What is datastore edb?

The datastore EDB is a type of database file used by Microsoft Exchange Server to store mailbox data. It stands for Extensible Storage Engine Database and is typically located in the \Program Files\Microsoft\Exchange Server\V15\Mailbox\Mailbox Database folder on the server.

The datastore EDB file contains all the user mailbox data, including emails, attachments, calendar items, contacts, and more. It can also store data related to public folders, address lists, and other Exchange Server-related information.

Microsoft Exchange Server uses a proprietary database engine called the Extensible Storage Engine (ESE) to manage and access the datastore EDB file. The ESE is a sophisticated database engine that provides advanced features like transaction logging, internal database replication, searching, and indexing.

To ensure the integrity of the datastore EDB file, Exchange Server uses a series of techniques, including checksum verification, copy-on-write semantics, and snapshot isolation. These techniques help to prevent data corruption and guarantee consistency in the event of system failures or crashes.

As an important component of Exchange Server, the datastore EDB file is critical to the proper functioning of an Exchange Server deployment. Administrators need to ensure that the datastore EDB file is backed up regularly and that system-level protection is in place to protect against data loss or corruption.