Question : Exchange 2003 Logical Size vs Physical Size

Hi Guys

We've got a SBS 2003 server where if I look in the exchange system manager and add up the total mailbox sizes its about 55GB, but if I look at the priv1.EDB and STM files the total is 78.3GB.

1:

The Exchange store 'First Storage Group\Mailbox Store (SERVER01)' is limited to 75 GB. The current physical size of this database (the .edb file and the .stm file) is 77 GB. If the physical size of this database minus its logical free space exceeds the limit of 75 GB, the database will be dismounted on a regular basis.

My question, does the 75GB limit set in the registry apply to the logical size as opposed to the physical size of the database?

also how can I accurately find out the logical size as exchange sees it, at the moment i'm assuming its 55GB but need to know how space we have before we hit the limit.

Finally is it normal to have a 55GB logical size and 77GB filesize of the databases?

Thanks :)

Answer : Exchange 2003 Logical Size vs Physical Size

If it says 18mb free, that's the amount of white space after the last online maintenance.

That means an offline defrag is a very bad idea as it will take absolutely ages and free up nothing.

You should reduce retention, have a massive clearout and then if you are ok for disk space and backup window time, don't do an offline defrag as exchange uses the logical size not the physical size.

The logical size is physical size of DB+STM - White space in 1221.

Shaun