Performing user-directed snapshot backups of Exchange Server
To perform a user-directed snapshot backup, a policy must exist on the server that is configured for snapshot backups. This policy must also have a User schedule. Exchange users can back up a Database Availability Group (DAG), the Information Store, or a database.
When is enabled in the backup policy, you can later restore individual mailbox and public folder items from the backup.
To perform a user-directed snapshot backup of Exchange Server objects
- Mount any databases that you want to back up.
- Open the Backup, Archive, and Restore interface.
For a DAG, you must initiate the user backup operation from the node where the DAG virtual name is active (online).
- Click Actions > Specify Policy and Schedule.
- In the Backup Policy and Schedule box, type the name of the Snapshot Client policy.
- Click File > Select Files and Folders to Back Up.
- Select File > Specify NetBackup Machines and Policy Type.
- In the Specify NetBackup Machines and Policy Type dialog box, provide the following information:
The server you want to perform the backup.
If you are in a cluster environment, specify the name of the virtual Exchange Server or the DAG virtual name.
See About selecting a source client for an Exchange Server backup operation.
- In the All Folders pane, select the objects you want to back up.
See Table: Selecting Exchange database objects for user-directed backups.
For a DAG, you cannot select a specific server in the Backup, Archive, and Restore interface from which to perform the backup. If you want to use a specific server, specify it in the Preferred server list.
All databases in the DAG, regardless of what server they reside on, are displayed.
The following figure shows a backup of an Exchange 2010 DAG.
The following figure shows a backup of an Exchange 2010 standalone server.
- Click Actions > Backup.
- In the Backup Files dialog box, click Start Backup.
- To view the progress of the backup, click Yes.
If you do not want to view the progress of the backup, click No.
Table: Selecting Exchange database objects for user-directed backups
Exchange version | Node | Objects to back up |
|---|---|---|
Exchange DAG | DAG All databases in the DAG | |
Exchange standalone server | Microsoft Information Store All databases |