Database Fails to Start when Circular Logging is Enabled

Circular logging is a Exchange Server feature thatExchange deletes the log files immediately after
implements recycling of logs. Microsoft Exchangewriting the data to the database, for which the
Server writes the data to be committed to theinformation is traced out by Edb.chk file. Now, if a
database in transaction logs before actually writingprocess blocks the Edb.chk file for a considerable
it. If circular logging is enabled and four logs haveperiod of time and prevents Exchange to update
been filled, it assumes that the first log asit, the file may get deleted before it could be
committed and thus, recycles the logs in order toupdated. Thus, the checkpoint gets lost if the
save disk space. But it comes with a major flawdatabase suffers an unexpected stop. When you
that prevents disaster recovery. If the databaserestart the server, the Edb.chk file points to a log
is corrupted while the feature is enabled,file that doesn't exit anymore and hence, the
Exchange can only restore as far as the lastdatabase doesn't start.
backup is available. In case a suitable backup isSolution
unavailable, you are suggested to opt forIf the exact cause is known and the errors are
Exchange Repair solutions that are powerful andoccurring only because of Edb.chk file, delete it
safe too at repairing a corrupted Exchangeand database service. But if the cause is different,
database.the database might get damaged.
For example, you observe an unexpectedTo achieve recovery, you should not use eseutil
shutdown with an Exchange database. After this,r command without /is or /ds switches. This is
when you try to start it, an 'JET_errFileNotFound'because at this point, a new Edb.log file can get
error is displayed with a numerical value, such ascreated and Exchange may try to repair using
4294965485, -1811 or 0xfffff8ed. When youincorrect set of log files. Though you can delete
view the application event log, it shows eventsthe Edb.chk file, but the database remains
1120 and 5000.corrupted.
CauseFor getting successful results from a corrupted
Events 1120 and 5000 generally show databaseExchange database, it is suggested to use
inconsistency that prevent the database to start.Exchange Repair products in case if no good
You should see their description for the exactbackup is there. Exchange Repair tools are
reason.high-end and safe database repair utilities that can
One probable cause could be that circular logging isrepair and restore a corrupted Exchange
enabled and error lies in checkpoint file, usuallydatabase.
Edb.chk file. Since the circular logging is enabled,