Resolve Content Index State Failed Error in Exchange Server

Published On - April 29, 2024 by Prakriti | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Exchange Server is an advanced but complicated software that uses several indexes to fetch items quickly. Though the Exchange Server is boosted with several advanced facilities and features, it also has some errors, and Exchange Users often face these errors. The content index state failed in Exchange Server  is a common error, and there could be several reasons behind it. However, the Exchange Information Store is the root cause of this error.

In this blog, we will explore all the dimensions of this error, including its reasons and resolution. Follow the blog till the end to get rid of the Content Index State Failed Error in Exchange Server .

What Does the “Content Index State Failed” Error Indicate?

• Getting Content Index State Failed or suspended Error indicates that there is some issue with the Information Store or in fetching the details.
• Database Availability Group (DAG) also needs to be cross-checked. There is a chance that the Exchange Server is not a member of DAG.
• Antiviruses and other software that are not compatible with the Exchange Server can also cause this error.
• Low disk space or storage shortage may also cause the Content Index State to fail in the Exchange Server.

So, we must do workarounds for the above-mentioned simple compatibility issues. Also, you must restart the server and check if the problem is resolved. If not, then read the below-mentioned methods to resolve the content index failed error by following below steps according to your Exchange environment.

Methods to Resolve Content Index Failed or Suspended Error

The methods to fix the Content Index Failed error vary depending on the root cause as well as Exchange Server settings and version. Here, I will mention all the possible scenarios ( Exchange with and without Database Availability Group) and their workarounds.

Condition 1: With DAG for Exchange Server Version 2019, 2016 and 2013

If your Exchange Environment is in the Database Availability Group, then you need to reseed the database. Moreover, finding content indexes manually and repairing them selectively using cmdlet is also a task that needs to be done.

• Run this PowerShell cmdlet to update the mailbox database copy and repair:

C:\>Update-MailboxDatabaseCopy DB4\EX2016SRV2 -CatalogOnly -BeginSeed

• To check the status:

C:\>Get-MailboxDatabaseCopyStatus * | sort name | select name, status, contentindexstate

Note: This task is time-consuming and takes a lot of time, depending on the connection and database size.
Once this task is completed, you must rerun the PowerShell cmdlet to get back your mailbox data status.

Condition 2: If the Exchange Server is Single ( Not a Part of DAG)

It includes deleting and rebuilding the Exchange Server Indexes. But, before moving ahead, it must be in your knowledge that it is a very system memory and CPU resource-consuming task. Follow the below steps to execute this:

• Firstly, you have to stop the services of Microsoft Exchange Search and Microsoft Exchange Search Host Controller. For this, simply click Windows + R and write ‘services. msc’.

• Next, browse the Exchange Database (EDB) location using the file explorer.
• Now, delete the folder with GUID containing index files.

• Restart the Search and Host Controller services that were stopped in the first step.
• Run the PowerShell cmdlet to check the status: C:\>Get-MailboxDatabaseCopyStatus * | sort name | select name, status, contentindexstate

Condition 3: If You Are Still Using Exchange 2010

Though Microsoft has ended support for Exchange 2010, and there have been no updates since the announcement, some users are still using Exchange 2010. If you are also one of those and facing a Content Index State Failed Error, then follow the below-given steps:

1. In this process, we will reseed the failed index catalog and retrieve the passive database.
2.  Run EMS as admin.
3. Now, you have to stop copying b/w active and passive databases. Run cmdlet: Suspend-MailboxDatabaseCopy
4. Reseed the catalogue and check the status: C:\>Get-MailboxDatabaseCopyStatus or follow any other way to check the status of the content index failed error resolved or not.

You can also explore this guide of EDB dismounting in Exchange 2010.

What if None of the Above Explained Method Works?

If none of the above-mentioned manual workarounds worked for you, then there are chances that your Exchange Database is corrupted. Corruption in EDB is a frequent case, and many Exchange users face it over time. A corrupted database is the root cause behind many server-related errors. If it is so, then recovering a corrupted EDB file is a must-do task. You can use the Regain Exchange Server Recovery Tool for the EDB Recovery.

See What Does It Offer:

• It efficiently repairs and recovers Exchange Database ( EDB) of any size.
• Users have the option to save the recovered EDB in PST, EML, MSG, EMLX, or HTML, among other popular file formats.
• Exporting EDB to Office 365 and Exchange Server is also possible with this advanced utility.
• Moreover, it offers Gmail, Amazon WorkMail, Yahoo Mail, and Hotmail as the target.
• Users can add the orphan/dismounted EDB files.
• It is compatible with all the versions of Exchange Server and their database.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $89

See How Simple It is to Recover EDB( Exchange Database):

• Install and open the Exchange Server Recovery Tool.
• Browse and add the Exchange Database (EDB) files.
• Now, the software will scan the file and show a preview of the recovered data.
• Here, select your target for storing the recovered EDB data. Use the Export option to save files in popular formats like PST, EML, PDF, etc. Use the Cloud Migration option to migrate the data to Exchange Server or Office 365.
• The software will also show the report of the process that you can save for the future references.

Wrapping Up:

Though Exchange Server offers a lot to users and, many organizations use it for the Email Server requirements. Despite all these disadvantages, it also suffers from many errors, and content index state failed errors are common. In this write-up, I have explained all the possible manual workarounds to resolve this error. If you still get the same error, then there is a high chance of EDB corruption. The Regain Exchange Recovery Tool, AKA EDB to PST Converter, is here for the repair and recovery of EDB files. You must install its free demo version and have a trial.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. I am running short of disk space. Is this a possible reason for the content index failed error?

Ans. Low disk storage is a common reason behind this content index error in Exchange Server. You must ensure that there is sufficient free space on the local disk.

Q2. What are the possible scenarios for the DAG behind this content index error?

Ans. If the Exchange Server is a member of the Database Availability Group, then first know about the affected database copies. Also, I must confirm this: is Exchange a member of DAG? Run the following command to repair: Update-MailboxDatabaseCopy <Database Name>** –sourceserver Server Name* –catalogonly.

Q3. Will this tool do any destructive work while repairing the Exchange Database?

Ans. No, this third-party software will not do any destructive/deletion work while repairing the Exchange Database. It only repairs the affected EDBs.

Q4. If I am getting a content index error in the Exchange Server, can I contact the Regain Support team for the solution?

Ans. We have developed an advanced tool to repair the Exchange Database, and we know that corrupt EDB is a common reason for the content index error in the Exchange Server. You can contact our support team 24/7 for any kind of assistance regarding the software and Exchange Database recovery. You can contact us through the live chat option or write to us at support@regainsoftware.com.