Backup Exec FAQ

There are two ways to backup Microsoft Exchange Server - offline backups and online backups.

Offline backups are where you take Exchange offline (i.e. dismount the databases), then back up the files. The advantage to this is that you require no extra software. The disadvantage is that Exchange is unavailable for users, or for routine maintenance while the backup takes place.

Online backups are where Exchange remains online during the backup. This requires the purchase of Agent for Microsoft Exchange (which is included in the SBS version). An advantage is that the logfiles are managed when the backup takes place.

Due to a limitation in Exchange, you should either always use AOFO, or never use AOFO. If you mix backups with and without AOFO, your Exchange backup may not be restorable.

If you are in a small or medium environment, you will probably be OK with a Full Exchange backup each night or week. During a full backup, the sequence of events is:

1. Exchange takes a snapshot of the databases
2. Backup Exec backs up the database snapshot
3. Any logfiles created while the database backup took place are backed up
4. Any logfiles no longer needed are removed