Exchange Administrator Tools to know
In this article, I have collected some Exchange Troubleshooting tools that every Exchange administrator should know. These tools will help you in Recovering and monitoring the Exchange Server in disaster situations.
Tools that I have explained in this article are:
Tools
Exchange Server User Monitor (Exmon)
Exchange Server User Monitor Tool (Exmon) is developed by Microsoft and is used to gather and evaluate real-time information about Exchange users. With the help of this tool Exchange administrator can understand the usage of current client and can plan to upgrade in future if required. By using this tool Exchange administrators can even view the IP address, Outlook Version and Mode used by them (Classing Online Mode or Catch Exchange Mode) of each client.
Know more about Exmon Tool at http://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=11461.
Routing Log Viewer
Log files in Exchange Server is used to store and monitor the changes made to the Exchange database. So, it is one of the important responsibilities of the Exchange administrator to view the log files on regular basis. This may help in troubleshooting the issues related to exchange Server. Routing Log Viewer is one of the monitoring tools using which Exchange Administrator can view and analyze the log files.
Know More about Routing Log Viewer at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb676429(v=exchg.141).aspx
Microsoft Exchange Server Messaging API Editor (MFCMapi)
MFCMapi is a one of the essential utilities for Exchange Administrator and is used to test MAPI if it is functioning or not. With that Exchange administrators can test the connectivity issues between Exchange and Outlook.
Know More about MFCMapi
at https://mfcmapi.codeplex.com/
Exchange Disaster Recovery Solution
This tool is developed by Exchange experts and it provides an easy way to recover the corrupted database of Exchange Server. You can use this tool even in the absence of Exchange Environment. This software also supports encrypted or corrupted Exchange database. It offers an option to backup recovered mailboxes and public folders into PST, EML, MSG and Live Exchange.
Know More about this Tool at http://www.edbtopst.org/
Exchange Best Practice Analyzer (ExBPA)
ExBPA is developed by Microsoft and is used to measure the health of Exchange Environment. The tool collects information from Exchange Server and other related parts of it. Afterwards it analyzes the results. Then the tools reports which part of the Exchange application is not working properly. I would also like to recommend this tool to gauge the health of Exchange Environment.
Know More about ExBPA at https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=22485
Queue Viewer Tool to view the Queued Messages
Queue Viewer is a troubleshooting tool used to check the status of messages whether they have been delivered or not. You can check the Queue Viewer from the Toolbox of Exchange Server. Along with message tracking, this tool is also used to troubleshoot mail flow, identifies spam if present in message. You can easily track the status of message by using this tool.
Know More about Queue Viewer at http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2007/01/09/3397689.aspx
Microsoft’s Log Parser Tool
Log Parser is one of the powerful tool that provides the access to Log files, CSV files and XML files etc. Log Parser has command line interface by default and can do everything that you need. Users can also use the Log Parser Studio having the graphical user interface.
Know More about Log Parser at http://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=24659
Eseutil & Isenteg Command
Eseutil and Isenteg are PowerShell commands used to repair the corrupted Exchange database. Eseutil command with P parameter is used to perform the hard repair of Exchange database. One disadvantage of this tool is that it deletes the highly corrupted pages and results in information loss. Isenteg command is used for the re-indexing of the database.
Know More about Eseutil & Isenteg Command at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa996436(v=exchg.65).aspx
Nslookup
Nslookup tool is used to troubleshoot DNS related problems. I have included this tool in the list because now a days DNS plays a vital role in the Exchange Server. So, if your DNS is not functioning in a proper manner, Active directory and Exchange will not perform as required.
To use this tool type
Nslookup
Execute it via CMD app.
Exchange Server Deployment Assistant
ExDeploy in an online tool which helps to move the Exchange 2010 data to Office 365. The tool generates online step by step instructions to perform the function along with the requirements.
Know more at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/office/dn756393.aspx
Conclusion
In this article, I have listed some important Exchange tools that every Exchange Administrator should know. Please comment if you want further details about any of the listed tools