Backup Exchange Server 2008

Backup Exchange 2007 on Server 2008 has been a headache for many administrators out there who saw themselves with Windows Server 2008 and realized how the new backup methods provided by Microsoft just didn't cut it. Windows server 2008 Exchange backup was made unviable due to the fact that Windows Server Backup doesn't support some of the capabilities of the earlier released DPM protection.

On Windows 2008 Server backup Exchange can only be done via the Windows Server Backup or DPM, meaning that NTBackup is rendered unusable unless you use a third-party modified software that is compatible with the 2008 version of Windows Server. It's not recommended by obvious reasons; however, DPM may just be a bit overkill if you are seeking to provide Exchange services to a small company.

On Server 2008 Exchange 2007 backup the best bet, at least if you are planning for maximum protection, the best way to go is still DPM, since that brings quite some good protection to your server. If you intend to use the modified NTBackup, the old options will still all be there.

You may use NTBackup as well to execute the procedure of uninstalling Exchange Server 2007, since the resulting backups will be just as compatible as if the backup would've been done in an earlier version of Windows Server. Remember however that the program receives no support whatsoever from Microsoft and any damage will not be held liable by anyone but you.

The benefits of using Windows Server Backup are not extraordinary, but, if you plan on having some simple protection applied to your Exchange Server's database then that can suffice. Needless to say that the important of keeping the backup of the database is vital, and if resources don't allow, there's nothing wrong in resorting to this system.

DPM is still preferable even if already slightly dysfunctional. It'll provide the same methods as it was before, which grants you the ability of having the system always online and protected with a constant and updated backup, but this is recommended only for large corporations.