Exchange 2003 on W2K3 backup strategy.

[pct3ch]

Hi,

I'm getting ready to backup our exchange 2K3 server using BackupExec 9.1 and I was wondering how to go about it. Should I use just one backup for everything (DB, logs, mailboxes,etc) Obviosly I've never installed backup software on an exchange box. Any links to directions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ntinlin]

I read somewhere that using W2003's system snapshot was best way to go but to use it Backup Exec needed an open file agent.

You shouldn't need to backup individual mailboxes anymore because of the recovery storage group feature. Just need the physical databases.

 

[pct3ch]

Thanks for your reply!

I have also read that Shadow Copy should be enabled. I have 3 different partitions, 1 for the OS, 1 for the logs and 1 for the database. I have installed the Remote Agent on the exchange server. Do I backup the IS and mailboxes on the same job or seperately?

 

[ntinlin]

If using the NT backup I believe you should back up XC separately. Something to do with a system state backup not working when backing up XC.

Not sure with other backup utils.

In backing up XC5.5 I've found it preferable to do the brick level backup of the mailboxes separately from the IS. Mainly because it falls over so often. Not sure about XC2003 on this score. Will depend on backup agent really.

 

[pct3ch]

I will be using BackupExec 9.1....not sure if that makes any difference.