Preserved Topic: recover an OST from an EDB?

OK, I've got an MS Exchange Server Database (.EDB) backup and I need to extract 1 .OST from within theis EDB.

Everything I'm reading is saying that I need to set up another "recovery server" with Exchange on it and restore the whole daggum thing just to get at the information in this one OST file.
Anyone know a way around this second server scenario?

thanks

Jason

I think you're SOL.

OK

M$ pos mf

Jason

.OST files aren't stored in the .edb. They are always local to the machine that the user was using. .ost is very similar to .pst files, except they are designed to be used when not connected to the Exchange server (hence the name OFFLINE STORAGE).

You'd better look at the local machine or networked drives it connects to for the .ost file. Otherwise you need to restore the mailbox, create a new .ost, and allow it to synchronize. Restoration of the mailbox usually requires a restore from tape of the Exchange server, to a recovery server.

Pat Richard
A pixel is worth a thousand words.
http://www.gurusnetwork.com
ICQ 23113317

Pugzly, sounds like you know what you're talking about there so a little more background might help: we had a salesman leave the company and he did something to extract and erase all of his contacts from his local machine AND the Exchange Server. I believe he set up a pst locally and dialed into the network and synchronized which sucked all of his stufff out of the Exchange server and onto his local machine where he then deleted all traces. Now in order to get those contacts we would have to go into a backup tape of the exhange database to dig them out right? And this will take a 'recovery server' correct? There is no way to get around having to set up a recovery server?

'preciate the help

linear, OIC

Jason

First, syncronizing doesn't remove things from the Exchange server. It does just what it implies - it synchronizes two instances so that they are the same.

Well, you could log in as that user, open the DELETED ITEMS folder in his mailbox, and click TOOLS>RECOVER DELETED ITEMS. Depending on how your Exchange site is setup, this may allow you to recover the Contacts. Assuming that Deleted Item retention time has not passed, of course.

And if you have security auditing in place, I'd check the logs and see if he logged in. If he did, check the mailbox properties in Exchange Admin and see when the last time the mailbox was accessed. That should shed some light onto your theory.

Pat Richard
A pixel is worth a thousand words.
http://www.gurusnetwork.com
ICQ 23113317