Difference between revisions of "Storage Locations"

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In storage loactions managment you can view the location of the master database, create new archive stores and manage the archive's existing archive stores.
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A MailStore archive physically (i.e. on the storage) consists of individual archive stores, each with its own database, search indexes and data containers.<br/>To MailStore users these archive stores are fully transparent; they have access to all archived emails in all active archive stores and thus get a logical view on the archive according to their respective privileges.
  
== Accessing Storage Locations Management ==
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Under ''Administrative Tools > Storage > Storage Locations'' you can configure the parameters of the archive stores' auto-create, manually create new archive stores and manage the archive's existing archive stores. You can also view the location of the master database here.
Log on to MailStore Client as MailStore administrator. Click on ''Administrative Tools'' > ''Storage'' and then on ''Storage Locations''.
 
 
 
[[File:tech_storageloc_01.png|center|550px]]
 
 
 
== Changing the Storage Location of the Master Database ==
 
== Changing the Storage Location of the Master Database ==
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The storage location of the master database can only be viewed here. In case the MailStore Client is started on the MailStore Server machine, clicking on ''Change...'' closes the MailStore Client and starts the [[MailStore Server Service Configuration]].
  
The storage location of the master database can only be viewed here. Clicking on ''Change...'' closes MailStore Client and starts the [[MailStore Server Service Configuration]].
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== Archive Store Basics ==
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In MailStore, there are two types of archive stores: ''Internal Archive Stores'' and ''External Archive Stores''.
  
== Creating Archive Stores ==
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Internal archive stores are stored entirely in configurable file system directories and can be created, managed and backed up automatically by MailStore. For most environments using internal archive stores is recommended.
MailStore distinguishes between two types of archive stores: ''standard archive store'' and ''advanced archive store''.
 
  
Standard archive stores are stored entirely in an adjustable directory of the file system. Advanced archive stores offer additional options such as storage in SQL databases, but have limited functionality elsewhere. Information about advanced archive stores is available in chapter [[Using Advanced Archive Stores]].
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External archive stores offer storage in SQL databases, but have several limitations. Information about external archive stores is available in chapter [[Using External Archive Stores]].
  
<p class="msnote">'''Please note:''' For most environments, using standard archive stores is recommended.</p>
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Both internal and external archive stores always consist of the following three components:
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{{Archive Stores Structure}}
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MailStore archive stores as a whole as well as their individual components can be put on different physical storage locations, including network based storages. For additional information, please refer to the article [[Using Network Attached Storage (NAS)]].
  
=== Creating a Standard Archive Store ===
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<p class="msnote">'''Important notice: '''When choosing the physical storage system, please attend to the [[System Requirements]].</p>
To create a new standard archive store, please proceed as follows:
 
  
* In the menu bar at the bottom of the window, click on ''Create...''.
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== Creating Archive Stores ==
* The dialog ''Create New Archive Store'' opens.
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In MailStore Server, internal archive stores are created automatically and additionally can be created manually. External archive stores can only be created manually.
*: [[File:tech_storageloc_std_01.png|center|350px]]
 
 
* Enter a name for the new standard archive store in the ''Name'' field, e.g. ''2012-05''.<br/>'''Please note: '''Remove the checkmark from the box titled ''Archive new messages here'' if you don't want MailStore to archive new emails in the new archive store.
 
* Using the name entered and the path of the master database MailStore suggests a destination folder for the new standard archive store. To change the proposed path, click on the button next to the ''directory'' field or enter a different path manually.<br/>'''Important notice:''' The destination folder is created automatically. If it already exists, it may not contain any files or subfolders.
 
* Click on ''Finish'' to create the standard archive store.
 
  
=== Creating Standard Archive Stores Automatically ===
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=== Creating Internal Archive Stores Automatically ===
By default, MailStore Server creates a new standard archive store for every 500,000 emails and archives new emails therein. To change this setting (in order to create a new standard archive store quarterly, for example), please proceed as follows:
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From time to time, MailStore Server automatically creates a new internal archive store for optimal system performance and stability. The maximum size and amount of emails are determined by MailStore Server internally.
  
