An Exchange Server stores voluminous data, and for large enterprises, it may exceed even terabytes. The proper functioning and operation of the Exchange Server are hence crucial for organizations to ensure effective communication and workflow. Admins hold in-depth knowledge of the server and components installed in it, including the log files.
However, what happens if these log files go missing? Will it make any difference to the working of Exchange Server? Can it lead to failed database mounting errors? Can you access the database in the absence of log files? This blog attempts to find out the answers to all these queries, followed by a solution to keep the database up and running without log files.
We will also discuss the role of Exchange Server recovery software in bringing the Exchange Server database back to work. To start with, let us find out the common reasons behind the failure of these database log files.
Why are log files necessary?
The transaction log files are crucial for the hassle-free functioning of the Exchange database. The file records all the changes as a temporary buffer to speed up the read and write operations before you commit them to the database. The up-to-date transactions in the log files are the reason behind the ‘Clean Shutdown’ state of the database.
At times, the Exchange Server can even use these log files to recover data after restarting. Keeping these files in healthy condition is hence indispensable. Despite all the precautions, the possibility of deleted or missing log files is always there.
What are the possible reasons behind deleted log files?
Here are some of the probable reasons behind it.
- Abrupt system shutdown due to a power outage
- Abnormal Exchange Server shutdown
- Hard disk or hardware failure
- Backup software issues
- Database corruption due to malware intrusion
- Issues in Server updates
- Log files exceeding the maximum limit
- Accidental data deletions
How to find if the log files are missing from the Exchange Server?
You cannot mount the Exchange database in case of a missing, corrupted, deleted, or uncommitted file. To confirm the deleted log file issue, check the state of the database with the help of the ESEUTIL utility in Exchange Server PowerShell. Here is the cmdlet: ESEUTIL /MH dbname
The command will fetch plenty of information about the Exchange Server database, including the state of the database and the Logs required.
- State: It will clarify if the database is in Clean or Dirty Shutdown state
- Logs Required: It will show missing, uncommitted, or unreadable logs.
The database becomes inaccessible if the state comes as ‘Dirty Shutdown’ and the log files are missing. But, you can still to recover the database.
How to recover the Exchange database with no log file?
In case of absent log files, you can still repair the Exchange Server database and resume its working through a hard recovery method by using ESEUTIL. Before that, keep in mind the following two points:
- Make sure to have a recent and healthy backup of the Exchange database to handle the situation in case something goes wrong.
- Despite being a recovery tool, ESEUTIL is still prone to error.
Since the soft recovery method does not work in case of missing log files, hard recovery is the only manual way to resolve this issue. Here are some major points to consider before proceeding with the hard recovery:
- Uncertain result: There is no certainty that the method to fix the missing log file issue
- Data loss possibility: Hard recovery is likely to purge irrecoverable mails or mailboxes from the databases, causing loss of data
- No Microsoft support: The method leads to a marked and hardcoded database. Hence, Microsoft cannot extend support if the process fails.
Step for Hard recovery of the Exchange database
- To proceed with hard recovery, run the PowerShell cmdlet ESEUTIL/P ‘database path’
The method will bring your Exchange Server database back to a working state, but it can delete crucial data during the process. Using it should therefore be your last resort. A comparably better method to avoid these limitations is to use the Exchange Server recovery software, such as Stellar Repair for Exchange.
How does Stellar Repair for Exchange fix the Exchange Server database without the log files?
The automated third-party software eliminates the risks associated with the manual recovery methods. It can resolve the missing log file issue and recover the damaged or corrupt database with complete integrity. Widely recommended by MVPs, here are some of the plus points of this software:
- Repairs the EDB files with missing log files
- Helps to overcome the risks and restrictions associated with the manual recovery methods
- Supports Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5,2000, 2003, and later versions
- Recovers the damaged EDB files and exports them to PST or other desired format
- Exports the Recovered EDB file directly to Live Exchange Server or Office 365
- Solves issues like dirty shutdown error, dismounted Exchange Server database, and crashed database
Steps to performing Exchange Server Database recovery
Here are the easy steps to repair an Exchange Server database damaged due to missing log files.
- Download and install the Exchange Server recovery software
- Launch the software and select the Exchange database file
- Choose the scan mode, whether Extensive or Quick
- Click through the database to scan the mailboxes and their contents
- Click the Save button and choose the PST format to save the repaired EDB file
- Choose the destination
- In case of a new Exchange Server database, click Live Exchange Server to export the recovered mailboxes
- The software will match the mailboxes at the source and the destination to export them directly to the new database with the least time and effort
To get detailed information about the working of Stellar Repair for Exchange or to buy it, browse through its official website. Depending on your requirement, you can buy the Corporate, Technician, or Toolkit version. To get an idea of how the software works, you can start with the free trial version of the software. It will help to scan and preview the recoverable mailboxes.
Conclusion
Log files are crucial for the proper functioning of the Exchange Database. In case of missing or accidentally deleted log files, the database can become corrupt, causing an interruption in the work of organizations. Among the manual methods to resolve this issue, you can try hard recovery by using the ESEUTIL/p cmdlet.
However, this method will cause loss of your sensitive but damaged data with no recovery. Therefore, use this option only if you have no other way left to repair your corrupted Exchange Server database. A better way to resolve this issue is to use Exchange Server recovery software. Stellar Repair for Exchange is the best tool in this regard, as it can help to repair your database even in the absence of the log file.
Recommended by MVPs, it accompanies multiple features and ensures complete recovery of your damaged database file to PST or other desired format. You can buy the preferred version of this tool depending on your requirements. Feel free to browse through the official Stellar Info website to learn more about this popular Exchange Server recovery software.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
