Summary

This chapter demonstrated how to back up and restore an Exchange server. The first step in backing up a server is deciding what you need to back up. This can include the main Exchange databases (PRIV x .EDB, PUB x .EDB, and their corresponding STM files) as well as transaction logs. You might also elect to back up items in the Exchange Server subdirectories, any serverstored user information, and System State information.

Once you have decided what to back up, you must decide how to perform the backup. There are five basic types of backups: normal, copy, incremental, differential, and daily. Exchange Server 2003 supports the use of the normal, incremental, and differential backup types. When you install Exchange Server 2003, you also install an enhanced version of Windows Backup that provides support for online backups .

Restoring a database from an online backup using Windows Backup is essentially the reverse process of performing the backup in the first place. If you are restoring multiple databases to the same server, you must choose different directories in which to save the temporary logs or you must restore one database at a time. When restoring after a complete system failure, you must first reinstall Windows Server 2003, restore the system drive and the System State backup information, reinstall Exchange Server 2003 using Disaster Recovery mode, and then restore the Exchange databases.

Performing regular backups is one part of a good disaster recovery plan. You should also verify and document your backups, perform practice restores , and have recovery servers standing by in case of emergency.