PST to IMAP migration with EdbMails
Are you struggling to migrate your PST files to an IMAP server? Transitioning to cloud-based platforms like Gmail, Yahoo, Zimbra, Hotmail, Zoho, and others is essential for better synchronization, centralized email storage, and efficient data management, but the process can be challenging. Issues like version compatibility, data integrity, and managing large PST files often complicate the task. Safeguarding emails, attachments, and folders from corruption, resolving folder mapping discrepancies, and adapting to different synchronization methods between Outlook and IMAP servers are just a few of the hurdles. With expert guidance, you can overcome these challenges and achieve a seamless migration.
EdbMails IMAP migration tool lets you easily import bulk PST files to IMAP servers. It handles the transfer of emails and supports all IMAP servers such as Gmail, Outlook, Zoho Mail, Zimbra, Yahoo Mail, and more. One of its standout features is delta migration, which transfers only new items, preventing duplicates and saving time during subsequent migration operations.
The tool’s automatic mailbox mapping simplifies the process by automatically matching mailboxes from PST files to IMAP servers. It also offers an option to list target mailbox folders and map them to corresponding folders in the source PST file, ensuring seamless organization during the migration process. Additionally, there is an option to automatically create a folder in the target mailbox with a name matching that of the source PST file, simplifying folder structure replication.
PST to IMAP migration prerequisites
- To import PST to IMAP, install Microsoft Outlook with a profile on the computer where you want to perform the migration operation.
- Make sure you have the IMAP server hostname, port number, email address, and password ready.
- To migrate multiple users, download the sample CSV file from the EdbMails application and update it with details like the IMAP server hostname, port number, email address, and password for each user mailbox you wish to migrate.
- For Gmail accounts, create an app password and use it in place of a regular password to connect to gmail in the EdbMails application.
Learn how to find an IMAP server hostname.
Steps to import bulk PST files to IMAP account
Step 1: Download and install EdbMails IMAP migration tool
- Download EdbMails and install the application on any Windows computer.
- Launch the application and click 'Login' after entering your email address and password, or select 'Start Your Free Trial'.
See the list of system requirements for IMAP migration
- Select the migration option as 'IMAP migration (All IMAP clients, Gmail, G Suite & more…)’
Step 2: Select PST files to import
- Close the IMAP login window and select the 'Outlook PST to IMAP' option at the bottom of the main migration window.
- Click the 'Add File(s)' button and ‘Continue’.
- Select the PST files from your computer drive
- You can enable the option to automatically create a folder in the target mailbox with a name matching that for the source PST file (Optional)
- Select the migration method.
- The initial migration is always a full migration. Subsequent import tasks are incremental, meaning the software intelligently identifies and imports only new or modified items that were not included in the previous migration. However, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines to avoid duplication during consecutive import operations.
- Close the IMAP login window and select the 'Outlook PST to IMAP' option at the bottom of the main migration window.
Step 3: Connect to target IMAP server
- To connect to a single user, check the ‘Single User / Account Migration’ option. Then, choose your IMAP server hostname from the list or manually enter the required hostname. Enter the port number, email address, and password, and click the ‘Login’ button.
- To connect to multiple users' mailboxes, select ‘Multiple (Bulk) Users/Accounts Migration’ and click the ‘Load Mailboxes from CSV File’ button.
- Download the sample CSV file
- Modify the CSV file with the required details such as email address, password, host name and port number in the CSV file and save the changes.
- Next, browse and load the CSV file.
- Verify the list of mailboxes and proceed.
- To connect to a single user, check the ‘Single User / Account Migration’ option. Then, choose your IMAP server hostname from the list or manually enter the required hostname. Enter the port number, email address, and password, and click the ‘Login’ button.
Step 4: PST to IMAP mailbox mapping
- Choose the required mailbox mapping option.
- EdbMails automatically maps mailboxes from PST files to the target IMAP mailboxes. Alternatively, you can manually map the mailboxes and folders. The software also provides an option to list the target mailbox folders and map the source folders to the desired target folders.
- Click the ‘Folder and Item Filter’ option to customize the migration process. For example, you can apply a date filter to migrate only the data within a specific date range. Additionally, you can exclude standard or custom folders from the migration.
- Save the settings.
- Choose the required mailbox mapping option.
Step 5: Start PST to IMAP migration
- Click the ‘Continue’ button and enter the migration job name for future identification and initiate the migration.
- You can track the migration status in the progress bar. Once the migration is complete, EdbMails will display a message confirming the completion. Click ‘View Log’ at the bottom to view the migration report. Finally, log in to your target server to verify that all emails, folders, and attachments have been successfully migrated.
Benefits of EdbMails for PST to IMAP migration
- Effortless individual and bulk PST files migration
EdbMails makes individual and bulk PST file migration effortless by providing a simple, user-friendly interface. Whether migrating one or multiple PST files, the process is streamlined and efficient. It ensures fast, secure transfer of emails, folders, and attachments to your desired IMAP server.
- Selective email migration with filters
The application offers robust include and exclude filters to selectively migrate emails based on parameters such as sent/received date, subject, attachment names, sender address, recipient address, and message read/unread status. This feature helps target specific data for migration, optimizing both performance and relevance.
- Folder exclusion options
EdbMails provides advanced folder exclusion options to give you complete control over the migration process. You can choose to exclude standard folders like Sent Items, Junk Email, or Deleted Items, as well as any custom folders. This ensures that unnecessary data is left out, reducing migration time and optimizing storage on the target server. Whether you want to exclude certain folders entirely or refine your migration criteria, the folder exclusion feature allows for precise and efficient data transfer.
- Direct migration from PST to IMAP server
EdbMails provides a direct migration path from PST files to the target IMAP server, eliminating the need for intermediate steps. This direct approach ensures a faster and more reliable transfer of data with minimal disruption.
- Support for All IMAP-enabled servers
EdbMails supports migrations to all IMAP-enabled email servers, offering compatibility with a wide range of hosting platforms. Whether you're moving to Gmail, Yahoo, Zimbra, Hotmail, or custom IMAP setups, EdbMails ensures smooth import PST to IMAP with full support.
- Full compatibility with Windows operating systems
Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and all Windows server versions, EdbMails ensures broad system compatibility. Users can rely on the software for migrations across different environments without concerns about operating system limitations.
- Free trial and 24/7 customer support
EdbMails offers a free trial, giving users a chance to evaluate the tool's capabilities before purchasing. Additionally, 24/7 free tech support ensures assistance is always available, helping users navigate any issues during the migration process.
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