Backing Up Exchange 2010 Using Windows 2008 R2 Server Backup…

I had written about backing up Exchange using Windows 2008 backup in one of my previous article. Now that 2008 R2 and Exchange 2010 has been out for a while, I thought it is a good time to see whether anything has changed and it has.

• As it is the case in Windows 2008, backup is not installed by default in 2008 R2 as well. You can install it either using ServerManager or Powershell.
• Backups can be stored on a local or network drive.
• Only disk backup is available, no option for tape.
• During exchange restore, new log files will be replayed & database will be brought to the latest state. You can deselect replay of logs during restore, if you want.

Two things have changed in 2008 R2 Server Backup.

• Folder level backups.
• Ability to backup passive database copies when servers are member of a DAG.

Let me explain. You can add items/folders that needs to be backed up while choosing the “Custom” backup option in 2008 R2.

When clicking “Add Items”, you can browse through the folder structure. While backing up Exchange databases, select the folder which has the database and log files. The default location is C:Program FilesMicrosoftExchange ServerV14Mailbox.

In 2008 R2, backups can be taken from both active and passive database copies of a DAG. This is a welcome feature as backups can only be taken from the active copy in Windows 2008.

The new features will be a huge relief for small businesses!