excluded files using ntbackup 1

[srv1strat]

hi,

we're backing up sbs 2003 using ntbackup. full backup each night. we're running out of space on our tape drive & i'm looking at options to reduce the amount of data we're backing up each night. i've the information store option selected to backup exchange.
what i'm wondering is can i exclude the mdbdata folder from backup if the information stores are getting backed up the exchange option above in ntbackup?
if not is there any exchange related files i can exclude to save space?

thanks for the help

 

[markdmac]

Before you go that route, you might want to investigate if there are other files you can exclude.

For example, the uninstall folders in the Windows directory for hotfixes.

I would also go and delete all the catalog files you have in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows NT\NTBackup\catalogs51

We've recovered GigaBytes on customer servers by deleting the old catalogs. Your usage will vary depending on how long you have had your server running backups.

Bottom line is yes you could remove the Exchange files from the backup but you lose a restore vector for disaster recovery.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

Work SMARTER not HARDER. The Spider's Parlor's Admin Script Pack is a collection of Administrative scripts designed to make IT Administration easier! Save time, get more work done, get the Admin Script Pack.

 

[58sniper]

Also make sure some things like the recycle bin, the page file, and other items aren't being backed up.

Pat Richard
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[srv1strat]

Hi guys,

thanks for the reply. can i ask for clarification on one point made?

"you could remove the Exchange files from the backup but you lose a restore vector for disaster recovery"

what will i lose if i remove the exchange files from the backup?
if i have to recover exchange will i have enough information to do it? if the entire server goes will a full restore recover everything including exchange?

thanks again for the help

 

[markdmac]

You loose the ability to do a file level recovery which is sometimes necessary. There are a number of ways to restore Exchange.

Get yourself a free copy of the Exchange 2003 Disaster Recovery Operations Guide from Microsoft and read up on it.

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69061

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

Work SMARTER not HARDER. The Spider's Parlor's Admin Script Pack is a collection of Administrative scripts designed to make IT Administration easier! Save time, get more work done, get the Admin Script Pack.