* Start MailStore Client and log on as MailStore administrator (admin).
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If needed, you can limit the size that an archive store can reach at most before a new one is created to align with your backup routine. You can also configure the storage location where new archive stores will be created automatically.
* Click on ''Administrative Tools'' > ''Storage'' and then on ''Storage Locations''.
 
* Click on ''Create automatically...''
 
* In the dialog ''Auto-Create Archive Stores'' customize the settings as desired.<br>'''Please note:''' You can find additional important information in the article [[Performance and Scalability Guidelines]].
 
*: [[File:tech_storageauto_01.png|center|350px]]
 
* Under ''Create in'' replace ''C:\MailArchive'' with the directory under which you want to add the new standard archive store. The standard archive stores that are created automatically by MailStore, including any subfolders, are named in the format ''year-month'', e.g. ''2009-04''.
 
* Click on ''OK''.
 
  
=== Creating an Advanced Archive Store ===
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<p class="msnote">'''Important notice: '''The maximum size should not be configured manually without good reason, so that MailStore Server can determine the optimal time automatically for creating a new archive store.</p>
Creating a new advanced archive store is described in chapter [[Using Advanced Archive Stores]].
 
  
== Managing Existing Archive Stores ==
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To change these settings, please proceed as follows:
  
=== Specifying an Archive Store for New Archived Emails ===
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* Below the list of archive stores, click on the ''Create automatically...'' button.
Right-click on an archive store and select ''Archive here''.
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* [[File:tech_storageauto_01.png|right|350px]]The ''Auto-Create Archive Stores'' dialog opens.
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* Customize the settings as preferred.
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* Under ''Base directory'' enter the directory below which you want MailStore Server to create the new internal archive stores. The internal archive stores that are created automatically by MailStore Server, including any subfolders, follow the naming scheme ''year-month'', e.g. ''2021-10''.
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* ''Optional: ''With the option ''Use different base directories for databases, content and search indexes'' you can configure separate directories for the individual components of an archive store. For example, you can put database and search index on a fast storage to accelerate folder operations and the MailStore search while leaving the email content files on a slower storage.
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* Click on ''OK''.<br clear=all />
  
=== Write-Protecting an Archive Store ===
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=== Creating an Internal Archive Store Manually ===
Right-click on an archive store in the list and select ''Read-only''.
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To create a new internal archive store manually, please proceed as follows:
  
After the archive store has been write-protected, the emails contained in the archive store remain available to all MailStore users and can be located though a search and through the folder structure. However, neither can new emails be archived in the archive store, nor can any emails be deleted from it. Please note that file system write access to the directory of the archive store is still required.
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* Below the list of archive stores, click on the ''Create...'' button.
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* The ''Create New Archive Store'' wizard opens.
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* Select the option ''Internal Archive Store'' and click on ''Next''.
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* [[File:tech_storageloc_int_01.png|right|350px]]Enter a name for the new internal archive store in the ''Name'' field, e.g. ''2021-10''.
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* If you don't want MailStore to archive new emails in the new archive store, deselect the option ''Archive new messages here''.
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* MailStore Server derives a base directory for the new internal archive store from the name entered and the path of the master database. By default, MailStore Server stores all components of an archive store in a folder structure that is created automatically below the base directory. You can optionally either change the proposed path manually or select an existing directory; an existing directory must not contain any files or subfolders.
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* ''Optional: ''With the option ''Use different base directories for databases, content and search indexes'' you can configure separate directories for the individual components of an archive store. For example, you can put database and search index on a fast storage to accelerate folder operations and the MailStore search while leaving the email content files on a slower storage.
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* Click on ''Finish'' to create the internal archive store.<br clear=all />
  
Read-only archive stores are marked with a lock symbol.
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=== Creating an External Archive Store ===
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External archive stores can only be created manually. Creating a new external archive store is described in chapter [[Using External Archive Stores]].
  
Write protect for a selected archive store can be deactivated by setting its status to ''Normal'' or ''Archive here''.
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== Managing Archive Stores ==
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[[File:tech_storageloc_01.png|center|550px]]
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=== Setting the Status ===
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Right-click on an archive store and select the status from the ''Set Status'' submenu. As an alternative, you can select an archive store and set the status via the drop-down list in the details pane on the right of the archive store list. You can set the following status:
  
=== Deactivating an Archive Store ===
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* ''Archive here''<br/>In MailStore Server, there can only be one archive store with this status. All newly archived emails are written into this archive store. The emails are available to all MailStore users and can be located by searching and through the folder structure. Emails in this archive store can be deleted or moved according to configured user privileges and compliance settings.<br/><br/><p class="msnote">'''Notice: '''If a new internal archive store has been created automatically, its status is initially set to ''Archive here''.<br/>If you set an external archive store's status to ''Archive here'', the automatic creation of internal archive stores will be suspended until you set an internal archive store to this status.</p>
Deactivating an archive store allows you to make changes to its configuration. This may become necessary after [[Moving the Archive]], for example.
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* ''Normal''<br/>Emails in archive stores with status ''Normal'' are available to all MailStore users and can be located by searching and through the folder structure. Emails in this archive store can be deleted or moved according to configured user privileges and compliance settings.
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* ''Write-Protected''<br/>Irrespective of user privileges and compliance settings, emails in write-protected archive stores can only be accessed read-only. The emails are available to all MailStore users and can be located by searching and through the folder structure. However, emails in such archive stores cannot be deleted or moved.<br/><br/><p class="msnote">'''Notice: '''Please note that file system write access to the directory of the archive store is still required and that this status prevents automatic processing of retention policies.</p>
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* ''Disabled''<br/>Disabling an archive store allows you to make changes to its configuration. This may be necessary after [[Moving the Archive]], for example. While an archive store is disabled, the emails contained therein are not available to the archive.<br/><br/><p class="msnote">'''Notice: '''Please note that this status prevents the execution of archiving profiles.</p>
  
While an archive store is deactivated, the emails contained therein are not available to the archive.  
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=== Editing ===
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Through the context menu item ''Edit...'' you can change the name and the directories of an archive store with status ''Disabled''.
  
To deactivate an archive store, right-click on it and select ''Deactivated''.
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=== Renaming ===
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Through the context menu item ''Rename...'' you can change the name of an archive store irrespective of its status.
  
=== Attaching and Detaching Archive Stores ===
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=== Detaching ===
Existing archive stores can be detached from the archive. To do so, right-click on an archive store in the list and select ''Detach''. The detached archive store and the emails contained therein are no longer available to the archive. This feature can be used when taking old parts of the archive out of storage, for example.
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Through the context menu item ''Detach'' you can detach an archive store from the archive, for example if all email contained therein do no longer have to be archived. The detached archive store and the emails contained therein are no longer available to the archive.
  
A detached archive store can be reattached to the archive at any time using the ''Attach...'' button and is then fully available again.
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=== Attaching ===
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A detached archive store can be reattached to the archive using the ''Attach...'' button. If the archive store cannot be decrypted automatically, you will be asked for the respective recovery key. For example, this could be the case for archive stores that belonged to another MailStore installation or which have been moved from another machine. You can find more information on the recovery key in section  [[MailStore_Server_Service_Configuration#Security_and_Encryption|Security and Encryption]] of chapter [[MailStore Server Service Configuration]].
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=== Unlocking ===
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If an archive store cannot be decrypted automatically, it will be listed as ''Locked'' in the list of archive stores. Through the context menu item ''Unlock'' or by changing the status you will be asked for the respective recovery key. You can find more information on the recovery key in section  [[MailStore_Server_Service_Configuration#Security_and_Encryption|Security and Encryption]] of chapter [[MailStore Server Service Configuration]].
  
 
== Maintenance of Archive Stores ==
 
== Maintenance of Archive Stores ==
All available maintenance commands can be accessed by right-clicking on an archive store. Alternatively, you can highlight an archive store and click on the ''Maintenance'' button. You can choose from the following features:
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All available maintenance commands can be accessed through the context menu of the list of archive stores. Alternatively, you can select an archive store and click on the ''Maintenance'' drop-down list in the details pane. The following commands are available:
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* ''Cleanup (Compact)''<br/>Optimizes the data structures while compacting the data.
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* ''Check Data Integrity''<br/>Verifies the data integrity between "Folder Information and Meta Data" as well as "Email Headers and Contents".
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* ''Maintain All FDB Files''<br/>Maintains the master database and all databases of internal archive stores.
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* ''Recalculate all statistics''<br/>Recalculates the statistics (number of emails per archive store) for all archive stores.
  
;Cleanup (Compact)
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Maintenance commands can also be scheduled for automatic execution via [[Jobs]].
:Optimizing the data structures while compacting the data.
 
;Check Data Integrity
 
:Verification of the data integrity between "Folder Information and Meta Data" as well as "Email Headers and Contents".
 
;Service All FDB Files
 
:Service all Firebird embedded databases in standard or extended archive stores of type ''Directory (File System)''.
 
;Recalculate all statistics
 
:If there are any doubts about the shown statistics (number of emails per archive store), these statistics for all archive stores can be recalculated with this command.
 
  
 
[[de:Speicherorte]]
 
[[de:Speicherorte]]
 
[[en:Storage Locations]]
 
[[en:Storage Locations]]

Latest revision as of 15:53, 28 September 2021

A MailStore archive physically (i.e. on the storage) consists of individual archive stores, each with its own database, search indexes and data containers.
To MailStore users these archive stores are fully transparent; they have access to all archived emails in all active archive stores and thus get a logical view on the archive according to their respective privileges.

Under Administrative Tools > Storage > Storage Locations you can configure the parameters of the archive stores' auto-create, manually create new archive stores and manage the archive's existing archive stores. You can also view the location of the master database here.

Changing the Storage Location of the Master Database

The storage location of the master database can only be viewed here. In case the MailStore Client is started on the MailStore Server machine, clicking on Change... closes the MailStore Client and starts the MailStore Server Service Configuration.

Archive Store Basics

In MailStore, there are two types of archive stores: Internal Archive Stores and External Archive Stores.

Internal archive stores are stored entirely in configurable file system directories and can be created, managed and backed up automatically by MailStore. For most environments using internal archive stores is recommended.

External archive stores offer storage in SQL databases, but have several limitations. Information about external archive stores is available in chapter Using External Archive Stores.

Both internal and external archive stores always consist of the following three components:

  • Folder Information and Meta Data
    Contains all data needed for the construction of the folder structure and the email list.
  • Email Headers and Contents
    Contains the actual payload of the archive.
  • Full Text Index
    Contains all data needed for searching through emails and attachments. The full text index can be reconstructed at any time. Additional information is available in chapter Search Indexes.

MailStore archive stores as a whole as well as their individual components can be put on different physical storage locations, including network based storages. For additional information, please refer to the article Using Network Attached Storage (NAS).

Important notice: When choosing the physical storage system, please attend to the System Requirements.

Creating Archive Stores

In MailStore Server, internal archive stores are created automatically and additionally can be created manually. External archive stores can only be created manually.

Creating Internal Archive Stores Automatically

From time to time, MailStore Server automatically creates a new internal archive store for optimal system performance and stability. The maximum size and amount of emails are determined by MailStore Server internally.

If needed, you can limit the size that an archive store can reach at most before a new one is created to align with your backup routine. You can also configure the storage location where new archive stores will be created automatically.

Important notice: The maximum size should not be configured manually without good reason, so that MailStore Server can determine the optimal time automatically for creating a new archive store.

To change these settings, please proceed as follows:

  • Below the list of archive stores, click on the Create automatically... button.
  • Tech storageauto 01.png
    The Auto-Create Archive Stores dialog opens.
  • Customize the settings as preferred.
  • Under Base directory enter the directory below which you want MailStore Server to create the new internal archive stores. The internal archive stores that are created automatically by MailStore Server, including any subfolders, follow the naming scheme year-month, e.g. 2021-10.
  • Optional: With the option Use different base directories for databases, content and search indexes you can configure separate directories for the individual components of an archive store. For example, you can put database and search index on a fast storage to accelerate folder operations and the MailStore search while leaving the email content files on a slower storage.
  • Click on OK.

Creating an Internal Archive Store Manually

To create a new internal archive store manually, please proceed as follows:

  • Below the list of archive stores, click on the Create... button.
  • The Create New Archive Store wizard opens.
  • Select the option Internal Archive Store and click on Next.
  • Tech storageloc int 01.png
    Enter a name for the new internal archive store in the Name field, e.g. 2021-10.
  • If you don't want MailStore to archive new emails in the new archive store, deselect the option Archive new messages here.
  • MailStore Server derives a base directory for the new internal archive store from the name entered and the path of the master database. By default, MailStore Server stores all components of an archive store in a folder structure that is created automatically below the base directory. You can optionally either change the proposed path manually or select an existing directory; an existing directory must not contain any files or subfolders.
  • Optional: With the option Use different base directories for databases, content and search indexes you can configure separate directories for the individual components of an archive store. For example, you can put database and search index on a fast storage to accelerate folder operations and the MailStore search while leaving the email content files on a slower storage.
  • Click on Finish to create the internal archive store.

Creating an External Archive Store

External archive stores can only be created manually. Creating a new external archive store is described in chapter Using External Archive Stores.

Managing Archive Stores

Tech storageloc 01.png

Setting the Status

Right-click on an archive store and select the status from the Set Status submenu. As an alternative, you can select an archive store and set the status via the drop-down list in the details pane on the right of the archive store list. You can set the following status:

  • Archive here
    In MailStore Server, there can only be one archive store with this status. All newly archived emails are written into this archive store. The emails are available to all MailStore users and can be located by searching and through the folder structure. Emails in this archive store can be deleted or moved according to configured user privileges and compliance settings.

    Notice: If a new internal archive store has been created automatically, its status is initially set to Archive here.
    If you set an external archive store's status to Archive here, the automatic creation of internal archive stores will be suspended until you set an internal archive store to this status.

  • Normal
    Emails in archive stores with status Normal are available to all MailStore users and can be located by searching and through the folder structure. Emails in this archive store can be deleted or moved according to configured user privileges and compliance settings.
  • Write-Protected
    Irrespective of user privileges and compliance settings, emails in write-protected archive stores can only be accessed read-only. The emails are available to all MailStore users and can be located by searching and through the folder structure. However, emails in such archive stores cannot be deleted or moved.

    Notice: Please note that file system write access to the directory of the archive store is still required and that this status prevents automatic processing of retention policies.

  • Disabled
    Disabling an archive store allows you to make changes to its configuration. This may be necessary after Moving the Archive, for example. While an archive store is disabled, the emails contained therein are not available to the archive.

    Notice: Please note that this status prevents the execution of archiving profiles.

Editing

Through the context menu item Edit... you can change the name and the directories of an archive store with status Disabled.

Renaming

Through the context menu item Rename... you can change the name of an archive store irrespective of its status.

Detaching

Through the context menu item Detach you can detach an archive store from the archive, for example if all email contained therein do no longer have to be archived. The detached archive store and the emails contained therein are no longer available to the archive.

Attaching

A detached archive store can be reattached to the archive using the Attach... button. If the archive store cannot be decrypted automatically, you will be asked for the respective recovery key. For example, this could be the case for archive stores that belonged to another MailStore installation or which have been moved from another machine. You can find more information on the recovery key in section Security and Encryption of chapter MailStore Server Service Configuration.

Unlocking

If an archive store cannot be decrypted automatically, it will be listed as Locked in the list of archive stores. Through the context menu item Unlock or by changing the status you will be asked for the respective recovery key. You can find more information on the recovery key in section Security and Encryption of chapter MailStore Server Service Configuration.

Maintenance of Archive Stores

All available maintenance commands can be accessed through the context menu of the list of archive stores. Alternatively, you can select an archive store and click on the Maintenance drop-down list in the details pane. The following commands are available:

  • Cleanup (Compact)
    Optimizes the data structures while compacting the data.
  • Check Data Integrity
    Verifies the data integrity between "Folder Information and Meta Data" as well as "Email Headers and Contents".
  • Maintain All FDB Files
    Maintains the master database and all databases of internal archive stores.
  • Recalculate all statistics
    Recalculates the statistics (number of emails per archive store) for all archive stores.

Maintenance commands can also be scheduled for automatic execution via Jobs.