We are on Exchange 2007 SP1. We have 6 storage groups with 1 db in each sg. now we all the dbs are bloating & we are in the process of moving mailboxes or databases to a freshly created store and/or database. our targets: 1. if we move the db from one store to another will it help us retrieve all the whitespace on the existing db. 2. or is it best to move the mailboxes. 3. can we ensure while moving the deleted items of each mailbox is not moved along. kindly advise on the best way to move keeping in mind to retrieve the max whitespace. thanks philip

Hi You need to move the mailboxes - moving the database will not achieve your goal. The mailboxes will be moved including their deleted items. You can use a managed folder policy to clear out the deleted items but your users may not be too happy with you doing so. Cheers, Steve

Thanks Steve. Do we have to unmount the DB while moving the DB to a new location. Will the users be able to access their mailboxes while moving mailboxes or dbs. tnx

No problem. Yes your database will dismount while it is being moved and users will lose access. See here for more info: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb123695(v=exchg.80).aspx Cheers, Steve

Hey Steve, Thanks again. What if I create a new db & move the mailboxes, will the users lose access? cheers philip

The users will lose access while their individual mailbox is being moved, but this is the best method you have available I think. Cheers, Steve