I can sympathize with your confusion over which files to backup with an exchange server. Exchange is a very complex messaging system and requires more than a simple backup, as you would commonly do on a file server or other type computer. The problem lies in the fact that the message stores on exchange cannot be backed up as an ordinary file is. Additionally, it is during backups that the log files for exchange are purged thus keeping you from rapidly using all of your disk space. When you are selecting a backup solution, you must be sure that the software you choose has the agents that provide support for exchange. There are many fine solutions available for this however; support for exchange usually comes at an additional cost over the already expensive cost of the backup software.
If you are looking to save some dough, you can use the backup program included with NT Server. When you install exchange, the backup program native to NT is enhanced to provide both increased speed andsupport for online backups of exchange.
If you wish to automate these backups, you can writhe a simple batch file that can be initiated via the AT command or the WINAT command available as part of the NT Resource kit. The proper syntax to use when backing up the information stores and the directory services databases are:
NTBACKUP.EXE backup IS //server_name
And
NTBACKUP.EXE backup DS //server_name
These commands will backup the Information Store and the Directory services database respectively. If you restore the information store from these or any other backups you may find that you have to repair the database through the use of the ESEUTIL. Be sure to check on the proper use of this utility before usingit.
Regards,
SteveJ
