How to Delete Exchange Log Files

Microsoft Exchange Server log files are used to record every transaction that occurs to the Exchange Server database. As expected, these files continue to grow over time. To save space, you must delete the log files periodically. Exchange Server logs have a default size of 5 megabytes. A new log file is then created and the old one is renamed automatically. There are 2 ways to delete Exchange Server log files. One method can be set up to run automatically while the other requires you to delete files manually.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Automatic Circular Logging

1. Log-on to the Exchange Server. Most Exchange Servers require an administrative log-in to make any changes or to delete files.

2. Click Start > Programs > Microsoft Exchange > System Manager.

3. Use the plus sign to the left of the screen to drill down to the correct server name. Depending on the server setup, you may need to drill down to the correct administrative group first. Right click the server storage group and choose "Properties."

4. Click the "Enable Circular Logging" check box and press "OK." You can disable circular logging by unchecking the box at any time.

5. Restart the Exchange Server information store. Click Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Services > Microsoft Exchange Information Store. Click the "Action" menu, and press "Restart." Circular logging will begin after the restart.

Manual Deletion

6. Log-in to your Exchange Server. Stop the Exchange Server Information Store. Go to Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Services. Right click Microsoft Exchange Information Store > Stop. Leave this screen open.

7. Go to your log directory. The drive letter may differ, depending on your server setup. Look for the following directory on your Exchange Server hard drive: "\exchsrvr\MDBDATA."
   Log files will be stored here.

8. Select the files you wish to delete and press "Del." Be certain not to delete your most-recent log files. Leave all the log files created since your last backup. This will ensure that any recent data can be restored if necessary. Exit the directory.

9. Restart the Exchange Server Information Store. Open the Services screen from Step 1. Right-click "Microsoft Exchange Information Store" and press "Start." Exit the Services screen when finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft recommends deleting files manually since circular logging can sometimes leave you with incomplete log files that can't be used to repair the Exchange Server database. To prevent any potential data loss, perform a full backup of your Exchange Server before deleting logs or enabling circular logging.
• Never delete the main log file, which will be named "Edb.log." Repairs to the Exchange Server database require the most recent log file.

References

• Microsoft Article on Circular Logging
• Microsoft Article on Manual Deletion