backup exch5.5 on another server

[lunatic23]

we've got exchange 5.5 running on an NT4.0 server, and just recently the tape drive broke.. now instead of buying a new tape drive mr big shot [my boss] decided to just map the drives on NT4 to a W2K server & back up the NT4 server using the native W2K backup utility

however, files from the Exchange database are always being skipped coz' they're in use[it's an online backup] & we haven't really had a decent full backup for quite some time.

i've tried to explain that the files are getting skipped but he doesn't really pay attention, bearing in mind that the company doesn't really want to spend any money [going thru massive downsize]is there any way that i can backup the NT4 server on the W2K machine without losing any files..

in realilty we're heading for a disaster

thanx
luni

someone once told me to shut up...

 

[brontosaurus]

you'll have to stop the exchange services, which of course means no mail while you're backing up...

 

[lunatic23]

is it possible to schedule the Exchange services to stop at a certain time & then automatically start up again, say, after a few hours [we've only got a small db]

thanx

someone once told me to shut up...

 

[andyrob]

In NT4, the ntbackup routine does NOT worry about open files if you use the correct switches -

ntbackup backup DS \\server IS \\server /HCn /d "Full Backup of Exchange DS IS" /L c:\exchfull.log

This will backup the information stores and Directory Store.
I do not know if the same applies to W2000, but assume so.

You can schedule a service stop and start by using a scheduler such as the inbuilt 'at', the 'scheduled tasks' in Control panel for 2000 or 3rd party tools such as JIT. Use them to run a batch file to contain net stop commands. Net Start to start. Eg

net stop servicename

Note that some services will stop others, so you either need to get them in the right order or maybe have to put a switch on the line. Get the correct service name (the exe) from the services applet in Control Panel, Admin Tools.

 

[fuego007]

I would consider going above your boss's head, but only after documenting the issue first. If anyone loses his job over the inability to restore your databases, it should be him. A new tape drive is much cheaper than the alternative. If the president (or a vice-pres., for that matter) is made aware that his critical e-mail could be permanently lost because some moron wants to save $1000 (or less, possibly), I can assure you that action will be taken.

Good luck,
Bob