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Image Exchange 2003 Active/Passive Cluster Servers with Acronis True Image 9.5 Echo Server
I have an Active/Passive Exchange 2003 Cluster. Exchange databases are stored on an Equilogic SAN Device. I would like to use Acronis True Image 9.5 to image both Exchange servers in the cluster. I need to know the proper way to do this and what services to stop. A sample batch file would be appreciated.
The purpose of the image is to be able to restore a properly functioning Exchange Server as quickly as possible and as a safety net before applying Microsoft patches and updates.
I am using Symantec Backup Exec to do a full backup of the Exchange data on a daily basis.
The purpose of the image is to be able to restore a properly functioning Exchange Server as quickly as possible and as a safety net before applying Microsoft patches and updates.
I am using Symantec Backup Exec to do a full backup of the Exchange data on a daily basis.
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Great info so far thank you.To reiterate, ultimate and primary goal is to restore an entire clustered Exchange server (either of the cluster node servers) from an image and have the Cluster actually work properly.
On a related note I do have a Branch Office with a stand alone Exchange server so I think CorruptedLogic's batch file's will work just fine for that. An addendum to my Scenario - here at the main Site, we also have an Exchange Front End server. The Active/Passive Cluster servers are configured as Back End's.
Will CorrputedLogic's batch file work for an Exchange 2003 Front End server as well? Also, I am using the Multivolume snap-shot option in True Image Echo Server and have eschewed VSS as I don't trust it. My understanding is that it only works with Microsoft products. Exchange being a MS product, I suppose that applies, but I don't want to overcomplicate the task unneccessarily, either. There were problems with earlier revisions of the Acronis Snap API and VSS, though I believe it's fixed. Should I use Multi-Volume snapshot and VSS in tandem or will I be good with just the Multi-volume snapshot?
On a related note I do have a Branch Office with a stand alone Exchange server so I think CorruptedLogic's batch file's will work just fine for that. An addendum to my Scenario - here at the main Site, we also have an Exchange Front End server. The Active/Passive Cluster servers are configured as Back End's.
Will CorrputedLogic's batch file work for an Exchange 2003 Front End server as well? Also, I am using the Multivolume snap-shot option in True Image Echo Server and have eschewed VSS as I don't trust it. My understanding is that it only works with Microsoft products. Exchange being a MS product, I suppose that applies, but I don't want to overcomplicate the task unneccessarily, either. There were problems with earlier revisions of the Acronis Snap API and VSS, though I believe it's fixed. Should I use Multi-Volume snapshot and VSS in tandem or will I be good with just the Multi-volume snapshot?
NET STOP MSEXCHANGESA /y
NET STOP MSEXCHANGEIS /y
NET STOP MSEXCHANGEDS /y
NET STOP MSEXCHANGEMTA /y
NET STOP MSEXCHANGEIMC /y
to restart after the imaging process...
NET START MSEXCHANGESA
NET START MSEXCHANGEIS
NET START MSEXCHANGEDS
NET START MSEXCHANGEMTA
NET START MSEXCHANGEIMC
I have done something similar in the past with TI9.5 (and also Echo) but wasn't happy with the results. It sounds like it may work ok for your purposes of a saftey net though. You may also want to look at the new product from Acronis that is specifically designed to back up Exchange (it is currently in Beta but you can register as a tester and they will send you a link to download).
HTH