Exchange Database Size

[EST7745]

First off, how large can an Exchange 2003 database grow? I heard that Exchange SP2 allows the database to grow up to 70GB instead of 16GB. Second, how can I tell the size of my database? In exchange 5.5 I was able to go in to event manager and just like for the 1221 events which would tell you how much space was available after doing a defrag. However, all of my 1221 events in 2003 are saying that I have 1 and 2 megs free which couldn't possibly be right. Any additional info would be appreciated!

 

[58sniper]

SP2 will allow up to 75GB. By default, it increases the limit to 18GB.

Explaining the Database size limit changes in Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2

http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials...mit-changes-Exchange-2003-Service-Pack-2.html

The 1221 messages refer to how much whitespace is in the databases. Look in your \exchsrvr\mdbdata folder. Combine the sizes of the priv1.edb and priv1.stm to know the size of the db. Subtract the amount in the 1221 to know how much data is in the db. Do the same for pub1.edb and pub1.stm for the Public Folders.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[MTVilla]

I believe that 75GB are avilable for Exchange 2003 SP2. An easy way to tell what size your exchange dataase is, is to look at the mdbdata folder at hte priv1.edb and pub1.edb files. That is your database size.

 

[skialta]

The above is all correct...for Exchange 2003 Standard. The Enterprise version doesn't have a limit impossed other than hardware.

 

[EST7745]

Some very valuable information. Thanks. One more question that comes to mind - I'm in the middle of migrating from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003. Is there any way that I can back up my database every night until I join it to the veritas community? Right now my exchange remote agent license is being used on my 5.5 server so my 2003 server can not be joined to the tape back up.

 

[Zelandakh]

Your Exchange database size is in fact priv.edb plus priv.stm and does not include pub.edb or pub.stm.

 

[58sniper]

I'll clarify a little. priv.edb and priv.stm make up the mailbox database. pub.edb and pub.stm make up the Public Folder database.

Assuming a default installation of 2003, dismount the stores, and backup the \exchsrvr\mdbdata folder.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[superikey]

Dont forget the paractical limits all. You dont want to let a single DB get too big as to make maintenance an impossible task. My rule of thumb is 40-50GB is the maximum size i would let a single DB grow till.



Isaac Braca
CTO / ICCS & Co., LLC.
Email: braca@iccsllc.com

ICCS, Your Premier IT Partner, is a NYC Based Avaya Business Partner and IT Consulting Firm.