Configuring Backup to run backup jobs automatically can save administrative time. Saving time is useful in Exchange 2000 e-mail and collaboration organisations where you want to perform your largest backup types (such as Normal backups of the Exchange databases), when user access of your servers running Exchange 2000 is at its minimum.

One way to schedule a backup job is to use Backup to specify the times that you want your backups to run. For more information about how to schedule a backup, see Performing a Basic Backup.

Important Ensure that the Task Scheduler service is running before you schedule a backup. To ensure Task Scheduler is running, in the command prompt, type net start schedule. You can also use the Services snap-in to start, stop, and view the status of services.

Another way you can schedule a backup to run at a later time is by referencing the backup job you want to run in a batch file using the command line switches for NTBackup.exe. For a list of all available backup switches, view the command line parameters for Backup by typing ntbackup /? at a command prompt.

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