Exchange 5.5 Backup

Melissa, it really depends on what backup software you are using.

A few Exchange basics first:

ONLINE backup: backup conducted while Exchange services are running

OFFLINE backup: backup conducted after Exchange services are stopped

Transaction log files: Exchange uses transaction logs as part of its fault-tolerance scheme. Transaction logs are always created at a size of 5 MB. When a log fills, a new one is created. Logs continue to multiply until an ONLINE full or incrementalbackup is accomplished. Once an online backup is accomplished, the log files on disk are deleted. An OFFLINE backup will not cause these log files to be deleted. Consequently, they will continue to multiply until your disk is full.

In order toconduct an ONLINE backup, the backup softare MUST be "Exchange-aware." Not all backup software meets this condition. Windows NT Backup will work. Almost all business-oriented backup software will work (although many require you to purchase extra add-ons or agents specific to Exchange). Most software targeted towards the desktop or towards home users will NOT work properly with Exchange.

Providing the backup software is "Exchange-aware", you do not need to stop any services. Conversely, all Exchange services need to be running in order to properly conduct an online backup.

Hope this helps.

Say I would like to do any offline backup, what services would have to be running?
the only one I think is the system attendant.