Hi ExpertsMy Exchange Server running out of space and i would like reclaim the space by on-line/off line de-fragmentation of the database.I cannot perform the above de-fragmentation the existing server because server does not have required space (110% of the existing database) so I think I can only do this with below two options. Option 1 Take a off-line backup of the exchange server i.e. copy the data files. Install a fresh copy of exchange server on a secondary server (Can it be installed on a server outside the network or domain? Please advice). Restore the off-line backup. defragment the database on the new install server which will have more than 110% free space. On the new server - take a off-line backup. Restore the above off-line backup on the existing server. Add the USB External storage and change the database location and perform the online defragment.Can someone suggest which option will be best or an alternative method to perform the de-fragmentation of the database?Kind RegardsBhavesh

Hi Bhavesh,You can even do it without installing Exchange on another server. You need to copy required files to run ESEUtil, check below article for further detail.How to run Eseutil on a computer without Exchange Serverhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/244525You can follow below steps to perform offline defragmentation as per your first step. But keep in mind that copying the database over the network increase the downtime.- Dismount the database.- Check that EDB file is in clean shutdown state with "eseutil /mh edbfilepath.edb".- Take Offline backup.- Copy edb & stm files to another computer where you setup eseutil to run as per above KB over the network or by copying it on USB HDD.- Defrag the files.- Copy edb & stm files back to Exchange server over the network or by copying it on USB HDD.- Mount the database.- Take Online Backup.Note: Online defragmentation doesn't decrease the size of edb/stm file.Your second option looks good and requires less downtime compare to first option, add external USB storage and defrag the databaseby specifying /t switch to create temporary output file to external storage.Eseutil /d <path_to_edb_file> /t <temp_edb_file_location>Here is a nice repo to read before doing defragmentation.When to use ESEUTILS to Defrag your Databases (or when not to)http://telnetport25.wordpress.com/2008/02/10/when-to-use-eseutils-to-defrag-your-databases-or-when-not-to/ Amit Tank || MVP - Exchange || MCITP - Exchange 2007 || http://ExchangeShare.WordPress.com