Need for Exchange EDB recovery and backup
An Exchange server stores emails, notes, tasks, calendars, and large amounts of data, including files and Public folders in the database file (EDB). Due to the huge volume of data it is important to export the mailboxes to other formats such as from EDB to PST. The server can fail at any time or become infected with a virus, rendering the mailboxes inaccessible or resulting in data loss. During a data disaster, an IT administrator may have few options if they do not know the proper procedures for recovering and restoring Exchange server data. As a result, performing regular backups and exporting mailboxes at regular intervals should be at the top of any organization's priority list. Exporting mailboxes to PST is also required, for instance, when an employee leaves the company and the contents have to be extracted for archiving or compliance purposes. Some businesses continue to use older legacy versions such as Exchange 2010 and 2007, while the vast majority have upgraded to 2016 and 2019. As a result, exporting mailboxes from different versions requires careful consideration. In this article, we will examine the manual and automated methods for exporting mailboxes to PST in Exchange 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007
How to export mailboxes to PST in Exchange 2019, 2016 and 2013?
To export mailboxes to PST in Exchange 2019, 2016 and 2013 to PST, grant the mailbox import and export permissions to the Administrator account from the Exchange Management Shell (EMS). Export user mailboxes and Exchange Archive mailbox to PST from the classic Exchange admin center (EAC).
Steps to export Exchange 2019, 2016 and 2013 mailboxes to PST
- Step 1: Launch the 'Exchange Management Shell' as Administrator
- Step 2: Assign the Exchange administrator account the 'Mailbox Import Export' permission.
New-ManagementRoleAssignment –Role "Mailbox Import Export" –User "Administrator"
- Step 3: Next, create a new folder on your computer to save the PST files
- Step 4: Right click on the folder and select 'Give Access to' > 'Specific people'
- Step 5: Add your username to the list and give it Read/Write access
- Step 6: Copy the network path (UNC) of the shared folder by clicking 'Share'
- Step 7: Login to the Exchange admin center as global administrator user
- Step 8: Click recipients, then the three-dot menu under mailboxes
- Step 9: Click on 'Export to a PST file' and select the mailboxes to export
- Step 10: Finally, specify the shared folder's network path to start exporting the PST file