We run Exchange 5.5 sp4 on an NT 4 sp6 server. Our users have outlook 2k sr1/sp2 on either NT 4.0 sp6 or W2k sp2 pro. We use backup exec 8.5 to run backups. Some of the users have their email in .pst files and others have them on the server. Theones that are on the server are backed up, but due to an unknown condition, that backup often runs for over 12 hours. Under normal conditions it runs for about 7 hours and finishes at night. The .pst files are stored on local machines and are not backed up. My question is what is the recommended method for backing up email? We can’t move any more to the exchange server without significant time issues for the backup. At the same time, if someone’s pc fails, we don’t have their email/contacts/calender backed up if they’re using a .pst file. Would anyone recommending keeping the .pst file on a server and running it there? Or making a copy of the .pst file and placing it on the server? For the 2000 clients we could do a folder synchronization. I’m trying to find a solution that provides a backup of email but does not slow the network/backup job significantly. Thanks for your help!
