy]

OK, found it.  It appears to be enabled by default.  Here are the current settings for my Exchange backups:

• Full backup to tape (everything selected, see screen shot).  Once per week (every Friday evening).
• Incremental backups nightly except Fridays when the Full backup runs.
• AOF is enabled.

So, is this configuration OK?  I have successfully restored individual mail messages.

[pkh]

No.  You should separate out your Exchange backup to another job and turn AOF OFF in that job.