The stand-by recovery server method involves keeping one or more extra server computers held in reserve for use as a recovery server in the event a disaster occurs. A stand-by recovery server is a computer with exactly the same hardware, firmware updates (such as BIOS updates), software updates (such as Windows 2000 updates), hardware configuration, applications (such as antivirus applications, administrative software, and so on), and disk partitioning as the Exchange 2000 servers it is designed to replace. A stand-by recovery server should also have Windows 2000 installed, a temporary computer name assigned, and it should be a member of a workgroup instead of a domain.

Using stand-by recovery servers is a common practice in server environments that include rack-mounted hardware. In such environments, support technicians routinely replace modular components as they become damaged. This method is especially useful in conjunction with data storage technologies that offer continuous availability such as Storage Area Networks (SANs).

The stand-by recovery server method is similar to rebuilding a server. In fact, the backup requirements for the stand-by recovery server method are identical to those used in rebuilding a server, with one difference: with the stand-by recovery method, the first step of reinstalling the operating system and other applications is already completed before you begin the recovery process.
As a result, the stand-by recovery server method saves your Exchange 2000 organisation from experiencing excessive downtime.

The most important factor in using the stand-by recovery server method is that the hardware, software updates, and firmware updates on your stand-by recovery servers must be identical to the server it is designed to replace. In addition, the hardware configuration for non-PCI hardware must be identical.
The reason the hardware configuration must be identical is because you restore the Windows 2000 System State data of the original computer to the stand-by recovery server.

Tip One way to ensure that your stand-by recovery server is compatible is to perform a test recovery on that server (including restoring the Windows backup set, and other required restore steps).

The following are two different scenarios that use stand-by recovery servers:

• If a disaster other than a hard disk failure occurs (for example, if your CPU or other hardware become damaged), remove the hard drives from the damaged server, put them in the stand-by recovery server, start the server, and then run Chkdsk /f on all drives. The server can be running again in minutes.
• If the hard disk fails (for example, the hard disk containing your Exchange 2000 databases), start the stand-by recovery server, restore your Windows backup set, restore your dynamic data backups, install Exchange 2000 and any of its service packs in Disaster Recovery mode, and then restore your Exchange 2000 database from backup.

1. In Backup, in the console tree, expand Microsoft Exchange Server,
2. Expand the server you want, and then
3. Expand Microsoft Information Store.

• Backup Requirements for the Stand-By Recovery Server Method
• Backup Rotations and Schedules for a Stand-By Recovery Serverr
• Advantages and Disadvantages to using a Stand-By Recovery Server
• Steps to Recover a Stand-By Recovery Server

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