PC DB: Backing Up a Mail Database

• Microsoft Mail for PC Networks, versions 2.1 and 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.