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Batch Convert Exchange Databases into Outlook PST

Microsoft Exchange Server is a widely-used email server for organizations that need to manage email, contacts, calendars, tasks and other mailbox information. All of this information is stored by Exchange in files known as Exchange Database (EDB) files. EDB files cannot be directly opened in Microsoft Outlook but can be used in the Exchange environment. Outlook only works with PST files thus most of the time you will have to convert EDB to PST. 

Migrating single EDB file is easy but it is difficult when you have numerous Exchange databases. If you are upgrading Exchange Server, restoring old mailbox backups or moving data to other platform then you will need to plan and approach carefully to convert a number of EDB files to PST format. 

Here’s a quick rundown of everything this tutorial will cover: What Are Exchange EDB Files, Common Issues Clients Encounter During Migration, Manual Ways to Migrate and Their Limitations, and How You Can Make the Entire Process Simple with an Automated Solution

 

What is an Exchange EDB File?

Microsoft Exchange Server features a primary storage file known as Exchange Database (EDB) file. It has the whole mailbox information that includes; 

  • E-mails
  • Contact 
  • Calendar
  • Notes work
  • Journals
  • Attachments
  • Configure the user's mailbox

EDB files might be lost due to server failure, corruption, inadvertent deletion or decommissioning of Exchange. In such cases, users can convert EDB to PST format which permits them to access the mailbox contents immediately in Microsoft Outlook.

 

Why Do Users Need to Migrate Multiple EDB Files to PST?

Many organizations have to manage many exchange databases. Here are some of the common reasons for mass migration:- 

Upgrading Exchange Server

Organizations that upgrade from older to newer versions of Exchange commonly export the mailbox data to PST to make the conversion process easier.

Exchange server crash

Exchange databases can become unreachable due to hardware problems, software corruption, or unplanned shutdowns. The PST conversion is the fastest approach to getting mailbox data from the backup EDB files.

Mailboxes to Archive

Many companies save server space by archiving mailboxes of employees who are leaving the organization or old Exchange databases.

Compliance Requirements

Many industries are required to retain email communications for legal investigations and for audit purposes.

 

How to Open EDB Files Without Outlook 

Usually, users have offline EDB files on external devices or backup systems. Outlook does not open EDB files natively, thus you need to convert.

 

Why Do Users Need to Migrate Multiple EDB Files to PST?

Microsoft does have a built-in export capability (via the Exchange Management Shell).

Step 1: Add Export Privileges 

Run the following in Exchange Management Shell: 

New-ManagementRoleAssignment -Role "Mailbox Import Export" -User Administrator

 Step 2. Create a shared folder 

Create a shared directory and assign read and write access to the Exchange Trusted Subsystem group. 
Sample Path: `\\ServerName\PSTExport` 

Step 3: Export Mailbox Data 

Export request problem command 

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox UserMailbox -FilePath \\ServerName\PSTExport\UserMailbox.pst 

Step 4: Monitor the Export Status 

We will try to personalize it. 

Get-MailboxExportRequest | 

Repeat for each mailbox that is on distinct Exchange databases.

 

Problems for users with manual migrations 

Microsoft’s built-in export is a convenient feature, but it’s not the greatest option for mass EDB transfer jobs.

Needs Running Exchange Server

The manual method only works if the Exchange Server is working correctly.

No Batch EDB Conversion

Admin needs to create export request for each mailbox individually.

No support for offline edb files 

Native Exchange tools cannot be used to manipulate disconnected Exchange databases.

Technical Skills

Required Permissions and Powershell commands can be intimidating for non-technical users.

Time consuming

Exporting hundreds of mails manually may be time demanding operation.

 

Unsupported and damaged databases 

Microsoft native solution does not extract corrupted or inaccessible EDB files.WholeClear – EDB to PST Conversion made easy for many files. If you have a lot of Exchange databases, an automated solution can save you a lot of work. 


WholeClear EDB to PST Converter migrates many EDB files Online as well as Offline to Outlook PST format without connecting to Exchange Server. The software has an easy to use interface for administrators, and for users that are not technical.

 

Main features 

Migrate Batch EDB File 

It allows you to add and convert multiple Exchange database files simultaneously.

Online and Offline Support for EDB Files

Program supports linked Exchange databases and offline EDB files.

Maintains Mailbox Structure

Migration does not alter the folder structure, email format, metadata, and attachments. 

Export Mailbox Only 

Or you can export individual mailboxes, instead of the entire database.

Mailbox Content View 

You can view the contents of the mailbox before beginning the migration procedure.

Outlook Compatibility

Works With Outlook Output PST files are compatible with Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and Microsoft 365.

 

Steps to Migrate Multiple EDB Files to PST

Step 1: Download the app and run it. 
Step 2: Add .edb file(s) (single or several) 
Step 3: Browse through the mailbox folders and choose the right mailboxes. 
Step 4. Select PST as the export file format. 
Step 5: Click on the the Convert button to start the migration. 

Loaded PST files can be directly loaded to Microsoft Outlook.

 

Manual vs Automated Method

Feature Manual Method Automated Solution
Supports Multiple EDB Files No Yes
Exchange Server Required Yes No
Offline EDB Support No Yes
Corrupted Database Handling No Yes
Technical Knowledge Needed Yes No
Batch Mailbox Migration No Yes
Processing Speed Slow Fast

 

Conclusion

The conversion of several Exchange EDB files into PST format may be difficult while using native Exchange software only. This manual approach of Microsoft works good for healthy exchange situations but doesn’t handle mass conversion, offline database or corrupt EDB files. 
WholeClear EDB to PST Converter is an easy, reliable solution for enterprises performing huge migration projects, archived Exchange database or inaccessible mailbox files to mass EDB to PST migration without affecting the integrity of the mailbox and less administrative efforts.

 

FAQ’s 

How to convert multiple EDB to PST manually ?

No, the Exchange Management Shell can't conduct direct bulk conversion, it has to make individual export requests for each mailbox.

Offline EDB files supported by manual method ? 

No, Microsoft export can only export active exchange databases.

Are attachments retained in the migration? 

Yes, the conversion programs maintain the attachments, formatting and attributes of the mailbox.

Do you need Exchange Server to migrate EDB files? 

Native approaches require Exchange Server. Automated solutions can process EDB files & don’t require Exchange connectivity.

Is it possible to export only selected mailboxes? 

Yes. Some EDB conversion solutions exist, but they are tailored to convert some individual mailboxes not the full database.