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In earlier versions of Exchange Server like Microsoft Exchange 2007, there were storage groups where the user mailboxes were saved. You could easily create a backup for storage groups and keep them. But after Microsoft Exchange 2010, the storage group was replaced with databases; that’s why it becomes complicated to maintain a brick-level backup of Exchange data.

To solve the backup issue, Microsoft has issued some other methods in the Exchange framework by which you can convert the EDB files to Outlook PST format for backup purposes.

EDB vs. PST File

EDB – An Exchange database (EDB) file stores the multiple user mailboxes created in the Exchange Server. There can be multiple Exchange database files in a single Exchange Server.

PST – A PST file is a container where the Outlook messages and other mailbox items are saved. It is created by default as soon as you create an Outlook profile with POP configuration.

Instant Solution

EDB to PST Converter is an automated tool to convert online & offline Exchange EDB Files to Outlook PST, live Exchange, and Office 365. Download and Save 25 items per folder free.

More about Exchange EDB

Exchange Database (EDB) file is the root file that contains user mailboxes, including the folders saved as a B-tree structure.

In earlier versions of Exchange, the Exchange database files were slightly different in architecture though their function was the same. However, understanding different types of Exchange database files is very helpful:

Priv.edb: it is created to save the primary Exchange mailboxes. There can be multiple mailboxes in a single EDB file.

Pub.edb: it saves all the information in the public folder in earlier versions of Exchange.

STM files: STM files reduces the size of the file by keeping the attachments separate from the email messages.

Important information about the EDB files
  • To store and retrieve the data from the file, Exchange Server employs Extensible Storage Engine, also known as the JET Blue engine.
  • There are in-built utilities in the Exchange Server like ESEUTIL and ISINTEG that can repair the file for minor corruptions.
  • You can directly export the contents from the EDB files to a PST file using the New-MailboxExportRequest cmdlets.

Reasons for Exchange to Outlook PST Conversion

There can be multiple reasons behind an EDB file conversion, and some of them are following –

  • It has become corrupt, and you want to recover its data
  • To reduce mailbox size and to improve server performance
  • To save storage space (and avoid extra expenditure on infrastructure)
  • Need to backup Exchange mailboxes
  • Need to backup some specific mailboxes or emails
  • Want to port some mailbox data to another place
  • To retain data for legal or compliance requirements
  • To reduce the chances of corruption & Jet errors

There are a few manual methods and one automated tool-based method to convert EDB file to Outlook PST.

Convert Using ExMerge Tool

The ExMerge tool will copy the Exchange items to a PST file, which you can later place in the destination Exchange Server. The ability of the ExMerge tool to merge the content of the Exchange data makes it a useful tool for Exchange to PST conversion. However, this method is not useful now as it supports only the older versions of Exchange, which are outdated.

Convert Using Exchange Management Shell

Exchange Management Shell provides a command-line interface to access the database, get its status, and make the required changes in them. Please make sure that the PST file saving location is a shared network folder.Convert EDB file to Outlook PST Using Exchange Management ShellC:\Users\shrishs\AppData\Roaming\Output Messenger\EFAAA\Received Files

To convert EDB, use the following commands in a sequential manner

  1. Run the command to get the list of mailboxes in a database.
    Get-MailboxStatistics -Database <DatabaseName>

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

  2. Run the command to export the EDB data to a PST.
    New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox <MailboxName> -FilePath \\ExchangeBackup\PST\MailboxName.PST

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

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

    It will provide the status of the export request.

  4. After completing the export process, cancel the export request by the following command.
    Remove-MailboxExportRequest -Identity <Name of the export request>

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

Convert Using Exchange Admin Center

This is the most direct method to export an EDB data file to a PST file. Here is the process:

  1. Log in to Exchange Admin Center as an administrator.
  2. Go to the permissions tab and then click admin roles.
    Exchange Admin Center
  3. Under admin roles, go to Recipient Management and click (+).
    Recipient Management
  4. Under the Role Group wizard, click the (+) option under the Roles option.
    Role Group
  5. Select the Mailbox Import Export Role and click the add button. Then click OK.
    Mailbox Import Export Role
  6. Now you can see the Mailbox Import Export role under Recipient Management.
    Recipient Management
  7. Now, go to recipients, select mailboxes, and choose any mailbox you wish to export. Then, click more (•••) and select the option Export to a PST file.
    select mailbox to export
  8. Browse a mailbox which you want to export.
    Browse mailbox
  9. Provide the path of a shared folder.
    provide path for shred folder
  10. Select a mailbox that will get an email after a successful conversion. Finally, click Finish. The mailbox content will be migrated to the PST file.
    finish the process

So, these are the two manual methods that can help in free conversion directly. But you can understand that they are quite complex, especially for busy Exchange administrators who may not get enough time to manage conversion. So, these methods are not suitable for them.

