Exchange does not reserve a large file initially. Each evening when store maintenance runs it logs an event in the application log that tells you the amount of that database file size that is free space. Exchange will reuse the free space before expanding the file.
The database file will never shrink on its own. You must dismount the store and run ESEUTIL /D on it. However, in normal circumstances, you shouldn't bother because you'll usually not get enough space back to make it worth the effort. Exchange retains messages for the period specified in your setting for deleted item recovery. There are plenty of answers in the FAQ. Ed Crowley MCSE+Internet MVP Freelance E-Mail Philosopher Protecting the world from PSTs and Bricked Backups!T -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Erick Thompson Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 11:52 AM To: Exchange Discussions Subject: Server storage capacity I've started a slow migration of users from a POP/SMTP system to Exchange. I've moved over myself and a few other users. I recently run into problem with low disk space! With only a few users on the server, I have some concerns. A backup system hasn't been set up yet, so I have a bunch of log files that will disappear once I do the next backup, so the low disk space will resolve itself soon. But, I noticed that the priv1.edb file is over 2 GB. When I check the Mailbox Store, the total size of the mailboxes is ~ 1.5 gigs. From the 24sever Exchange book, I gather this is the actual data store. Is the contents of the data store really over 2 GB, or, like SQL Server, does Exchange reserve a large file from the OS, then manage it internally? Another question, if I delete a number of messages in Exchange, do I need to do anything else, or are they actually deleted from the server? In other words, does Exchange retain the messages after they are no longer visible in Outlook? Any other pointers to keep mailbox sizes under control? Thanks, Erick _________________________________________________________________ List posting FAQ: http://www.swinc.com/resource/exch_faq.htm Web Interface: http://intm-dl.sparklist.com/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=exchange&text_mode=&lang =english To unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Exchange List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _________________________________________________________________ List posting FAQ: http://www.swinc.com/resource/exch_faq.htm Web Interface: http://intm-dl.sparklist.com/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=exchange&text_mode=&lang=english To unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Exchange List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
