Copy Exchange Database and Mount it to New Server

In this blog, we will learn an easiest method to copy the exchange database to new server by using the Recovery Storage Group (RSG). Sometimes exchange administrator wants to move the exchange database (EDB and STM) to another exchange server installed within the same administrative group.

One can perform this task by using the RSG Concept. This method is a little bit technical and is explained below:

Note: To Copy database to new server using RSG the database should be dismounted. If it is mounter dismount it from the Exchange System Manager.

Step1: First of all Create Dial Tone Recovery Database

• Copy the EDB and STM files of Exchange and save it to another location.

 

• After that, rename the EDB and STM files.

• Now switch to the path (C:\Program Files\Exchsrvr) and delete or move the log files to another location. After that launch Exchange System Manager and mount the dismounted mailbox store.

• As you do the same a warning message will pops up saying that an empty database will be created. This is happening because we have renamed the database. Click on Yes option to proceed further.

Step 2: Create RSG (Recovery Storage Group)

• For that, Open Exchange System Manager >> Server >> Select New by right clicking on Server >> Select Recovery Storage Group.

• In the next step browse the location where you want to store the Mailbox Data.

• Now Select Recovery Storage Group >> Right click on it >> Select Add Database to Recover option.

• In the next window select the mailbox store that you want to recover.

• After that click on Database tab & make a check on This database can be overwritten by a restore.
• Now Open EMS and mount the store by right clicking on it.

• A warning message will pop up stating that a new CHK and LOG file will be created if the store is mounted on Server before backup is restored to it. Click YES to continue.

• Once the RSG is mounted, dismount it instantly.

Step 3: Recover RSG database to New Server

• Now move the database that we have renamed previously from C:\Program Files\Exchsrvr to new database named of Recovery Storage Group named as Mailbox Store.
• Make a Temp folder and transfer Mailbox Store.edb and Mailboxstore.stm files into that folder along with R00 log files.

• Now rename the priv1.edb files to Mailbox store.edb and priv1.stm file to Mailbox Store.stm. This complete process is called as Dial Tone Recovery.

• Mount the mailbox store database again to the RSG. Click on yes when it asks for continue.

• Now open RSG Mailboxes and select the mailboxes that you want to export. Then select Exchange Tasks by right clicking on the selected mailboxes.

• Now in the Exchange Tasks Wizard select Recover Mailbox Data.
• Now enter the details of mailbox folder in which you wants to migrate the Exchange database and click on Next.

• The process will start along with status report.

• After that click on Finish.

If the steps mentioned above does not work then you need an application with which one can easily copy the data of Exchange database to new server. The tool is easy to use and has potential to transfer data to newly setup Exchange Server.