Dear All, I am trying to restore an ntbackup of exchange server 2003 on a different hardware using same domain name, server name, ip and ADS settings using Disaster Recover Switch. but when i run exchange setup on new machine from command prompt with setup.exe \disasterrecovery. it gave an error. Although i have run forestprep and domain prep already. Kindly help its urgent Regards Rashid Ali

Hi, You can only use the disasterrecovery switch if the domain is a copy of your existing domain. (the exchange server must be known to active directory). Leif

ok u mean its possible. well i have facing the following error when i run installation on new machine with DR Switch: The component "Microsoft Exchange Server Forest Preparation" cannot be assigned the action" Disaster Recovery because you need to run setup with the /Forestprep switch before installing into the forest. Rather i have already run the forestprep and domain prep before installation many times. please help me in this regards i am struck in this at any cost. Regards Rashid Ali

Hi, You wouldn't need to run forestprep if the domain you are installing Exchange into was a copy of your existing production active directory domain. The only thing you can do in a new domain/forest is to run the exchange setup without the disasterrecovery switch Leif

Dear Pedersen, Thanks alot for the reply. Actually its my assignment and monthly target as well so i am working on it since last four weeks and i have tried restore by simple installation of exchange on new machine. The restore took place successive and in MS Exchange manager console it restored all user account and also shows the items those accounts are containing. but the problem was when ever i login to any account it login successful but doesnt show any email or item in account. Thats why i have again built a new server from scratch and trying installing exchange with DR switch. what should i do now? Kindly help me in this regard, i appreciate your help i hope u understand my scenario..if not pls let me know i will explain more.. Thanks Rgds, Rashid Ali

Hi, Method 3 in this article explains how to restore Exchange 2003 to a recovery server: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823176 If you want to be able to use the disasterrecovery switch it is much more complex (and might create issues in the production environment). Leif

Hi, What u suggest me to do in my scenario. i just simply want my emails to restore on different hardware i just have today left for dead line, so pls suggest the better and easy way to restore. Thanks

Hi, The way I would suggest is to use Method 3 from the article posted above. Leif

i have started method 3. should i create users in ADS same as in production server or not??? there is nothing in article to create users in ADS manually. Rgds Rashid

hi Pedersen, Please help further, i have successfully restore but on mount store i am receiving the below error. Pls advise

hi, Pls advise i am waiting t fix the issue. Regards Rashid Ali

Can any one pls help....????

i have done with it :) Thanks Pedersen