What is an EDB File?
Exchange stores user mailboxes in an EDB file. You read the data through Exchange or through viewer software.
Our EDB format guide explains the structure and the location. The page shows how to open the file.
| Method | Needs Exchange Server | Cost | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery database | Yes | Free | Admins with a working Exchange Server |
| Viewer software | No | Free demo | Offline file and no server |
| Recovery software | No | Paid after demo | Damaged file and PST export |
How do You Check the EDB State First?
Start Eseutil with the /mh switch to read the database header.
eseutil /mh "E:\Databases\DB1\DB1.edb"The State line shows Clean Shutdown or Dirty Shutdown. The Microsoft Exchange blog shows the command and the output.
Microsoft states that a recovery database needs a Clean Shutdown file. Use Eseutil /R to bring a Dirty Shutdown file to that state.
Heads Up. Work on a copy of the EDB file and its log files.
How does a Recovery Database Open the File?
Method #1: Recovery Database (Free, Needs Exchange)
Who it suits. Admins with Exchange Server 2016, 2019 or Subscription Edition. Extra application. Exchange Management Shell.
- Copy the database and log files to the recovery database folder.
- Bring the database to Clean Shutdown with Eseutil /R.
- Create the recovery database with New-MailboxDatabase and the Recovery switch.
- Restart the Information Store service.
- Mount the recovery database.
- List the mailboxes with Get-MailboxStatistics.
- Restore a mailbox or items with New-MailboxRestoreRequest.
New-MailboxDatabase -Recovery -Name RDB1 -Server MBX1 -EdbFilePath "E:\Databases\RDB1\DB1.EDB" -LogFolderPath "E:\Databases\RDB1"
Mount-Database RDB1
Get-MailboxStatistics -Database RDB1 | Format-Table DisplayName,MailboxGUID -AutoSizeThe Microsoft recovery database page lists the Mailbox recovery permission as a prerequisite. Windows Server Backup restores only file level backups to a recovery database.
How do You Open an EDB File With No Exchange Server?
Method #2: SysTools Exchange EDB Viewer Pro (Free Demo)
Who it suits. Users who have the database file and no Exchange Server. Extra application. Windows viewer software.
- Download and install the software.
- Add the offline file.
- Browse the mailbox folders in the left pane.
- Select the export option to save items as PDF.
The SysTools Exchange EDB Viewer Pro page states that no Exchange Server is needed. The source file must be offline or dismounted. Live mailboxes are not supported.
The vendor page lists Exchange versions from 5.5 to 2016. The page names a Quick Scan and an Advance Scan for damaged and Dirty Shutdown files.
The free version exports up to 25 items per folder. The page lists PDF as the export format.
What if the File is Damaged and You Need a PST?
Method #3: SysTools Exchange Recovery Tool (Paid After Demo)
Who it suits. Admins with a dismounted or damaged database. Extra application. Exchange Recovery Tool.
The Exchange Recovery Tool reads an offline database file directly, so it does not need the transaction logs. The software previews the mailboxes and exports them to PST or other formats. Test the demo on a copy of the database.
Page damage can show as an error. The JET error 1018 guide explains the checksum errors.
Where do You Go After You Open the File?
- Convert the mailboxes with the free EDB to PST converter guide.
- Save mail as PDF with the EDB to PDF guide.
- Move the data to Microsoft 365 with the EDB to Office 365 guide.
- Fix a mount error with the Exchange database mount error guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Opens an EDB File?
Exchange mounts it as a database. Viewer software opens an offline copy with no Exchange Server.
Can You Read an EDB File Without Exchange Server?
Yes, with viewer software. The Microsoft recovery database route needs Exchange Server.
What does Dirty Shutdown Mean?
The database has log entries that Exchange has not committed to the file. Replay the logs with Eseutil /R before mounting.
Do You Need the Log Files?
A Clean Shutdown file needs none. A Dirty Shutdown file needs its logs for Eseutil /R.
Can Viewer Software Open Live Mailboxes?
No. The vendor page states that it previews dismounted EDB files only.
How Many Items does the Free EDB Viewer Export?
The vendor page states that the free version exports up to 25 items per folder.
Which Exchange Versions Fit the Microsoft Recovery Database Page?
The page applies to Exchange Server 2016, 2019 and Subscription Edition.
Author's Verdict
Use a recovery database when you have a working Exchange Server and the right permissions.
Choose viewer software when the file is offline and no server exists. Choose recovery software when the file is damaged and you need a PST.
Key Takeaways
- Check the state with Eseutil /mh before any step.
- A recovery database needs Clean Shutdown.
- Viewer software previews dismounted files only.
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