Free Methods to Convert Exchange EDB to PST File

The earlier versions of the Outlook before 2010 were very convenient to use and store data. All the mails could be easily stored in the storage groups. However, as and when the latest versions

of Outlook came into being, these storage groups could no longer be found, and it became difficult to store data and maintain a record of it.

Therefore, Microsoft came up with other solutions through which this challenge could be overlooked. It is now possible to convert EDB to PST files to keep a regular backup of the files.

But before proceeding ahead, it is imperative to understand the difference between the inherent nature of EDB and PST files. Let us understand this difference in the following way:

An Exchange Database (EDB) is a file that stores different mailboxes belonging to different users created in the Exchange Server itself. These EDB files are helpful for storing and receiving information and help to export the contents to the PST form directly. While on the other hand, a PST file is a storage unit to store the Outlook messages and mailbox items. It is present in Outlook by default.

The limitations of creating a backup of the mailbox items can necessitate a user to convert EDB to PST files. There are various reasons why one may need an EDB to PST converter. Let us explore the reasons for the same.

• Recovering the data when the EDB file is corrupt
• Reducing the size of the mailbox performance
• Improving the functioning of the server to boost performance
• Creating backup for mailboxes
• Retaining data for legal compliance
• Porting data from one mailbox to another.

Let us explore the methods to convert EDB to PST with and without the help of EDB to PST converter.

Free Methods to Convert EDB to PST file

Here three manual methods are described depending on your version of Exchange Server. We have given you the complete methods and their limitations.

1. Export through Exchange Admin Center
2. Export through Exchange PowerShell (Exchange Management Shell) commands
3. Export through Ex-Merge Utility

Note: It is recommended to have a complete backup of the EDB files before trying any of the below explained free processes as a prevention measure.

#1. Export through Exchange Admin Center

The Exchange Admin Center facilitates the exporting of EDB files to that of PST files. However, the users need to have a shared folder and must have got the requisite permissions for implementing this method.

Limitations

• Does not support earlier Exchange versions.
• Requires technical expertise.
• Risk of data deletion during the process.
• Cannot deal with corrupt EDB mailboxes.
• PST file must be saved on a shared network path.
• Need an Exchange Server or client machine.
• Mailbox Import and Export Role must be assigned in advance.

Process

1. After opening the Exchange Admin Center as an administrator, go to permissions category and click admin roles.
2. Under the admin roles, choose Recipient Management and click add button.
3. Under Role Group wizard, click on the add option then choose Mailbox Import Export role, click Add > OK. A Mailbox Import Export Role under the Recipient Management would be displayed.
4. Go back to ‘recipients’ section, choose mailbox and there click more with three dots. Choose the option ‘Export to a PST file.’
5. Select the mailboxes that you want to export. Later, browse a shared folder to save the PST file.
6. 6. In the last step, choose the mailbox that will get the email after the PST file is created. Click on Finish option and the content of the mailbox would be migrated to the PST file.

#2. Export through Exchange Management Shell commands

It is the most technical free way to convert EDB to PST and it works for Exchange 2007 and above versions. To perform this method, users must have a shared folder for PST and the Mailbox Import and Export roles must be assigned to the mailboxes ready for export.

Limitations

• High level of technical expertise is required.
• Database with those mailboxes should be mounted
• Does not work with corrupt EDB mailboxes.
• Not for non-technical users.
• Need for supervision for correct execution.
• Need for Administrator privileges.

Process

• Run the command to get the list of mailboxes in a database.
  Get-MailboxStatistics -Database

  The command will enlist all the mailboxes present in the database.

• Run the command to export the EDB file to a PST.
  New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox -FilePath \\ExchangeBackup\PST\MailboxName.PST

  D:\DownloadThe command will save the mailbox data to a new PST file. But make sure that the destination folder is a shared folder.

• Run the command to check the status of the mailbox export request.
  Get-MailboxExportRequest

  It will provide the status of the export request.

• After completing the export process, cancel the export request by the following command.
  Remove-MailboxExportRequest -Identity

Using this process, you can export the data from a single mailbox

#3. Export through Ex-Merge Utility

It is a free utility provided by Microsoft which exports mailboxes from EDB to PST and imports PST mailboxes to EDB files. It helps to merge the content of the exchange data so as to make the conversion easier.

Limitations

This method has following limitations:

• Risk of data loss
• Exports data only upto 2GB.
• Supports earlier Exchange versions mostly.
• Lengthy, time-consuming process.
• Works in older Exchange Server versions like Exchange 2003 and earlier ones.

Process

1. Launch the downloaded and installed Ex-Merge utility. On the Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Merge Wizard, Click on Next to start.
   
2. Under Procedure Selection, select the second radio button Two-step procedure and click on Next.
   
3. Now, select the first option Extract data from Exchange Server Mailbox and click on Next.
   
4. In the Source Server window, provide your Exchange Server credentials like name, domain name, etc. and then click on Next to continue.
   
5. Now, in the Data Selection Criteria, switch to the Import Procedure tab and then select the option Archive data to target store. Click on OK.
   
6. In the next window, make selection of the EDB mailboxes for export and then click on Next.
   
7. Next, in Target Directory section, provide the destination path for the PST file at the system location. Click on Next to start the export process.
   
8. You can see the progress of the export process. Once it is completed, click on Finish to exit the process.
9. Hence, the EDB to PST conversion process is completed.

All these native solutions are free of cost but obviously they include certain limitations and possible risks during execution. Therefore, it is recommended to use a third party EDB to PST Converter tool for instant and efficient extraction of data. The best thing about this tool is that it does not have any above-mentioned limitations and also shows great compatibility with all Exchange Server and Outlook versions.

Conclusion

Different free processes are explained with limitations for converting EDB to PST file format for backup or other requirements. A user can decide on any method of choice depending on the convenience and ease of performance.