Problem solve Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

Why are Exchange Server MDBDATA log files important?

Find out what Exchange Server MDBDATA log files are used for and why MDBDATA log files should never be deleted.

Published: 21 Aug 2007
What are the transaction log files located in the MDBDATA folder within the Exchange server folder (Exchsrvr\MDBDATA) used for? Do we need to keep the MDBDATA log files or can we delete them?
MDBDATA log files are transaction log files which are an integral part of your Exchange database. For example, if your database ever fails and you have to recover from backup, the MDBDATA transaction log files can (under normal conditions) be replayed to bring your Exchange database to its most-recent state. As such, MDBDATA log files should never be deleted.

Do you have comments on this Ask the Expert Q&A? Let us know.

Related information from SearchExchange.com:

  • Tip: How to manually (and safely) purge Exchange Server transaction logs
  • Expert Advice: Move transaction logs and databases to a new hard drive
  • Reference Center: Exchange backup and disaster recovery resources
  • Reference Center: Exchange transaction log tips and resources

    • Dig Deeper on Exchange Server setup and troubleshooting

    SearchServerVirtualization
    SearchCloudComputing
    SearchSQLServer
    SearchEnterpriseDesktop
    SearchVirtualDesktop
    Close