Top Services to Backup IMAP to PST in Bulk for Businesses

Brief Understanding Regarding IMAP Emails and PST Format

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol, a widely used protocol for accessing and managing emails saved on a mail server. It is similar to POP3 (Post Office Protocol), which downloads emails locally. IMAP permits users to access emails directly from the server. This means that changes made in emails, like read/unread status, folders, etc., are synchronized across multiple devices.

PST stands for Personal Storage Table. It is a proprietary file format used by MS Outlook to store email messages, contacts, calendar items, and other data. This file format is basically used for storing emails locally on a user’s computer by providing a convenient method to access and manage email data offline.

Let’s proceed further and discuss the reasons behind IMAP emails to PST migration.

Why Do Users Prefer to Backup IMAP to PST?

Some of the common reasons for exporting IMAP to PST file format are as follows:-

1. By saving IMAP to PST file format, users can create a local backup of emails for disaster recovery.
2. These migrations provide smooth transitions between email platforms or providers.
3. It permits users to access their emails without an internet connection.
4. IMAP to PST Migration provides options for better email management and categorization.
5. Exporting IMAP to PST offers ample flexibility and control over email data on local systems.

Overall, there are many other reasons why users often want to migrate emails from an IMAP server to a PST file format. Let’s discuss some of the perfect solutions for exporting IMAP emails to PST.

Some of the Top Method to Export IMAP to PST

Here we are going to discuss two of the best solutions to backup IMAP to PST. Firstly, we will introduce an automated solution using third-party Email Backup Wizard Software along with its complete instructions. Further, the second method will be the manual solution available to export IMAP emails to Outlook PST.

Let’s elaborate on each method one after another.

Method 1: Professional Approach to Save IMAP to PST Format

Email Backup Wizard is a comprehensive and suitable solution that migrates or backup 90+ web and cloud-based email clients into multiple file formats and email clients. This software is capable of maintaining the original folder hierarchy during the backup process. You can download Yahoo Mail emails to IMAP and many email clients. Moreover, the software provides a free demo version online, which allows users to easily export 50 items per folder.

Let’s proceed further and look at the guidelines of this utility in detail.

Stepwise Instruction to Backup IMAP to PST

1. Download, Install, and Run the Email Backup Wizard on your device.
2. In the Search Email Source option, choose IMAP and enter its credentials, such as email address, password, hostname, and port no, and click on Sign-in to proceed.
3. The software will display the data of an IMAP account. Pick the folder items that you need to take the backup and further hit Next to move forward.
4. Next, Select the Save in File format option and Select File Format as PST from the drop-down list. Pick the additional filters as per the requirement and hit Next to proceed.
5. Further, click on the Save Path button and choose the destination path where you want to save the backup of IMAP emails as PST file formats. At the end, hit the Download button to initiate the conversion process.

Method 2: Native Solution to Backup IMAP to PST

In the case of the manual method, which uses the MS Outlook application, users can easily export IMAP emails to PST file format. Follow the instructions below to convert IMAP to PST using Microsoft Outlook:-

• Initially, open MS Outlook and sync the Outlook account.
• Now, navigate to the File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.
• In this Import/Export section, Select the option Export to a file.
• Next, select the Outlook Data file (.pst) >> Next.
• Then, choose the desired mail >> Next.
• Further, Browse the desired location of the Mails.
• Lastly, click the Finish button to export IMAP Mails as PST.

Note:- By following these instructions, users can easily backup IMAP to PST using MS Outlook. The native approach is free to use, but it possesses multiple drawbacks along with it. Using this method, data integrity may not be maintained; users need to double-check before choosing this approach. There is a chance that it frequently leads to data loss. Using this technique, multiple emails cannot be migrated at the same time. Therefore, users need to do it one at a time, which ultimately consumes lots of time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have provided the optimal solution for migrating IMAP to PST. Using these solutions, users can easily migrate and manage email data with ease. However, there are certain challenges associated with the manual approach to backup IMAP to PST, while this professional tool offers invaluable support. This tool ensures accurate and efficient email data migrations as per the user’s requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions