IMAP to PST Migration Tool – Backup & Export IMAP to PST File

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  • Published on June 10th, 2021

  • Updated on November 3, 2023

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Outlook supports email clients that use IMAP servers like Yahoo, Gmail, and many more. You can store these emails in PST file formats. Saving the mailbox items to a local drive is beneficial in many ways. It works as a backup in case of data corruption. You can restore the complete mailbox from the backup file. As a result, users want to export IMAP to PST.

This article will discuss various ways to convert IMAP data to PST. Moreover, we have some common reasons why there is a requirement to perform the conversion process. So just read the entire blog to get your answer.

Why There is a Need to Export IMAP Mailbox to PST?

IMAP mailboxes contain valuable information that is helpful for you. So, you must protect your data by creating a backup of emails. Moreover, many other reasons to save IMAP data to PST are listed below.

  • By creating a backup of your mailbox, you can protect your valuable data from unauthorized access. The local drive is a comparatively safer option to store your data because only some people can open the file.
  • You can restore the entire mailbox in case of data corruption. Files on the internet are at constant risk of virus attacks. If they corrupt your emails and other data, you can, at least, recover the data to its original state.
  • In addition, if you want to switch the email client, you need to save the emails in a suitable file format. Then you can export the data to the new email provider. The above process is possible through different techniques.

Here are some common reasons to back up IMAP to PST. Now, we will learn the possible ways.

How to Export IMAP to PST Format? – Top 2 Methods

By the way, there are multiple techniques to create a backup of IMAP emails, but all of them lie in either one of the two categories: Manual process or automatic solution. A manual approach is a free procedure in which you need not buy a third-party tool. You can export IMAP data to PST files by performing some steps in the Microsoft Outlook application.

Method 1: Convert IMAP Data to PST Using MS Outlook

  • First, open the Microsoft Outlook application on your local system.
  • After that, click the File tab and choose the Open & Export button.
  • Then, click the Import/Export option from the drop-down list of options.
  • Further, choose the Export to a file option and click the Next button.
  • Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and click the Next button.
  • Afterwards, select the mailbox files or folders you wish to convert to the PST format.
  • Moreover, pick a destination folder and assign a name for the newly created PST file.
  • In the end, click the Finish button to complete the conversion process.

The above manual technique to save IMAP mailbox data in Outlook PST is effective. However, there are some limitations to this method.

Demerits of The Manual Migration

Manual migration is ideal when you have patience and basic technical knowledge. You can export IMAP to PST with ease. However, along with advantages, manual methods have flaws too. The main drawbacks of the manual techniques are below.

  • The technique isn’t suitable for beginners. They find the steps complicated.
  • Chances of file corruption are high, which makes this technique an unreliable option.
  • You can not migrate some specific emails. Only bulk migration is possible, and there is no filtering feature available.
  • Also, sometimes, you can not export IMAP to PST files in bulk. The manual method allows you to convert one file at a time. Therefore, the procedure is time-consuming.
  • You can migrate the mailbox data into a particular file format. It does not allow saving emails in multiple file formats.

These are the main limitations of the manual solution. Hence, the ideal option is a professional tool to save IMAP data to PST.

Method 2: Backup IMAP Emails to PST Using IMAP to PST Migration Tool

Cigati IMAP Backup Tool is a professional software to save IMAP data to PST file format. In addition, users can effortlessly perform the bulk migration process without losing data. You can simply preview your IMAP emails in a preview panel. Moreover, the tool can backup IMAP email locally. The main characteristic of the software is that it has a simple and interactive layout. In other words, any new or experienced user can export IMAP Mailbox to PST data efficiently. Now, we will discuss the working of the wizard to clear all your doubts.

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Steps to Convert IMAP Data to PST:

  • First, download and run the IMAP Backup Tool on your local screen.
  • After that, mention the valuable credentials related to the IMAP server email client and click the Sign in button.
  • Then, preview the files in a preview panel and mark the folders you want to export to PST format.
  • Further, choose PST file format from the drop-down list.
  • In the end, click the Convert button.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have learned the methods to export IMAP to PST. You can use a manual technique. As a result, it is the best procedure for users who are looking for a free solution. However, it is not the ideal option. The best process is the Cigati IMAP Backup Tool or an automatic solution. It offers various outstanding facilities, so anyone can migrate emails without damaging the file content. With the help of this utility, users can also migrate IMAP emails to Office 365 mailbox account with ease.

About The Author:

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery & Migration Consultant and is associated with Software Company from the last 3 years. He writes technical updates and their features related to MS Outlook, Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.

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