For any organization using the Exchange server, data protection plans and disaster recovery strategies hold critical importance. While preparing these plans and strategies, it is important to understand the various methods available for Exchange server data recovery. One can identify the method that aligns with their organization’s requirements and make the apt selection.
Before we discuss some of the best methods for Microsoft Exchange Server data recovery, let us look at some cases that may require Exchange data recovery.
What are the scenarios that require Exchange server data recovery?
Generally, one needs to recover data from the Exchange server for the following scenarios:
Scenario 1: Disaster recovery: In the event of a hardware or software failure, it is important to have a disaster recovery plan in place to minimize downtime and data loss. For this, one needs to rebuild the exchange server and recover the data using a system-aware backup.
Scenario 2: Recovery of accidentally deleted items: In previous Exchange server versions, one could recover deleted items by finding the backup media. However, in the Exchange 2016 and 2019 versions, one can use the Recoverable Items folder and the Hold Policy to recover all deleted and modified data. This allows users to recover items themselves, reducing the burden on administrators.
Scenario 3: Data recovery from a corrupted database: The database in the Exchange Server can get corrupted due to hardware failures (e.g., SAN storage, fiber connections, disks, motherboards, faulty RAID controllers), malware or ransomware infections, misconfigurations, incompatible third-party software, sudden power loss, storage issues, etc. Due to database corruption, users are unable to access their mailbox data, and there is a need to recover and secure the data from the corrupted database.
In all the above-mentioned scenarios, one can recover data using a backup of the Exchange server. However, to back up and restore Exchange Server, one must use an Exchange-aware application that supports the VSS writer for Exchange Server. Some examples include Windows Server Backup (with the VSS plug-in), Microsoft System Center 2012 – Data Protection Manager, or a third-party Exchange-aware, VSS-based application.
Let’s now explore some detailed methods for effective Microsoft Exchange Server data recovery.
Methods for Exchange Server Data Recovery
Here are some of the best methods for recovering Exchange server data.
Method 1: Recover Exchange Server Data using Windows Server Backup
Windows Server Backup (WSB) is a built-in solution for organizations to recover Exchange Server data. Using WSB, one can create and recover from the following types of backups:
- Full Backup: This backup contains databases, drives, and the state of the server. The backup is not dependent on previous backups for restoring server data. However, it is time-consuming and takes up a lot of storage resources to keep all the backups.
- Incremental Backup: This is a complete backup of the Exchange server performed for the first time and followed by changes since the last backup. This backup saves storage space and is time efficient. However, the incremental backup is dependent on all the previous backups. In case there is an issue with one of the previous backups, one will not be able to restore data using the incremental backup.
- Differential Backup: It is similar to incremental backup, but it takes an incremental backup from the first full backup. This means that the backup is dependent on the first full backup and not the successive backups. Differential backup is safer than incremental backup, although it takes more time and storage.
To restore data using WSB, one can select from different recovery options as shared below:
- Restore an entire database.
- Restore specific folders or individual files.
- Restore user mailboxes.
Due to the versatility of WSB, it is useful for smaller organizations that work with a standalone Exchange server. After recovering the data using WSB, one can create a recovery database and restore the recovered data on the server.
Method 2: Recover Data from Corrupt Exchange Database using EseUtil Recovery Process
Eseutil is a command-line utility included in Exchange Server to help recover Exchange database in case of corruption. Using EseUtil, a variety of tasks can be performed, such as:
- Repairing corrupt databases using the /p or /r switch.
- Defragmenting databases with the /d switch to improve performance.
- Verifying database integrity through the /mh switch.
Eseutil works directly by reading and analyzing the database files and transaction logs. However, it requires taking the database offline for recovery, thus resulting in temporary service interruptions. Proper planning and expertise are required to ensure successful recovery using this utility without any data loss.
Method 3: Recover Exchange Server Data using DPM Recovery Wizard
DPM Recovery Wizard is a tool in the System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM). It is a Microsoft solution designed for enterprise-level data protection. DPM offers advanced features such as:
- Continuous data backup for minimal data loss.
- Granular recovery options for individual mailboxes, an entire Exchange Database or a complete Exchange server.
- Integration with other Microsoft services like Azure for offsite backups.
To perform Exchange Server data recovery using DPM, one can select the desired recovery point from its backup history. Then, the data can be directly restored to the Exchange Server or an alternate location. One can add this data to a recovery database and then recover it on the server.
Method 4: Use Stellar Repair for Exchange to perform Exchange server data recovery
Since traditional recovery methods require additional time and effort, one can use tools like Stellar Repair for Exchange to recover Exchange database. This Exchange Recovery software is designed to handle even severely corrupted or offline Exchange databases. Some of its features include:
- Granular Recovery of mailbox items, including emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks.
- Free preview of recoverable data before initiating restoration process.
- Direct export of recovered database to live Exchange Servers or Office 365.
Stellar Repair for Exchange is a user-friendly tool, making it easy-to-use and navigation for both expert professionals and new administrators. Its ability to bypass limitations of built-in tools further ensures a higher success rate, even in challenging scenarios. The tool is useful for organizations that prioritize rapid recovery and minimal downtime.
Best Practices for Exchange Server Data Recovery
While designing the data recovery strategies for an organization, one needs to follow the below mentioned best practices:
- Backup automation: Schedule backups on a regular basis and taken outside business hours.
- Routine backup verification: Check backups on a daily basis as well as test restores on a monthly basis to ensure complete restoration of the backups.
- Proper backup storage: Store backups at a location that is offsite to reduce chances of backup damage in case of disasters or mishaps.
Conclusion
Recovering Microsoft Exchange Server data is essential to protect data and business continuity of an organization. Using built-in solutions like Windows Server Backup and Eseutil, enterprise tools like DPM, or advanced third-party options like Stellar Repair for Exchange, one can perform secure data restorations without any data loss. To protect critical data, one should also adhere to the best practices for server backup.
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