Exchange 2003 : User deleted a subfolder from Inbox. How to recover?

[RafRey]

Hello all,

I have a user that accidentally deleted a subfolder from her inbox in Outlook 2003 a couple of weeks ago. We are on Exchange Server 2003. I retrieved the Exchange.bkf file from a tape from that night.

When recovering using NTBackup, I don't see a way to recover the databases without overwriting the current files. I certainly don't want to do that.

Do I need to build a new Exchange server in order to retrieve the database files and then create a .pst from there?

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated and be worth a few karma points.

Thanks!

-Raf

 

[Davetoo]

Did you check if it was still in the Deleted Items folder?

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[RafRey]

She cleared her Deleted Items folder, so it is long gone.
:-(

 

[zbnet]

Use a Recovery Storage Group to restore to:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=824126

 

[xmsre]

An RSG and exmerge is the way to go.

 

[Zelandakh]

Do you have deleted item retention turned on in which case use that. If not, turn it on for future problems and use RSG as per above.

 

[Davetoo]

As Zel says and I was eluding to, even if she cleared her deleted items, if you're deleted items retension was set and goes back far enough, it will still be there.

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[RafRey]

Thanks for all the input, I appreciate it. DaveToo nailed it, the folder was sitting in her Deleted Items box. She swears it was not there before!

Thanks,

Raf

 

[Knackster]

Repeat after me:
" All users are liars "

All joking aside, make sure you have a few weeks in the deleted items retention setting. That will save your keester in times like this.

Chris
IT Manager
Houston, Texas