Backup choices for Exchange 2003

[rws70]

I searched previous posts and hope I did not miss something, so pardon if I am repeating a question and thanks in advance for advise given.

I recently upgraded from Exch 5.5 to 2003. I was very comfortable with 5.5 backups, restores, redirected restores, etc. (received great help with that on Tek-Tips)

I am now on Exch 2003 with Veritas 10d with Exchange Agent. (will upgrade to 11d soon)

I am currently backing up:

Microsoft Exch Public Folders
Microsoft Information Store
Microsoft Site Replication Service (still a mixed site)

Question 1:
Should I back up the two Shadow Copy Components, and can the Exch agent handle that, or do I need Advanced Open File Agent? (if I need Adv O File A, what settings should I use for that?)

Question 2:
Should I back up the C drive? (logs and store are on diff drives) Is it hard to rebuild a 2003 server, name it the same, and restore Info store, etc. to it without having a C drive backup? (I did not back up C when on Exch 5.5)

Thanks again in advance for help and advise shared.
RWS

 

[steveot]

I would backup everything on the Exchange Server if you have the tape space. If you have AOFO dont select AOFO in the job setup when backing up the Exchange Server. This will perform a VSS backup of the IS and you have limited option when trying to restore the server or IS if a diaster occurs.

 

[Zelandakh]

This is a cross post - I answered this in the Exchange forum.