Attempting to remove an Exchange 2007 server from the organization, but process fails because of a Public Folder replica. I've used PFAdmin to determine that the only replica left is in the System Configuration folder of Public Folders. No matter what I try, I can't remove this replica. Seems to be a permissions issue. I'm considering using ADSIEdit to delete the Public Folder itself, but I'm concerned that the replica may still remain, making it difficult to remove the server. Any advice is appreciated. Ted

Is the server you are removing the only replica of the folder? If so, have you tried just removing the folder?Ed Crowley MVP "There are seldom good technological solutions to behavioral problems."

I assume you mean the public folder rather than the system configuration folder - yes, it is the only replica, but when I try to remove the public folder database itself, I get the same response. The replica is preventing me from moving forward. Ted

I'm talking about the folder from which you can't remove the replica.Ed Crowley MVP "There are seldom good technological solutions to behavioral problems."

Hello, You can refer to the following article: Removing Public Folder Databases http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc164367.aspx Thanks, Simon

I've used that document to no avail. The System Configuration folder, which sits within the System Folders public folder tree, contains several server replicas, one of which is the server that we want to retire. As long as that replica exists, I'm prevented from removing the server. PFAdmin gives me 401 - unauthorized when trying to commit the change, and other attempts through the EMC have likewise failed. Ted

Hi, I don't know what the System Configuration folder is, It's not a default system public folder so I can't answer why your are not able to remove the replica. What I think will work for you is: 1. Dismount the Public Folder Database 2. Delete the edb file in Explorer 3. Mount the database (a new one will be created) 4. Remove the newly created system folders, like OWAScratch* and StoreEvents* etc 5. Delete the DB in EMC or EMSMartina Miskovic

If it's under \NON_IPM_SUBTREE (a.k.a. System Public Folders) then it's server-specific and safe to delete. The only system public folders you need to worry about replicationg are \NON_IPM_SUBTREE\SCHEDULE+ FREE BUSY, \NON_IPM_SUBTREE\OFFLINE ADDRESS BOOK and \EFORMS REGISTRY. You can delete all the rest under \NON_IPM_SUBTREE before removing the public store, you need not create replicas of those on other servers.Ed Crowley MVP "There are seldom good technological solutions to behavioral problems."