asked on

Run EMS when Exchange server is offline

I have an Exchange 2013 server that is disconnected from the network, and I cannot reconnect it because of the problems it will cause our users (we've migrated to Office 365). But I need to pull a mailbox out of the old database on it, so I need to find a way to get Exchange Management Shell to work without being able to contact a domain controller.

Has anyone ever found a way to make this work? I've found ways to get around the certificate check and the CN check, and the Kerberos authentication, but it consistently crashes trying to contact a domain controller.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Adam Brown

The only way to get that to work is to build a secondary domain with Exchange on it, then restore the Database files from the failed exchange server. Exchange won't work if it can't contact a DC. The necessary services won't start and the DB won't mount.

That said, what issues does turning this Exchange server on cause your users?

PBIT

ASKER

That's what I was afraid of.

It causes security certificate popups; not a game-changer, but annoying. I'm trying to limit the help-desk calls, mostly.

Thanks for that, looks like something I'll just need to tackle on the weekend.

SOLUTION

Adam Brown

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

PBIT

ASKER

I'll give that a try, thanks!

compdigit44

Other have already mentioned this but you could setup a Recovery DB http://exchangeserverpro.com/restore-exchange-server-2013-database-recovery-database/

or use a third party tool like:
http://www.exchangerecover.com/recovery-tool-for-exchange.html
http://www.stellarinfo.com/edb-exchange-server-recovery.htm?gclid=COGLi_-n084CFQ-EaQodGU8D_g

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

PBIT

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

PBIT

ASKER

The solution came from someone in my organization and we didn't even try to implement any of the suggested solutions, so I don't know if they would have worked or not.