How to Restore a Public Folder file in Exchange Server 2003 ?

A Public Folder database (Pub.edb) file is a rich text file, stored in Information store. This file is used to calculate and organize the information in Microsoft Exchange Server. Like other database file, these files also doesn't escape from the heat of corruption. When a corruption situation occurs in Exchange Server, information store is one of the mostly affected component with in Exchange Server. When these files either corrupted or accidentally deleted, you can not send or receive any email. After the corruption in these files, the users will not be able to stop certain information store services. In order to restore the corrupt or damaged public folder or pub.edb file, you can follow the below mentioned steps:

1) Open the command prompt window by typing "cmd.exe" in your Start menu's Run box. .
2) Run the "cd/" command to change the directory to your C drive.
3 ) Use the "cd," command again to locate the sub folder MDBDATA
For example: cd Program Files/exchsrvr/MDBDATA
4) Execute the following command:
"C:\Program Files\exchsrvr\BIN\eseutil" /r E00
A window will appear on your screen..
5 ) Click on "Yes" button to restore the public folder database file.

You may also use a simple and easy to use third party Exchange database recovery tool like Stellar Phoenix Mailbox Exchange recovery.

Steps to restore a Pub.edb file by using Stellar Exchange Server recovery software:

1) Download the application.

2) Install the program and open it.

3) Select or search the .edb file in your drive.
4) Once the database file selected, Select the version of Exchange Server.
5) Select the scan method.
5) Click 'Start' for the Scanning.
6) A preview of the recoverable data will be appear in the window. Now you can recover and restore the desired items.


Stellar Phoenix Exchange Recovery is an effective and powerful EDB repair tool that repairs damaged .edb file. The Exchange recovery software works with Windows 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003, and 2000. The software is completely read only application and supports Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, 2007, 2003, 2000 and 5.5 versions. It recovers and restores the Exchange mailboxes into separate PST files for each user.