So if I do a full backup, all the logs are removed from the Exchange server. So when you do another full backup, let's say the next day, how is it really a full backup since the previous logs aren't on that Exchange Server? I understand that the checkpoint file knows when backups are performed. So if I do a full backup, it captures the database files and at least one log file. Now when you do a full backup the next time, you are capturing the database files again and the checkpoint lets the backup know what log files to back up since the last backup.What I can't find, is a very detailed document that talks about the procedures. For example, a full backup backs up "at least one log file." What does this exactly mean at least one log file. Does it back up all the log files since the last checkpoint file recorded a backup occuring? Anybody know a doc that explains all of this from a level 400 perspective?Thanks

http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Exchange-2003-Backup-Restore-NTBACKUP.html I think you are over thinking this. Log files are basically "check points" so you can replay all transactions since the last backup. The mail stores contain the same data. So when you run your nightly full-back you are backing up the mail stores and deleting the log files since they are no longer needed (now that you have a new full-back). The full-back job will capture the entire mail store every time it's run regardless of the log files.