In the event that the restore process is unsuccessful, you should make a copy of the existing database files you are restoring before they are overwritten. Keeping a copy of the damaged database files allows for more recovery options. For example, if your restore is unsuccessful, a copy of these files allows to you to revert back to the original versions, which might be repairable. The disadvantage of copying the database files is that it can nearly double the time it takes to bring your server back online.

Important Copying or moving the database files to a location on a different server in your network takes more time than copying or moving files to an alternate location on the same physical hard disk.

To copy or move the existing versions of the database files you are restoring

1. Ensure that the databases that you are copying or moving are dismounted. For more information about how to dismount databases, see "Dismounting the Exchange Databases That You are Restoring".
2. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
3. In Windows Explorer, create a folder to store the database files you want to copy or move, preferably a temporary folder on the same hard disk. If you are going to copy the files, ensure that there is enough disk space on the drive to which you are copying the files.
4. In Windows Explorer, go to the location of the database files you want to copy or move, and then copy or move the existing files to the folder that you created in the previous step (below). For more information about how to determine the locations of the database files you are restoring, see "Determining the Database and Log File Locations of the Files You are Restoring".

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Enterprise Edition
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Standard Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition
• Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server