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Sometimes, when attempting to retrieve your data from the MS Exchange Server, the process may encounter a failure, and you will receive the following error message:

Access denied to database Mailbox Store (SERVER2K3).
WARNING: \\SERVER2K3\Microsoft Information Store\First Storage Group\Mailbox Store (SERVER2K3) is a corrupt file.
This file cannot verify.
Database or database element is corrupt

This error message signals a potential risk of losing crucial data, and it arises due to one of the following factors:

  • Either you do not have required permissions to access the database
  • Some of the precious Exchange Server files are missing
  • EDB database files are corrupt and data has become inaccessible.

To address this issue, follow these steps for a resolution. First, obtain the necessary permissions from your system administrator, and then attempt the operation once more. You have two options for repairing your Exchange Server: you can utilize the Eseutil.exe tool for self-repair, or you may opt for a third-party Exchange Server repair tool for a comprehensive solution.

Eseutil.exe is a built-in utility for Exchange Server that empowers users to verify and repair .edb files. However, if you wish to rectify corruption errors, an EDB recovery process is necessary. The Eseutil repair procedure entails reconstructing the Exchange database while eliminating invalid data throughout the operation. Prior to launching the Eseutil application, it is imperative for users to ensure compliance with the following prerequisites.

  • Exchange Database backup is taken
  • Exchange Database is dismounted (Run Dismount-Database –Identity <database name> in PowerShell)
  • Minimum 20% of total disk space is there

These are mandatory requirements, and after fulfilling these, you can start the repair process through Eseutil commands. You can find and open the Eseutil application by visiting this path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Exchange Server\V15\Bin

Check your database state by running this command in Eseutil application

ESEUTIL /MH <database name>

If the status is Exchange Dirty Shutdown and the output shows missing logs, you can perform soft recovery by running this cmdlet.

ESEUTIL /r <log prefix> /l <log files folder path> /d <database folder path>

Check the status again and If soft recovery does not work, perform the hard recovery. Use this cmdlet.

ESEUTL /P <database path location>

Users have the option to verify the current state of the database, determining whether the Exchange Database is in good health. Nonetheless, it is important to note that this process cannot guarantee database repair or prevent potential data loss.

Kernel for Exchange Server is your trusted solution for retrieving mailboxes from corrupted, damaged, or otherwise inaccessible EDB files of MS Exchange Server. This powerful tool goes above and beyond, seamlessly recovering all vital components, including emails, notes, contacts, journal entries, calendar events, and other essential items from these previously unreachable mailboxes. Exchange EDB Recovery software boasts compatibility with Exchange Server 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and even older versions. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience while guaranteeing the utmost precision in EDB recovery. Allow us to explain how it operates.

Final words

Corruption in the Exchange Database (EDB) can lead to accessibility issues with mailbox data within the Exchange Server. While one option for addressing this problem is to manually use the eseutil.exe utility, this method is not always reliable. A more dependable approach is to employ an advanced Exchange Recovery solution, which enables you to successfully recover all data from the Exchange database files.

Kernel for Exchange Server