Exchange 2010 and Active Directory Data

Where does exchange keeps its information in active directory? This is one of the frequent question I am asked and I decide to give little information

Exchange keeps , stores its own information with in the .DIT database.

.DIT database and its partitions

Domain Partition ( resident directory object)

• Stores information default containers
• Organizational units
• The containers hold domain specific data
• Users,Computers etc
• Exchange updated the objects in this partition to support the exchange functionality
• Recipient information

Configuration partition

• Forest-wide information
• This partition includes information,AD Sites ( Exchange uses to route the mail) Site base routing topology
• Exchange Global settings
• Transport settings
• mailbox policies
• UM dial plans
• Address lists
• Address and display templates
• Administrative groups
• Client access settings
• Connections
• Messaging records management, UM policies
• Global settings
• E-mail address policies

Schema Partition

• Stores classes and attributes
• Exchange prep work and installation changes the schema
• Schema classes define all the types of objects which can be created and stored in AD
• Exchange installation adds many classes and attributes to AD schema, these classes be used for exchange specific object agents connectors etc.

Oz Casey Dedeal

MVP (Exchange)
MCITP (EMA), MCITP (SA)
MCSE 2003, M+, S+, MCDST
Security+, Project +, Server +

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