Convert Using the Free Tool

To convert your data more efficiently, you should use converter tool, the most recommended EDB file to Outlook PST converter tool by Exchange experts. It can access the offline exchange database and convert its content in multiple formats or directly migrate to different platforms. You can get a glimpse of its functionality in the following process:

  1. Start the software, and you can add the dismounted exchange database using three options:
    • Go to the File option in the menu and click Add Source.
    • Click Add Source button present in the toolbar.
    • Directly click the Offline EDB option present on the home page.

    Start the software

  2. The option of Offline EDB database file is selected by default. Click the Next button to go ahead.
    Offline EDB database file
  3. Click (•••) button and browse the EDB from its location. There is a special Search button in case you do not know the exact location. The search feature finds the EDB based on any drive or folder.
    search feature to find EDB
  4. There are two scan modes available to you to select:
    • Standard Scan It is suitable for a normal scan.
    • Deep Scan It is suitable for severely corrupt Exchange files.

    Deep Scan for corrupted EDB

  5. The tool scans the exchange file and adds it as a source. Click Finish.
    Finish the Scanning process
  6. The EDB database file is present at the source list. You can go to any of its folders, select an item, and get its preview. To add a destination, click the PST file option.
    add a destination
  7. If there is an existing PST for the folder, then select the second option of the Existing PST file. Otherwise, select the first option of Create New PST File and click Next.
    Create New PST File
  8. Provide a suited location to the PST file and create a new name also. Then click Next.
    Provide a suited location to the PST
  9. The PST file is created. Click Finish.
    finish the process to create PST file
  10. The conversion part is completely easy with multiple options like drag-&-drop, copy-&-paste, and export. You can go with any method and perform the conversion. After conversion, the tool gets you a complete report with migration status of each selected item.
    choose conversion option
  11. You can see the new data in the PST file.
    preview data list

Final Words

After following all the methods to convert the EDB file, you can get the better results and a resultant file in the PST format. But the manual methods cannot convert a large set of data and provide adaptive features like filters, mailbox selection, or create new PST file. Only the converter software from Kernel can repair a corrupt Exchange database and convert it also. Software support Exchange Server 2019, 2016 and all previous versions. It is a highly business-friendly application which any user from your organization can use and to conduct both recovery and migration efficiently.

FAQs

Q- While trying to export mailboxes using the Exchange Admin Center, I noticed that my account did not have the Mailbox Import Export Role in the Role list. How should I handle this situation?

A- As an administrator, you should assign the Mailbox Import Export role to the user before starting the export process.

Q- How can I recognize that the folder is a shared folder or not?

A- Open File Explorer on your Windows 10 system.
Type ‘\localhost’ in the address bar and press Enter.
View all shared folders on your Windows 10 PC.

Q- I am trying to use the ExMerge tool, but it does not recognize the Exchange application. Why?

A- Actually, the ExMerge utility works for the older versions like Exchange 2003 only. So, you should try the other manual options according to the Exchange version. Alternately, you can try Exchange Server Recovery tool with any version of Exchange Server.

Q- I had created some extra folders while using my Exchange mailbox. Will they be present in the tool after scanning the EDB file?

A- Yes, the software will show all the user-defined folders in the mailboxes. It does not interfere with the structure and hierarchy of the mailbox during or after the scan.

Q- I am not able to convert EDB file to Outlook PST using the Exchange admin center. I didn’t try the Exchange Management Shell method as it seems a little complex. What can I do now?

A- You may find it challenging to perform these manual methods if you are not technically adept. However, you can try it for quick and easy EDB file conversion.

Kernel for EDB to PST