Step-by-Step: How to Perform Exchange Server Database Backup

Updated On - January 15, 2024 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Numerous articles have detail methods to backup Exchange Server mailbox databases, potentially straining the network. Despite the abundance of information, the demand for IT knowledge continues to grow, likely due to the emergence of new technologies and unconventional solutions. The focus remains on the limitations of Exchange backup solutions and alternative approaches. Whether using Exchange 2010, 2013, 2016 or 2019, I will provide a brief overview to Backup Exchange Server Database options and compare them to third-party tools.

Face-to-face: Exchange’s built-in backup options

Some of you who have attempted backing up Exchange mailboxes with native solutions will realize that this is as risky as jumping into waist-deep water despite appearances. The Exchange tools can back up mail completely or incrementally, but the options are limited and not particularly granular.

Verified methods to Backup Exchange Server Database

Method 1: Windows Server Backup

Windows Server Backup (with the WSBExchange.exe plugin installed) is a popular option that provides a straightforward native method of backing up Exchange data, and it comes prepackaged with some of these options. A full VSS backup of a selected disc or full server backup is the only option to back up and restore Exchange data; therefore, be aware that using this tool is like taking a one-way street. There is no way to recover the mailbox data if you generate a backup of only some data, including the mailbox files and folders. Strangely, you can access the mailbox databases and restore them using the exciting applications restoration process only if you back up the entire drive. But you either get a complete snapshot of a volume, which would contain your mailbox databases, or you don’t.

It is possible to restore simply a subset of your data, such as your mailbox contents, and then either manually replace or merely relocate the files before mounting the databases. This means restoring just one mailbox database won’t work; instead, you’ll need to restore all of them. The recovered data can be dropped back into the original Exchange location or restored there. It’s a tough and drawn-out journey.

Drawback and Limitation of this method

1. To reiterate, you cannot make copies of your mailbox’s brick-level backups.
2. Cannot restore specific mailboxes or things
3. Full server or custom volume backups are the main culprits in disc space consumption.
4. You can’t recover a single database, and that’s a problem.
5. It’s difficult to perform backups from a distance, and there isn’t a simple remote
6. No mechanism for versioning backups

Method 2: Export Exchange Mailbox to PST Files

You may also backup Exchange Server mailbox data more permanently by managing PST files. With Exchange 2013, you must launch EAC, choose the mailbox you want to export, and then click the Export to PST file button. As unfortunate as it may be, there is no option to perform a comparable action on a collection of mailboxes; thus, this is as far as backing up can go with this method. However, PowerShell (Exchange 2010 and 2013) allows you to conduct mass operations on mailboxes, such as exporting mailbox data to PST files via the automatic execution of relevant commands or scripts. Using the -ContentFilter argument, you can specify which mailboxes are exported, how many things are exported, and how to filter out unnecessary messages.

Drawback and Limitation of this Method

1. Due to limited brick-level mailbox backups
2. You can’t see what you’re backing up or restoring unless you use the cumbersome Shell filtering tool.
3. There is no way to preview PST files (only via Outlook)
4. The fragility of the PST file format can lead to lost information.
5. There is no way to organize your PST files

Key Takeaways

As you can see, Exchange provides a wide variety of useful capabilities, yet, there is little to boast about in terms of brick-level Exchange Server backup or granular recovery, let alone convenient backup administration, excessive disc space usage, or questionable file system reliability.

Recommended Approach to Backup Exchange Server Database

In large, distributed businesses where many users may accidentally delete important messages or attachments, granular backups and restorations have become essential tools for administrators. Exchange does not provide simple and straightforward options for working with data at different levels of granularity, such as restoring only specific emails or files without having to back up the entire inbox or integrating with Shell. However, help is at hand because third-party providers like Regain Software incorporate cutting-edge backup technology into their own applications and offer far more comprehensive solutions.

An Automated tool to Backup Exchange Server Mailbox Data

Since the software shares the same core capabilities as the aforementioned Exchange solutions, we’ll spare you the little talk like full backup, incremental features, and PST file archiving and instead play our aces.

You may create full, incremental, and differential backups of your Exchange server with the help of the Regain Exchange Server Backup program. You can back up just the data that matters to you, whether that’s a single database, a set of mailboxes, an individual mailbox, an email, or even an attachment, rather than having to back up the entire volume or mailbox database. Doing so can free up a lot of space on your hard drive.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $29

Similarly, previewing features can quickly discover and recover specific objects from full or continuous/incremental backups. The item versioning system allows you to view any previously saved iteration of an item or mailbox from any point in time. Seek’n’restore!

The program’s capabilities are quite flexible, and its intuitive graphical user interface makes it easy to access all the features and functions you’ll ever need.

Conclusion

Regarding the number of mailboxes that can be backed up and restored, solutions like Regain Exchange Server backup tool far surpass the Exchange’s built-in capabilities. With granular backup solutions, you may reduce the amount of space used for backups without negatively impacting system performance. However, it is up to you, dear administrators, to assess progress toward secure mailbox data and their management goals. In this situation, you must choose which options best meet your requirements while maintaining optimum system performance. Whether using an in-built Exchange feature or a third-party solution, you should prioritize the safety of your mailbox information to avoid future data recovery disasters and satisfy regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques1. Why is it good to back up the Exchange Server Database in the PST file format?
Ans. Users always favor PST files to store emails. PST file format allows users to store the data up to 50 GB without any issue. As well as PST files can be added and opened in any Outlook. Moreover, users can easily port the PST files.

Ques2. Can I back up the Exchange Database of any version in the local drive using this professional tool?
Ans. Yes, this tool is compatible with all Exchange Servers despite the version of Exchange. Also, priv. EDB files and Pub. EDB file doesn’t affect the tool’s working.

Ques3. I want to consult with a technical expert before any step toward Exchange Server Backup; does Regain Software provide free consultancy for Exchange backup tasks?
Ans. Getting assured before any task is an obvious thing; hence, we provide free consultancy for the Exchange Backup task. You can contact us anytime.

Ques4. Do PST files maintain the hierarchy and data structure of emails as was in the EDB?
Ans. PST files are exclusively for email storage; hence, email structure and hierarchy remain maintained.