Exchange Server

Reliable Way to Perform Exchange Database Hard Repair – Get the Solution

Overview: The following write-up contains complete information about how you can perform Exchange Database hard repair by using the ESEUTIL /P command. There are two solutions – The first one is a manual solution that involves data loss risk. The second solution contains a professional solution that eliminates the data loss chances.

Microsoft Exchange server follows the Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) approach to preserve the database integrity.  Any modifications that occur in the database first commit to log files. However, if the logs are not committed to the database then it becomes inconsistent. As a result, it becomes frustrating for the users or administrators. In the case of minor corruption, it can be fixed by running a soft recovery on the database. However, when the Exchange database is severely corrupted, then the soft recovery fails and there occurs a need to execute a hard repair on Exchange databases.

Running a hard recovery is risky as it purges all the irrecoverable data from the DB. We will also discuss an automated solution that will help you repair Exchange databases without any risk of data loss.

Reasons for Exchange Database Corrupted and Inconsistent

Before proceeding forward let’s look at the reason behind a corrupted EDB file.

1. There might be the possibility of power outages behind the corruption of the database.
2. Sometimes the lack of knowledge also raised issues in the Exchange database.
3. Viruses and malware attacks affect the consistency of the database.
4. Complications with the hardware can cause the sudden failure of the Exchange database.
5. If the EDB objects are missing then the database becomes dismount.
6. Not managing the proper storage in the Exchange creates downtime and low -performance issues.

Manually Perform Exchange Database Hard Repair

If you have a highly corrupted Exchange database and want to repair Exchange databases via hard recovery, then you can use the Eseutil utility by Microsoft. There are multiple switches that you can use to run this utility. However, for hard repair, you can use the eseutil /p switch.

Before running Eseutil, you first need to check the database’s state.

eseutil /mh <database file name>

Here, if the database shows a Dirty Shutdown state and you have performed a soft recovery, then the Exchange database hard repair becomes mandatory. The steps to perform the same are as follows.

Also Read: How to Fix Cannot Access Mailbox in Exchange Account Issue?

Steps to Hard Repair Exchange Database

Step 1: You can use the eseutil /p switch for hard repair.

eseutil /p “name_of_the_database.edb”

After you run this cmdlet, you will receive an error message reminding you about the data loss chances. Click on the OK button to start repairing Exchange databases.

Once the repair job is performed, use the Isinteg utility to repair the indexes. This utility can be found at – C:>Program Files>Exchsrvr> bin

You can run the Isinteg test by using:

Isinteg –s -fix –test alltests

This command will start removing the errors from the EDB file. In case of multiple errors, you might have to run this command multiple times. Once all the errors are eliminated, you can mount the database.

Additionally, if you are using Exchange Server 2010 SP1 or newer versions, then you have to use the New-MailboxRepairRequest cmdlet before mounting the database.

Shortcomings of Eseutil

• Eseutil is not a fool-proof solution as data loss is inevitable during the process. Moreover, one cannot even estimate the amount of data that would be lost.
• The utility does not provide any surety that you can mount the DB after recovery.
• While you are running the process to repair Exchange databases, you cannot send, receive, or work on your mailboxes. Thus, large-sized databases can result in several hours of downtime.

Perfect Alternative for Exchange Database Hard Repair

This Exchange EDB File Repair Tool is one of the most advanced tools that permit users to perform in-depth recovery on Exchange mailboxes. There are two scan modes that you can use to repair the Exchange database. In case of major corruption, as discussed above, the Advance scan mode is the best option for users.

This mode will run a thorough scan on the Exchange database file and repair damaged databases in no time. After successful recovery, the software provides various export options like PST, PDF, MBOX, Live Exchange Server, Office 365, etc.

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The application is quite easy to operate due to its friendly user interface which makes your task even more simple.

Bringing It All Together

After analyzing the issues faced by the users, we have provided a detailed guide to performing Exchange database hard repair. There are two ways using which users can repair their Exchange databases – manual and automated way. In the case of manual procedure, the chances of data loss are high. Whereas, the professional solution eliminates the risk of losing data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is hard recovery the safest option to repair the Exchange database?

Ans – No, running hard-recovery commands informally, may remove all of the data. Alternatively, you should go with the above-mentioned tool for the error-free repair of the database.

Q2. How much  ESEUTIL /P command take time to repair the database?

Ans – It completely depends upon the environment, hardware, and how much data is to be repaired.