Microsoft Exchange is a popular business email server that runs on top of Windows Server OS. It stores the user data, such as emails, attachments, contacts, notes, calendar, tasks, etc., in a mailbox database file or EDB.

Exchange server also creates and stores transaction logs (.log) and Checkpoint file (.chk), along with the EDB file. It uses the Write-Ahead Logging method to record all the transactions made on the Exchange server in log files. Once the transaction is complete, the transaction log files are committed to the database file and the changes are applied to the database. Exchange server does this to maintain the database integrity, reduce disk writes, high availability, and prevent data loss.

However, if an uncommitted log file is deleted or the server crashes/reboots before committing the transaction log to the database file, it can lead to an inconsistent database and cause database corruption.

Exchange server database may also get damaged or corrupt due to the following factors:

1. Software or hardware failure
2. Damaged storage media
3. Unstable or poor network connection
4. Virus or malware intrusion
5. Abrupt shutdown or server crash
6. Human errors

In such a case, the database state changes to Dirty Shutdown state and the database does not mount, which leads to downtime as users who have their mailboxes on the damaged database can’t access their emails.

This is a common issue in a standalone Exchange server environment that could lead to financial loss, productivity loss, and may tarnish the organization’s reputation. Thus, it is critical to fix the database immediately and restore mailbox connectivity.

Recover Corrupt Exchange Database

The most reliable and quick way to restore databases and mailboxes is to use the last backup. However, if the backup is not available, obsolete, or does not work, administrators can use built-in Exchange database recovery tools, such as EseUtil, to recover corrupt Exchange databases.

One can use EseUtil to perform Soft Recovery or Hard Recovery (when Soft Recovery fails) to recover the inconsistent or corrupt database.

Although EseUtil helps recover inconsistent databases via Hard Recovery, it does that by purging irrecoverable mailboxes and data from the EDB file that can lead to significant data loss.

Thus, it’s recommended to use a third-party Exchange recovery software, such as Stellar Repair for Exchange. The software can repair and recover corrupt or inconsistent Exchange databases with complete integrity and without any risk of data loss.

Stellar Repair for Exchange – An Overview

Stellar Repair for Exchange is a powerful and advanced Exchange recovery software to repair corrupt, inconsistent, inaccessible, or damaged Exchange database files. It repairs the Exchange EDB files, extracts the user mailboxes, and saves them to PST and other multiple portable file formats, such as HTML, RTF, EML, MSG, and PDF.

In addition, administrators can also export the recovered mailboxes from corrupt database files directly to a live Exchange server and Office 365. The software comes in handy when built-in Exchange repair utilities and PowerShell cmdlets fail to repair the damaged Exchange database. Also, it can repair EDB files created in MS Exchange 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, and 5.5.

System Requirements and Installation

Stellar Repair for Exchange is a highly optimized software. You can install and use the software on any system that meets the following minimum system requirements:

• Processor: Intel-compatible (x86, x64)
• Memory: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• Hard Disk: 250 MB hard disk space
• Operating System: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, & Windows Server 2016, 2012, 2008

Pricing

Stellar Repair for Exchange is available in three editions:

1. Corporate ($399)

The Corporate edition is licensed for single users. It can repair and recover up to 100 mailboxes from corrupt or inaccessible database files to PST, live Exchange server, or Office 365 accounts. Following are some features that Corporate edition offers:

• Repairs corrupt EDB files without file size limit
• Dual scan modes (Quick Scan and Extensive Scan)
• 4x faster recovery with Parallel Processing
• Option to prioritize mailbox recovery
• Recovers and restores mailboxes and mail items, such as email, contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes with 100% integrity
• Restores mailboxes from repaired EDB file to PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF file formats
• Exports the recovered mailboxes, mail items, and public folders directly to live Exchange or Office 365.

• Technician ($599)

In addition to the features available in the Corporate edition, the Technician edition comes with multiple user license support, which allows you to install and use the Technician edition on more than one machine. Plus, it can repair and recover unlimited mailboxes.

• Toolkit ($999)

The Toolkit is a 5-in-1 software suite to repair corrupt EDB files, extract mailboxes, convert OST to PST, recover mailboxes from Exchange Backup, and recover lost or forgotten Windows Server passwords. The Toolkit edition is also licensed for multiple users and offers all the features of Corporate and Technician editions.

All three editions are available for free download. You can download the free demo version to evaluate the software. The free version allows you to repair corrupt or inaccessible Exchange databases and preview recovered mailboxes and mail items. To save the recovered mailboxes to a supported format, you need to activate the software using a valid license key.

Repairing Exchange Database File

Repairing and recovering Exchange database files (EDB) is easier with Stellar Repair for Exchange. Unlike the built-in EseUtil and PowerShell cmdlets, the software features a rich graphical user interface that makes it much easier to use. In addition, with Parallel Processing, the software can repair and save up to 4 mailboxes simultaneously to PST, Office 365, or live Exchange server. You also get an option to set mailbox priority that allows you to recover and export critical mailboxes first than the others.

Also, it performs operations on the EDB file in read-only mode, ensuring maximum mailbox recovery without any data loss. During the recovery process, it also recovers accidentally deleted and lost mailboxes and mail items.

To repair a corrupt or inaccessible Exchange database file, follow these steps:

Step 1: Install and launch Stellar Repair for Exchange on any system that meets the minimum system requirements. Ensure MS Outlook is also installed on the system.  

Step 2: Click ‘Browse’ to choose the damaged EDB file or use the ‘Find’ button if you don’t know the EDB file location. After selecting the EDB file, choose the ‘Temp path’ (or keep it default) and click ‘Next.’

NOTE: ‘Temp path’ should have free storage equivalent or more than the size of the EDB file.

Step 3: Then choose ‘Quick Scan’ or ‘Extensive Scan’ to start the repair process.

Step 4: After the repair, it displays an enhanced preview of mailboxes and mail items. This helps verify recovered mailboxes and mail items before saving them to PST or other formats.

Step 5: Once satisfied, you can select the mailboxes for recovery and then click the ‘Save’ button under the ‘Home’ menu.

Step 6: You can choose any saving option based on your need, such as live Exchange server, Office 365 account, PST, Public Folder, .EML, .MSG, .RTF, .PDF, or .HTML format. For this review, we chose ‘Export to PST.’

Step 7: Click ‘Browse’ to choose a save location and then click ‘OK’ to save.

NOTE: You may also ‘Apply Filter’ to include/exclude Junk/Deleted items or mail items based on the email address and date range.

Similarly, you may choose other saving options and follow the wizard to save the recovered mailboxes.

To Wrap Up

Stellar Repair for Exchange is a highly recommended tool by MVPs and IT administrators across the globe for Exchange recovery. It’s a lifesaver tool for all administrators as it comes in handy during disaster recovery when the backup isn’t available and built-in utilities fail. In addition, it helps prevent permanent data loss situations and restores mailbox connectivity and business activities.  

It is a must-have tool for every IT and Exchange Server Admin as it reduces downtime and gets the business up and running with minimal effort and downtime.