DOCUMENT:Q69773 28-OCT-1999 [pcmail] TITLE :PC DB: Backing Up a Mail Database PRODUCT :Microsoft Mail For PC Networks PROD/VER:WINDOWS:2.1,3.0 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Mail for PC Networks, versions 2.1, 3.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY ======= Backing up the Mail database is a key responsibility of the Mail system administrator and consists of saving ALL files, from where the Mail database normally resides, to an alternate media. The media can be floppy disks, a streaming tape drive, or another computer on the network. The XCOPY or BACKUP command in MS-DOS can be used to perform the backup procedure. MORE INFORMATION ================ It is very important that the ENTIRE Mail database be backed up. A mail system database contains zero length files and empty directories. Whatever the backup method being used, make sure the Backup utility backs up empty directories and zero length files. You CANNOT back up a portion of the database. Remember, a few minutes of backup can save many hours of potential anguish if the original file is lost. Backing up the executables directory is not required because these files can be retrieved from the original system disks. Additionally, it is important that no users are using the mail system during the backup process. If messages are being sent during this operation, it is likely you will copy a file that is in the stages of partial update. Additional query words: 2.10 3.00 ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbMailSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbMailPCN300 kbMailPCN210 Version : WINDOWS:2.1,3.0 ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.