Log files - Exchange 2003
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Pressler2904
2165 pts.
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Q:
Log files - Exchange 2003
Exchange 2003, Log files, Exchange Log Files
I am looking to prune the log files in an Exchange Server 2003 installation. Before I actually delete the files I have a question regarding exactly what the log(s) are recording and whether deleting them will have an adverse effect on the performance of the server.

Our environment also includes Symantec Anti-Spam for Exchange.

The log files are located at \program files\Exchsrve\MDBDATA and are all 5120KB (5MB) in size. they are named consecutively as such:
.
.
.
E0002DEF
E0002DF0
E0002DF1
E0002DF2
.
.
.
There may be upwards of 200 of these files per day.

Any and all information would be appreciated.

Thanks...
ASKED: May 8 2009  4:55 PM GMT
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PCJunkie
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Hi Pressler,

Transaction logs are a fundamental component of Exchange server and crucial to the proper operation of an Exchange server. This article hopes to leave you with a better understanding of what they are and how to manage them.

Go to: http://www.msexchange.org/articles/Transaction-Logs-Lifeblood-Exchange.html

Hope this helps answer your question. Good Luck
Last Answered: May 8 2009  6:58 PM GMT by PCJunkie   870 pts.
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Pressler2904   2165 pts.  |   May 8 2009  7:32PM GMT

Thanks for the answer and link. The 160GB of logs prior to -1/01/2009 and going back to our initial installation can safely be deleted it seems…

PDR

 

PCJunkie   870 pts.  |   May 8 2009  10:22PM GMT

Your log files should be automatically pruned however if you are running VSS which is designed for backup, I believe automatic deletion is by default disabled. I am happy to hear I was able to help.

 

Technochic   40210 pts.  |   May 11 2009  3:56PM GMT

Log files are typically pruned after backups are successfully completed depending on what your backup method is and how it is set. Are you backing up your Exchange server and is it completing successfully every night? What backup software are you using? If so, you need to check the backup settings and make sure it prunes the backed up log files every night. Log files are needed for a successful restore. Make sure they are getting backed up.

 

Pressler2904   2165 pts.  |   May 11 2009  7:15PM GMT

Thanks for all of the info…

I got rid of about 160GB of old transaction logs this past weekend without incident.

Technochic -

The SysAdmin here is very hesitant to make ANY changes to the existing network setup, including deleting unneeded files such as these. We are getting backed up, but the backup is being performed off site by our co-location provider and is a bit of a “black box” to us… I’ll be manually pruning the log files on a monthly basis… better than running an exchange server with less than 5% free disk space.

 

Technochic   40210 pts.  |   May 13 2009  4:18PM GMT

As long as the backup software is backing up the log files you should have no problem. Manually deleting them and having the backup software prune them is the same thing in the end. Sorry you have to be burdened with performing a needless task.

 
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