Backup & Recovery

Chapter 20. Exchange

Exchange Server is used to send and receive messages and other content using interconnected computer networks. In addition, it boasts a robust collection of collaboration tools to enable groups to work more effectively together. All of this functionality is built on a specialized database that allows for advanced functionality and configurability. In this chapter, we’ll examine the specifics of Exchange Server (from now on simply referred to as “Exchange”) and cover proper backup, restore, and recovery procedures.

Tip

This chapter was contributed by Scott Harris. Scott is a brand-new father who’s wondering how old his son Zach needs to be before he starts teaching him how to write PHP.

Exchange Architecture

To understand Exchange backup and recovery, you need a basic understanding of its architecture. We’ll cover the design of the backend engine that makes Exchange what it is and then continue on to examine the details of how it works.

Database Structure

Exchange is essentially a specialized database for processing messages and similar content. In understanding how Exchange structures the underlying files and databases, it is useful to have an overview of the architecture. The principal database technology used by Exchange is called the Extensible Storage Engine (ESE) and is a specialized database based on Microsoft’s Joint Engine Technology (JET). The current version of this JET database in use for Exchange Server 2000 and 2003 is ESE98. (Active Directory, which ...