http://theessentialexchange.com/blogs/michael/archive/2007/11/13/exchange-of fline-defragmentation.aspx How much data do you expect to get back? Unless it's over 30%, then it likely isn't worth the effort (see your event log for 1221 event log IDs). Is online maintenance completing at least every 3rd night? Can you use an external HDD to do a defragment? Absolutely. _____ From: exchangelist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:exchangelist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ahmad Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 2:58 AM To: exchangelist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [ExchangeList] Edb Database Defragmentaion Dear All I am using exchange 2003 . My Edb Database has grown aroung 50 GB :( . i need to defragment ( offline )the database . i have around 20 gb Left in exchange server . which wont let me defragment the database ( defragment requies 110% free space of the size of the database ) . just wanted to know if i can put another 100 GB USB HDD and do a defragmentation . will it create any problem .. and how often do you defragment the database -- Regards, Shamshad Ahmad http://shamshad78.blogspot.com