corrupt exchange 2003 database -eseutil process /r

OK -researching this and have the state of dirty shutdown after running eseutil /mh and so it seems its looking for a log file but am running a check on the log files -there are a lot of them.

Obviously found the log file location....

Personally, I would scrap the attempt, and re-do the P2V, and whether you use your paid expertise is up to you.

and take new advise here.

See my EE Articles

HOW TO:  P2V, V2V for FREE - VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.5

HOW TO: FAQ VMware P2V Troubleshooting

(and yes, I've done more than 1 P2V!)

1. It's not recommended to P2V and Exchange Server, it's better to create a new Server (virtual) and move the mailboxes.

2. If you have to do a P2V, there are considerations you need to make.

HI -and thanks -I think I have spoken with you before - your name seems familiar.. anyway  -the original server is apparently shut down and powered off -and the vmachine is up and on the network - with a corrupt /dirty exchange dbase. Bottom line is that I want my users to be working come Monday morning if at all poss -is it best to abandon troubleshooting  -although no damaged log files found in my eseutil scan and try the other command line approaches to get a clean shutdown result - -   or bring up the original server - fingers crossed the "expert" hasnt screwed the original servers exchange dbase.  thanks.....

If you are having issues with the current P2Ved virtual server, there is a risk of corrupted or missing data for your users, when they connect back on Monday.

How many users could be affected?

Not many users -its an environment that used to warrant an exchange server but has shrunk right down -about 15 total now...would actually like to get them away from the exchange server...

HI - tried to use the Hire Me function but it didnt work -looking for your paid assistance if poss to get this job done -can you email me at user@yahoo.com and  send me your details, rates etc. I need to virtualize the exchange server as I have been discussing but also a SQL server  - server 2008 with sql 2005 member server. I have dabbled with VM ware and done a couple of test P2V but not an actual live production one which is why I engaged with the guy I have at the moment who led me to believe he knew his stuff....

Edited by Andrew Hancock
VMware Zone Advisor

OK - So, I decided to down the Virtual Server as the processes with the log files was going to take all day with no guarantee of a result - and I brought up the original server - no corruption and appears to be working fine - sent and received emails and other associated services looking ok. At the moment I have a working system but it does seem that P2V is not suited to Exchange, (in the way we were doing it) and the creation of a base virtual server , installing exchange and moving mailboxes may be the way to go. I also have a number of IP addresses on the NIC linked to IIS virtual folders , so these would need to be created again too......... feeling fortunate this morning...

P2V of Exchange can be done in certain situations, if you have no other option, but to P2V, but you need to ensure that ALL the Exchange Services are Shutdown.

You've not stated how the P2V was done.

Before I had engaged with the guy I was using, (who suggested he be technical project leader, which I had no problem with, given my limited experience) I did some research on P2V and Exchange and as you say, it stipulates in pretty much all documentation that all exchange services must be shut down before hand so that no dbase corruption occurs. I did point this out to the guy who has told me a number of things during the three attempts he has made and he said -"VM ware automatically shuts down and restarts the services" he also said that in the second attempt (first attempt was at 50% complete 12 hours into the conversion)  that the reason that it was going faster the 2nd time was that the services were shut down -alluding to the fact that they might not have been the first time!  In the beginning I thought the guy was more experienced and left him to it - so I dont know exactly how the P2V was done.  Lesson learned. Now I want to remove the VM that was created and start over in whatever method you recommend. In the first instance do I remove from Inventory or disk or both? I want to ensure I reclaim the disk space. Thanks.

Just wondering if we should scrap this thread now as we are not looking to resolve  the original issue -and has effectively turned in to "How to virtualize a single exchange server" ?

I'm afraid that's wrong, Services are not shutdown by Converter.

It just images and copies what the server setup is, so by the time your Conversion has finished it will be out of date!

Again, Stop all Services and P2V with VMware Converter.

Read my EE Articles, and also consider Sync Mode!

It's possible with correct procedures to P2V an Exchange Server, or use a Commerical Product.

I am severing ties with the guy as I think my instincts were more accurate than his (based on doing a bit of research first)and will take guidance from EE exclusively.  I think I would prefer to create a virtual server rather than p2v -seems cleaner but I will read you articles first. thanks.

The recommended options, are to create a new server, add Exchange, and move the mailboxes.

BUT, that is not to say, that P2Vs  can be done on Exchange.

also see this Article

HOW TO:  Synchronize changes when completing a P2V or V2V with VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1

I would rather follow recommended -for a cleaner install and possibly more stable environment...Commencing a VM today win2k3...

I have previously created a physical server, added Exchange and moved mailboxes before and it worked out ok. Once VM is established, the procedure should hopefully be as before.

Next would be my SQL box - -can a P2V work there (as long as all services are stopped?