Backup and Restore

[Ricjd]

We have a machine running windows 200 server, and amongst other things exchange 2000. All of the people’s e-mail is stored on the server. We now wish to reformat the server. My biggest problem is making sure all the e-mails are backed up to a different storage space then, once the server is back up and running with exchange, to restore the mailboxes so everybody then has all their original emails.

Does any one know of a good web site which could walk me through this, or maybe helpful tips? It would be all gratefully received.

Thanking you in advance
Rick

 

[Ricjd]

Also we will be changing domain names during the process of reformatting. Will this needed to be taken into consideration?

Rick

 

[speedracercjr]

Most definitly. Exchange is 100% dependent upon AD running. And if you change the name of your domain your gonna run into a TON of problems when you restore your E2K backup. Its still going to be looking for the old domain name.

 

[Ricjd]

But i don't know how to back up E2K, if if this wil cause a lot of problems then is it possible to backup E2K so it won't be looking for the old domian?

 

[speedracercjr]

I don't think so. I don't think its possible to just restore it to a new domain and it work. Like i said it relies on AD 100% to run, so if AD is different the store won't mount.

 

[jsd2003]

The mailbox stores won't mount if the domain or the hostname changes. You'd probably do better to exmerge all the mailboxes, do all your reformatting/reinstallation stuff, create new mailboxes for everyone, then exmerge the stuff back into the mailboxes. Search support.microsoft.com for more info on Exmerge. Getting it to work can be tricky, but once you do, you'll love it.

 

[mrexchange]

Just a side note for you,

I have a program that will restore the databases. Even if you don't have a backup. All I would need is the public and private databases.

Even if you have a backup, if you change the domain name then I am almost positive exchange will not restore properly. Like mentioned above exchange relies on AD.

Just to let you know, I am not trying to advertise here, but kevinmcg@rogers.com for more info on the procedure of the restore from the program.

Kevin