Exchange backups

[maya14]

What is the best backup strategy or backup software for Exchange mailboxes? I’m using SBS backup but am considering Backup Exec for SBS. Some people also use Exmerge to make PST files on a regular basis.
Any special config or settings needed on Exchange?

 

[markdmac]

What is the best backup strategy or backup software for Exchange mailboxes

To do what kind of recovery?

If you are looking for individual mailbox restore then use backup exec, otherwise I think you are just wasting your money by not using NTBackup.

I would suggest you read up on using Storage Recovery Groups, also how to reconnect a deleted mailbox and how to restore deleted items from within Outlook as well as how to configure deleted item retention. I think you will find there is little reason to use another solution and it should not be necessary to go to tape except for all ot disaster recovery.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

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[58sniper]

Mark must be dyslexic or something. It's Recovery Storage Group. You would create one to do a restore, and you'd remove it when you were done.

If you do go with Backup Exec, keep in mind that at least as recent as 10d, if you use snapshots for the backups, you can't restore to the Recovery Storage Group.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[ShackDaddy]

I agree with Mac and Snipe: the SBS Backup (ntbackup) is a good solution in most cases.

Read the Exchange Disaster Recovery Guide:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=69061

It's not actually that long and will answer all questions about what you'd need to have on hand for a good recovery.

An image of the server won't be ideal. Neither will just a backup of the files on the server.

ShackDaddy
Shackelford Consulting

 

[maya14]

Thanks guys.