Troubleshooting the Exchange Dirty Shutdown Error [Updated]

One of the widely occurring errors in the Exchange server is the Exchange dirty shutdown error. There are multiple reasons behind this error which affects the overall functionality of the Exchange server. Now, let’s move deeper into the functionality of Exchange to prior to get rid of this error. 

User Query: It becomes obvious now that the Exchange server to going into a dirty shutdown state. If anyone knows how to come out of this issue, kindly advise an efficient solution.

During the execution of any operation in the Exchange server the changes are first reflected in the Exchange memory and posted in the Exchange database. Here log files are presented that manage the overall coordination between the Exchange memory and Exchange database. 

After committing the changes to the Exchange memory, the log file is updated, and then the Exchange database becomes consistent.

But when the changes are about to be reflected in the Exchange database, and then there is a sudden power failure or server crash. Eventually, the database becomes inconsistent, dismounts, and starts showing the Exchange dirty shutdown error. So, let’s take a look at the reasons behind this issue before we resolve it.

Reasons Behind the Exchange Dirty Shutdown Error

Let’s elaborate on some reasons why, the Exchange database faces the dirty shutdown error.

1. Termination of the Exchange server suddenly.
2. Deletion or missing of the log files from the Exchange server.
3. Inconsistency of the database with the log files.
4. Failure of power during the committing of changes in the Exchange server.
5. Attacks on the Exchange server database files.
6. Failure of the hard disk on which the Exchange server is running.

Mostly Occurred Errors After Exchange Server into a Dirty Shutdown

Because of the failure of the log files to commit the changes on the Exchange database. The database becomes inaccessible and generates different errors as well.

• ‘Database_123’ hr=0x80004005, ec=-528.
• ‘Database_123’ hr=0x80004005, ec=-530
• Operation terminated with error -550 JET_errDatabaseDirtyShutdown,
• MapiExceptionDatabaseError. Unable to mount the database (hr=0x80004005,ec=-528).

Exchange Database Dirty Shutdown – Quick Fixes

Microsoft offers the Eseutil tool to fix the Exchange database with the log files. Two approaches can be used: soft recovery and hard recovery. But do not forget to take a backup of the files before repairing the database

Step 1. Run the Eseutil from the Exchange server bin directory.
Step 2. Now open the cmd and check the database consistency state using the below command.

eseutil/mh.

Step 3. If the error “Dirty Shutdown” persists then the database is inconsistent.
Step 4. Now copy the log file to the database folder if the log files are not deleted.
Step 5. Start the soft recovery process using the command

eseutil/r

Step 6. If the soft recovery did not work then perform the hard recovery by

eseutil/p

Step 7. Defragment the Exchange database files using

eseutil/d

Step 8. After performing the integrity check by IsInteg utility mount the database.

There is no surety that the database will be mounted after executing the above steps. There might be the chances of data loss during the hard recovery as well. Additionally, executing all of the above steps is a complicated task for non-tech users. Sometimes the size of the mailbox is larger and then the process takes too much time to complete.

The Exchange dirty shutdown error can also occur again after solved once. So, to avoid the error again and keep your mailbox safe and secure then migrate Exchange mailbox to Office 365. Most organizations have already moved to Office 365 to keep their data safe from Exchange server errors. Now discuss how to resolve this error permanently by switching to Office 365.

The Transition from Exchange Server to Office 365

To switch from an Exchange server to Office 365, the Migrator Wizard Exchange Migration Tool is the best choice. This tool can transfer all mailboxes from the Exchange server to Office 365 efficiently. The complete folder hierarchy is maintained after the process ends. You can use this tool to migrate from Exchange 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 to Office 365.

There is also an interactive dashboard to track the progress of the running process. After migrating to Office 365 you can also utilize the multiple benefits of Office 365 apps. There is a huge difference between Exchange on-premise vs Exchange Online, moving to the cloud server enhances the performance of the server and data security as well. So, let’s use the tool and successfully switch to Office 365.

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Conclusion

The Exchange dirty shutdown error is caused by several reasons such as power failure, corruption of log files, and so on. The process of incoming and outgoing emails is shut down because of this error. That’s why, here we have clarified all the mandatory steps to fix Exchange database dirty shutdown.

But there might be a chance that this error occurs next time. So, if you do not want to face the error again then Office 365 is the best alternative. You should switch your Exchange mailbox to Office 365 to get rid of this error permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the major reasons behind the Exchange dirty shutdown error?

Ans – Here are some of the common reasons that cause the error.

1. Server Crash
2. Failure of hardware
3. Power failure

Q2. Is hard recovery an efficient solution to fix Exchange’s dirty shutdown issue?

Ans – No, hard recovery can lead to data loss. So migrating to Office 365 is the right choice.

Q3. Do we create a backup of data before repairing the Exchange database?

Ans – Yes, creating a backup of the database before starting to fix the Exchange database is the best practice. 

Q4. What is the command to verify the database state in the Exchange database?

Ans – You can run the eseutil/mh command to check the state of the database.

Q5. Is there any chance of data loss while solving the Exchange dirty shutdown issue?

Ans – Yes, there are chances that your data will be permanently lost while resolving the issue. So, first, you should take a backup for future reference.