It is possible that the Exchange EDB file can contain several user mailboxes. Each mailbox is given a specific size. If the mailbox is full up to capacity, email communications cease. To free up space you can export certain information out of EDB to PST files in the same way that the PST file is available through Outlook which is a part of an Exchange account. To simplify the procedure, Exchange provides some manual ways to convert Exchange EDB files to PST.
The purpose for EDB for PST conversion isn’t restricted to maximizing space in your mailbox, but users may encounter many reasons why this conversion is necessary. A few of the reasons are backup, huge database files and legal compliances, a shrinking the size of mailboxes and securing Exchange from an attack on the server.
We will present three methods you can employ based on the version you have of Exchange Server. We’ve given you the full procedure as well as their limitations.
Number of free methods to convert Exchange’s EDB Files
If we are discussing the best way to export EDB to PST We have three options.
- Export using Ex-Merge Utility
- Export using Exchange Admin Center
- Export via Exchange PowerShell (Exchange Management Shell) commands
The native solutions are available at no cost, however they have some limitations. Users must be patient and be aware of the potential risks prior to implementing these options. We will however, try go over each solution step-by-step to the user.
It is suggested to create a full backup copy of the EDB file prior to attempting any of the above described free procedures as a security precaution.
#1. Export using Ex-Merge Utility
It’s a no-cost utility that is provided by Microsoft that exports EDB mailboxes into PST as well as imports PST mailboxes into the EDB file. It is possible to install the program here. The most important prerequisite is that Exchange mailboxes used for export have to be fully authorized to export.
Limitations
The method comes with the these limitations:
- The risk of losing data
- Limits exports of data to 2GB.
- Supports older Exchange versions typically.
- Lengthy, time-consuming process.
- Worked in earlier Exchange Server versions like Exchange 2003 and older versions.
Process
- Start the downloaded and installed Ex-Merge utility. In the Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Merge Wizard, Select the Next button to begin.
- Under the Procedure Selection, Select Second radio option.
- Then, choose one of the options. Extract information directly from Exchange Server Mailbox and click the next.
- Within the Source Server window, enter you with your Exchange Server credentials like name domain name, name of the server, etc. After that, click next to proceed.
- Then, under the Data Selection Criteria go onto the Import Procedure tab and then click on the option to Archive data for the target storage. Select “OK”.
- In the next screen you can select one of the EDB mailboxes to export, and then click the next button..
- Then, in the Target Directory section, enter the destination path to the PST file to the location of your system. Click the Next button to begin the process of exporting.
- It is possible to track the progression through the entire export procedure. Once the process is complete then click End to end the process.
- Thus, the conversion of EDB in PST is now complete.
#2. Export via Exchange Admin Center
If you’re looking to transfer EDB mailboxes that are the most current Exchange Server versions to PST however, there is a second method to do this. It is possible to export them using the Exchange Admin Center allows the export, for which users must have an already-created shared folder, and have been granted export permissions for their EDB mailboxes. When assigning permissions:
Limitations
- Doesn’t support older Exchange versions.
- Excellent requirement of technical know-how.
- There is a risk of data being deleted in the course of the process.
- Incompatible in the event of corruption of EDB mailboxes.
- PST file should be saved to an open network path.
- You will require Exchange Server or a client machine.
- Mailbox Import is required and Export Role to be assigned prior to the time of application.
Process
- After you have opened the Exchange Administration Center, Go to the permissions and then select admin roles..
- In the administration roles, select Receiver Management and then click the Add button.
- Click to add the role in the Role Group wizard, then select the Export of Mailboxes role, then click “Add” and then OK.
- If you go back to the ‘recipients’ section, then choose mailbox, and then click on the three dots. Select the option to Export to the PST file.
- Choose your mailboxes that you would like to export. Then, browse through the shared folders in order to download your PST file.
- In the final step, select mailbox which will receive the mail following the PST file has been made.
#3. Export via Exchange Management Shell commands
It’s the most technologically method to export EDB mailboxes in PST and works with Exchange 2007 and higher versions. In order to use this method, users must have a shared folder in PST, and Mailbox Import and Export roles should have been assigned to each mailbox which are ready to export.
Limitations
- A high level of technical proficiency is essential.
- The database that contains these mailboxes must be mounted
- It is not compatible when there is a corruption-prone EDB mailboxes.
- Not recommended for non-technical users.
- It is necessary to supervise the execution.
- The need for Administrator rights.
Process
In the beginning, you must run this command to fetch the entire list of mailboxes in exchange server database.
Get-MailboxStatistics -Database
Please enter your Exchange Database name for your mailbox in the command above.
This cmdlet should be run in the Exchange Management Shell (with administrator rights) window to export your EDB mailboxes into PST. PST location.
New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox -FilePath
In this case, you must provide the EDB mailbox’s name at the address of your Mailbox. Also, give the shared folder path in the location of .
The user can determine whether they are in the process of completing the export request by using this command.
Get-MailboxExportRequest
The export will take a short time when the right procedure is followed, but if not, the you could be liable to any file corruption.
Therefore, you are now aware of what you can Export EDB files to PST using three free methods. We hope this guideline will help you. If you’re not getting the results you want even after a few trials, or are facing problems due to the limitations, try the highly-demanded EDB to PST converter tool to perform a quick, effective EDB export. The most appealing thing about this tool is that it doesn’t have the above-mentioned restrictions and is also able to show excellent compatibility with every version of Exchange Server and Outlook versions
Conclusion
For converting Exchange EDB mailboxes to PST file format, or to export Exchange database data to a PST files for backup purposes or other reasons, various procedures are explained for free, as well as the limitations provided for users to consider. If any inconvenience is observed, it is advised to use the above-mentioned EDB to PST Converter software that eliminates the limitations of free methods.
