Exchange Server & MS Outlook Blog

How to Restore Deleted Active Directory & Exchange Accounts

Imagine a situation where you accidentally deleted a wrong user from Exchange and it removes the complete account. As an outcome, you lost all your data.

What is the next step? How to restore?

The Restoration Process depens upon situation  whether the Cached Exchange is running or not.

Case 1: When Cache Exchange is Not Running

In this case, you have to enable the Active Directory Recycle Bin first and then proceed further.

Let’s delve to understand how to enable Active Directory Recycle Bin.

Broadly speaking, there are two approaches to cater it. These are as follows:

Using Ldp.exe

Using Enable-ADOptionalFeature Active Directory module cmdlet

The Active Directory Recycle Bin enabled. Now, use Connect-Mailbox -Identity “<identity>” -Database <database> -User “username” to get a mailbox back.

How to Recover Deleted Mailbox?

How to Reconnect Deleted Mailbox with New User Object?

The Manual Restoration Process is complete

Case 2: When you are running cached Exchange, it is very easy

It is very easy. Just create a new account, re-add user, set-up email profile, import PST file, and you are through with restoration. The best practice to execute this operation is by using a third-party recovery software.

Best Practice: Third-Party Recovery Tool

Using a third-party recovery tool would serve the purpose as they are fast, secure, and reliable. With a third-party OST to PST Conversion tool. You can quickly restore your Exchange account.  The reason being, MS Exchange creates a replica of mailboxes in the form OST Files which are sure-shot solution to recover data in case of disaster scenario. The only thing to take into account is that for Exchange Mailbox recovery from OST File, Outlook has to be in the Cache Exchange Mode.

Recommendation— Stellar  Converter for OST

Indeed, there are extensive options to perform this operation; however, Stellar Converter for OST Tool is the ideal choice. The reason being, its customizable intuitive options, support for encrypted file conversion, multiple saving options facilities, support for splitting and compacting large PST File, better mail organization service, direct export support for OST to PST, and last but not the least, all Exchange objects conversion support to Outlook compatible format.  You can download the software from here:

You can use this software effortlessly in all situations including hardware failure, dismounting stage, non-functioning condition, virus attack, synchronization error, to abnormal Outlook termination. It is compatible with MS Office 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 (XP), and 2000.  The bonus trait of this software is its 20 emails per folder free conversion support.

In Summation

Now you are familiar with how you can restore deleted Active Directory and Exchange Accounts. You can use any of the above-stated solutions as per your needs and requirements to recover deleted AD and Exchange Accounts. Both manual and software solution is at par excellence.

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