Ask the Expert

Can we automate NTBackup restores on Exchange 2003?

I have Exchange Server 2003 running on Windows 2003. Every morning, we do an incremental backup, and every night a full copy backup, using the NTBackup utility.

I use a script (or *.bks file) to accomplish the backup, but I need to know how to do the restoration using the NTbackup utility automatically (even command-line parameters to restore).

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Unfortunately you cannot use command-line options to initiate a restore using NTBackup. This is described in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 814583, How to use command line parameters with the NTBackup command in Windows Server 2003.

You'll see that command-line control over backup procedures is supported, but recovery requires use of the Backup and Restore Wizard.

MEMBER FEEDBACK TO THIS ASK THE EXPERT Q&A:

So how do you automate an Exchange server restore, if not through ntbackup.exe?
—Chris D.

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You'll need to evaluate third-party backup solutions or some of the specialized third-party Exchange recovery solutions on the market in order to find a solution that can provide automated recovery.
—David Sengupta, Exchange Backup and Recovery expert

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This was first published in February 2005

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