How to archive all messages sent and received in Microsoft Exchange 2000 and 2003 and Small Business Server 2000 and 2003

By Dave Peiser
Have you ever wanted to be able to store everything sent to or received by an Exchange server without spending a bundle on archiving software? You can accomplish this easily by using the Message Archive feature in Exchange 2000 and 2003. Message archiving retains a copy of all messages sent or received by a mailbox store, placing the copies in a designated mailbox or public folder.
Here are instructions for setting up a mailbox to receive all incoming and outgoing emails:

1. Create a new exchange account. Name it "Email Archive" or something similar

2. In Exchange System Manager, right-click on the mailbox store where the accounts are located that you want to archive. Select Properties, and then check the box that says "Archive all messages sent or received by mailboxes on this store". Click on the "Browse" button and select the "Email Archive" account. That's it!
Something to note about this - Since you are now sending all email to one mailbox, this account can become quite large quickly. Make sure the drive where you are storing the Exchange database is large enough to handle this and that you have increased the size of the exchange database. Here are instructions for increasing the size of the exchange database past the 18 GB limit: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/912375
If you decide you need a more robust solution for email archiving, take a look at the following list of potential products: http://www.slipstick.com/exs/archive.asp