Now, we have our DR server ready with different Forest and Exch Server name.
Can I restore the production exchange server's DB here? Note: I don’t have
the log files with me. I actually tried, it did not work. What is the best
way of doing it?
Different forest and server name? Wont work.
Org/Admin Group/Server have to match.
Better to have a DR forest that has an exact copy of the production
AD, then install Exchange with the disasterrecovery switch.
I agree upon what Andy has stated that the DR site should not be
similar but exact in terms of Naming Context of Org / AG / Server
Name. With regards to your question
"I don’t have the log files with me. I actually tried, it did not
work" - understand that if u have a "information store" level backup,
you can mount your stores by replaying the "restored" log files,
however the data that arrived "after" you took the backup in your
"original" production store "can only" be retrieved with the help of
"original" log files. For further clarification refer to docs.
Exchange 2003 Backup and Restore with NTBACKUP
http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Exchange-2003-Backup-Restore-NTBACKUP.html
How to back up and restore an Exchange computer by using the Windows
Backup program
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/258243
Moving an Exchange Mailbox Database to Another Server or Storage Group
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa997006(EXCHG.65).aspx
Exchange: Building an Exchange Recovery Server
http://msexchangetips.blogspot.com/2006/07/exchange-building-exchange-recovery.html
James Chong (MVP)
MCITP | EMA; MCSE | M+, S+,
Security+, Project+, ITIL
msexchangetips.blogspot.com
>You can restore to alternate server in different forest with different
>hostname. Some parameters and settings must be same; Exchange org
>name; patch level; file patchs etc. Use the articles below.
That will work yes, but the problem is that in a real DR scenario,
mistakes will happen and keeping it simple is key.
I would recommend a copy of the production AD in a DR site and then
follow:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa997176(EXCHG.65).aspx
"How to Move Exchange Server 2003 to New Hardware and Keep the Same
Server Name"
It's remarkably simple!
Glad to hear we were all of help to you.