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Manage Exchange Server 2003 based on server roles and responsibilities.
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Audit the messaging environment, using Windows Server 2003 auditing.
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Use Exchange Server 2003's protocol logging and diagnostic logging for troubleshooting purposes.
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Install the ESM on a client computer to remotely administer Exchange Server 2003. Use the same version of Exchange Server 2003 and service pack level of the servers being managed.
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Keep AD well- tuned using ntdsutil , because Exchange Server 2003 directly relies on it.
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Avoid possible adverse affects with the AD database by running ntdsutil in Directory Service Repair mode.
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Perform an online and offline copy of the information stores prior to running offline maintenance tasks .
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Use isinteg in test mode unless there is a specific problem reported .
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Never manually modify Exchange Server 2003 databases and transaction log files.
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Document the Exchange Server 2003 messaging environment configuration and create a change log to document changes and maintenance procedures.
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If you are experiencing problems with OAL generation, enable diagnostic logging and review the Application Log for any OAL Generator category events.
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Document the process of restoring Exchange Server 2003 databases. If documentation already exists, verify that the existing process has not changed. If it has changed, update the documentation.
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Create post-maintenance procedures to minimize time needed for restoration.
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Include the System State data in daily backup routines.
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Reduce management and maintenance efforts, using the MOM Application Management Pack.