How to Repair Corrupted EDB Files in Exchange Server

Any queries regarding how to repair or recover a corrupt EDB file can be resolved by referring to the solutions provided on this page to restore the damaged EDB file and bring the mailbox database back to Exchange Server 2019/2016/2013/2010.

The EDB file, referred to as the Microsoft Exchange Server Database file, stores the entire data of hundreds of mailboxes in an Exchange Server with the .edb extension. Hence, in case the EDB gets corrupt, you cannot access or send emails through the Exchange Server.

When you face any issue with your Exchange Server, first of all, you should check the EDB file to know the state of Exchange Server Database.

Examine the causes and symptoms of EDB corruption

Understanding the causes and symptoms of a corrupt EDB file on your Exchange Server computer will help you quickly determine what to do next.

Most Exchange Server database issues, including EDB file corruption, are caused by:

• Unintentional shutdowns or power failures
• Hardware issues and malfunctions
• Virus attacks
• Exceeding storage limits for EDB files
• Application failures

If you encounter one of the error messages or symptoms listed below, your EDB file is at high risk of corruption:

• Error -515: (JET_errInvalidLogSequence) when a log file is missing. • Error 1018: (JET_errReadVerifyFailure) if there is page-level corruption. • Error 1216: (JET_errAttachedDatabaseMismatch) when the header information is removed. • Error 1601: (Operation Aborted, error -1601) when the STM file's internal structure is corrupted. • Error 1605: Operation Aborted, error -1605 • Dirty Shutdown Error: (ERROR: Database was not closed properly)

Usually, hardware issues of this sort caused by external factors can be resolved by restarting the Exchange server, upgrading or replacing hard disks, and using antivirus software.

When the EDB file is corrupt, you need professional solutions and EDB repair tools to fix the issue.

How to Repair Corrupted EDB File – 2 Free Methods

Here's a comparison table of two tools for repairing and recovering damaged EDB files - Exchange Recovery Software and Eseutil: | Tool Name | Exchange Recovery Software | Eseutil | | --- | --- | --- | | Application | Designed for EDB file repair and recovery in Exchange Server | Built-in utility by Microsoft for Exchange database maintenance and troubleshooting | | Key Features | 1. Supports all versions of EDB files from Exchange Server
2. Preview option to view data before recovery
3. Exports to PST, MSG, HTML, PDF, and more formats
4. Capable of handling large EDB files | 1. Integrated with Exchange Server, no additional purchase needed
2. Offers various repair modes like full, log, checkpoint, etc.
3. Command-line operation, requires technical expertise | | User Friendliness | High, provides a graphical user interface | Low, requires command-line knowledge | | Success Rate | Higher, handles complex corruption scenarios | Depends on the level of damage; limited effectiveness for severe corruption | | Support & Services | Offers detailed tutorials and customer support | Official documentation and community support | Based on your requirements and technical proficiency, you can choose one of these tools to try. If the EDB file is severely corrupted, the Exchange Recovery Software might be a more reliable choice due to its extensive recovery options and user-friendly interface. Eseutil, on the other hand, is a basic tool provided by Microsoft, suitable for technicians with in-depth Exchange knowledge.

Method 1: Repair Corrupted EDB Using Exchange Recovery Tool

Exchange Recovery utility can restore corrupted EDB to Exchange Server for free in 3 easy steps.

Supports Exchange Server 2019/2016/2013/2010.

Step 1: Select the EDB File

Search and select the lost Exchange database file. After selecting the EDB file, click on “Analyze”.

Step 2: Analyze the file.

The software will scan and locate lost Exchange data.

Step 3: Recover the data you need.

Select the emails and other data you need, and preview the contents of your mailboxes.

Then, you can click “Export MSG” to export the data to a specific location or click “Restore” to restore the data to the server.

Both the data and the logs will be restored securely. When the restore operation is complete, you can run the Exchange Server application to regain access to mailboxes.

Method 2: Run the Eseutil Command to Repair the EDB

A quick search online will reveal that most Exchange Server administrators recommend running Eseutil to repair corrupt .edb files manually.

Note that the Eseutil command will delete records from the EDB file. Also, exercise caution when using the Eseutil command to repair a corrupted .edb file:

Step 1: Back up the EDB database, and then run the eseutil /p command to repair the database.

Step 2: Run the Eseutil /d command to rebuild the Exchange Server database: eseutil /d T

Run ISIted to check the integrity of your database.

After the repair process is complete, you can copy the repaired EDB file back to its original location on the Exchange Server, and then restart the Exchange Server to start using it again.

Knowing how to repair or restore corrupt EDB is not enough. It is more important to know how to protect your Exchange Server database and tips to prevent EDB corruption.

Tips to Prevent EDB Corruption

Here are some EDB protection habits you can adopt to avoid Exchange Server database corruption issues:

• Regularly back up EDB files with professional Exchange backup software.
• Leave ample free space on the database drive.
• Immediately check and fix hard disk errors, like corrupted file systems and bad sectors.
• If the hard drive won't boot due to too many bad sectors, upgrade and clone a hard drive with bad sectors to a new one.
• Perform regular data integrity checks and database maintenance.

If the Exchange Server database still prompts corruption as mentioned above, then don't worry. An Exchange Recovery tool can be used to repair EDB and restore all lost mailboxes even records.