Block Activation of Database Copies on an Exchange Server

Scenario:  We need to block database copies on a server from Activation as these servers are being worked on.  Activation is the process of changing a mailbox database copy from a passive copy to an active copy. Activation occurs automatically by the system as part of a database or server failover operation, and it can be performed manually by an administrator as part of a database or server switchover operation. Blocking a database for activation prevents it from becoming the active copy during a database or server failover.

Run the following command to block activation:

For a single server:  
Set-MailboxServer -identity MBX1 -DatabaseCopyAutoActivationPolicy Blocked

For multiple Servers (One liner)
Get-MailboxServer MBX* | Set-MailboxServer -DatabaseCopyAutoActivationPolicy Blocked

Run the following command to unblock activation:

For a single server:  
Set-MailboxServer -identity MBX1 -DatabaseCopyAutoActivationPolicy Unrestricted

For multiple Servers (One liner)
Get-MailboxServer MBX* | Set-MailboxServer -DatabaseCopyAutoActivationPolicy Unrestricted



Reference