Restoration of Exchange 2010 Backup database

[Rancho]

We are in the process of migrating to Exchange 2016 and our existing systems are on Exchange 2010. EX 2010 backup database cannot be restored directly to EX 2016 should there be a problem with the original database.

Can Veeam Agent for Windows be used to read the EX 2010 EDB file directly (without it being backed up by Veeam Agent before) and restore the items down to File and Mailbox level should there be a requirement even after decommissioning EX 2010?

We are using Veeam Agent for Windows Server edition.

Thanks

[Dima P.]

Hi Rancho,

Veeam Agent for Windows does not handle the application item restores. You have to install Veeam Backup and Replication (free edition also works) and use the Veeam Explorer for Exchange.

[Rancho]

Does that read the Exchange 2010 backup database directly to restore mailbox should the EX 2010 environment is decommissioned? Should it have to be backed by Veeam before for it to do this?

[Dima P.]

Ranjith,

Never tested built-in Exchange backup utility myself but I assume it will work if DB is stored in native exchange format.

[doggatas]

Can confirm Exchange Explorer will read ebd files that have not come from a Veeam Backup (you'll need the correct log files too). At the end of the day, a Veeam FLR for Exchange is a mounting of the VMDK's in your backup server and exposing the filesystem to the backup server. You are then opening edb and logs in Exchange Explorer.


You should test for sure though, just restore a copy of your smallest edb and log files.

Regards,
David

[Dima P.]

David,

Awesome. Thanks for confirmation!

[Alan_ORiordan]

It would be great for the next version of Veeam Agent for Windows to have the Explorers built into the App. I imagine being able to right-click the systray icon for VAW and being able to choose Individual files, restore volumes, Restore Applications items then selecting Exchange,AD,SQL as appropriate. Having to install Veeam B&R while easy, is an extra time-consuming step.

Alan

[Dima P.]

Hello Alan,

Thanks for you feedback. I wonder if you are looking for this functionality to provide self-service capabilities to your users?