How to Resolve Cloud-Based Archive Pending in Exchange 2010 Before Removal
Question details
The user needs to resolve a 'Cloud-based archive pending' status in Exchange 2010 to allow database removal and server decommissioning after migrating to Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Exchange 2010
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating mailboxes and archives to Microsoft 365 in a hybrid Exchange environment.
- Observed behavior
- Exchange 2010 incorrectly displays 'Cloud-based archive pending', which blocks administrators from removing databases and decommissioning the legacy Exchange 2010 server.
Ensure you have full administrative access to both your on-premises Exchange 2010 server and Microsoft 365 tenant, and verify that the target archives have actually completed migration to the cloud.
Verify Azure AD Connect Exchange Hybrid Settings and Force Sync
Enable the Exchange Hybrid deployment feature in Azure AD Connect and force a directory synchronization to update archive statuses.
Often, the on-premises Exchange server is unaware that the cloud migration is complete because the hybrid deployment features in Azure AD Connect are not properly syncing the required Exchange attributes.
Open Azure AD Connect on your primary sync server, navigate to the optional features configuration, and verify that the 'Exchange Hybrid deployment' feature is checked and enabled.
Open PowerShell as an Administrator on the Azure AD Connect server and run the command 'Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType Delta' to force an immediate directory synchronization.
After the synchronization completes, check your Exchange 2010 management console to see if the pending archive status has cleared and allows database removal.
Review Active Directory Attributes for Affected Users
Manually check the user's Exchange attributes in Active Directory to confirm if the system recognizes the archive as provisioned and migrated.
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- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Exchange 2010 prevent database removal when archives are pending?
Exchange safeguards data by preventing the deletion of databases that it believes still contain active mailboxes or pending archive migrations, avoiding accidental data loss.
What does an msExchRemoteRecipientType value of 6 mean?
In a hybrid Exchange environment, a value of 6 for the msExchRemoteRecipientType attribute indicates that the user's archive has been successfully provisioned and migrated to the cloud.
Do I still need Azure AD Connect after decommissioning Exchange 2010?
Yes, if you plan to continue syncing on-premises Active Directory identities to Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Azure AD Connect is still required even after the legacy Exchange servers are decommissioned.
