How To Convert EDB to PST File Format?

Are you searching the best methods and tools to convert EDB to PST? Then this blog is for you.

In previous versions of Exchange Server like Microsoft Exchange 2007, there is a mailbox saving place called storage groups. It is easy to make backup files and protect them. But when Microsoft launches the new version i.e, Microsoft Exchange 2010, the storage group facility is replaced with databases. Hence, now it becomes quite complicated to maintain a brick-level backup of Exchange data.

Hence, if you also have the same issue then Microsoft offers methods in the Exchange framework in which the user can convert EDB to PST file format.

EDB and PST File

EDB: EDB file or Exchange database file is used to store the mailbox data of multiple users in the Exchange Server. It can store the multiple Exchange database files in a single Exchange Server.

PST: PST or Personal Storage Table is a container that stores the Outlook messages and other mailbox data in the form of tables. These tables are created automatically after you create a profile on Outlook.

More about EDB files

EDB or the Exchange Database file is the root files that contain user mailboxes including the folders kept as a B-tree structure.

Priv.edb: This type of EDB file is used to create primary mailboxes. A single EDB file can contain multiple mailboxes at a time.

Pub.edb: This type of EDB file saves all information in the public folder, only applicable in earlier versions of Exchange Servers.

STM files: STM files help the EDB file by reducing its size and keeping the attachments separate from the email messages.

Important Key Points About the EDB files

• Used to store and retrieve data from EDB file. Exchange Server employs Extensible Storage Engine, is also known as the JET Blue engine.
• Some in-built tools provided by the Exchange Server, these are ESEUTIL and ISINTEG which is capable to repair the EDB file.
• One can export the contents directly from the EDB files to a PST file by using the cmdlets.

Reasons for EDB to PST Conversion

There are a vast number of reasons by which user can EDB to PST, some of them are following –

• When EDB file becomes corrupt, then to recover its data.
• To improve server performance and to reduce mailbox size.
• Determined to save storage space.
• In case of taking the backup of Exchange mailboxes.
• To take specific mailboxes or emails backups.
• If you want to port some mailbox data to a different place.
• To save file from corruption and errors.

Convert EDB to PST Using ExMerge Tool

The ExMerge utility is use to copy Cocthe Exchange items in the form of a PST file. Later, the user can place it in the destination Exchange Server. Application is capable of merging the contents of Exchange data and makes it a useful application for Exchange to PST conversion. Although, this method is not supported in new versions of Exchange servers, only used for older versions of Exchange.

Conversion of EDB files using Exchange Management Shell

Command-line interface to access the database is provided by Exchange Management Shell. But still, you have to do some small changes in that.

For EDB to PST conversion, use the commands in a consecutive way.

• Run the following command, this will open the list of mailbox items in your database.

Get-MailboxStatistics -Database <DatabaseName>
After the execution of command you will obtain all the mailboxes present in the database.

• For transferring your files, use the following command. 

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox <MailboxName> -FilePath \\ExchangeBackup\PST\MailboxName.PST
After you execute the above command, you find that all the mailbox data will save into the new PST file. Remember one thing that the target folder is in shared mode.

• To check the status of the mailbox export request, execute the below command.
  Get-MailboxExportRequest
  Hence, you’ll get the status of the export request.

• When you complete all the process, must sure cancel the export request by the following command.
  Remove-MailboxExportRequest -Identity <Name of the export request>

After you execute all the above commands, you will successfully export the data from a single mailbox.

Convert EDB to PST Using Exchange Admin Center

This is the direct method for converting the EDB file to a PST file. Here is the process:

• Initially, open the Exchange Admin Center as an administrator.
• Then, press the permissions tab and then on the admin roles.
  
• Press on the Recipient Management after a click on the click (+) from the Under admin roles.
  
• Click on the (+) button under the Roles option.
  
• Hit the Mailbox Import Export option from the display name then on OK.
  
• Now you can see the Mailbox Import Export role under Recipient Management.
  
• 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.
  
• Browse a mailbox which you want to export.
  
• Provide the path of a shared folder.
  
• Select a mailbox which will get an email after a successful conversion. Finally, click Finish. The mailbox content will now migrate to the PST file.
  

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

Wrap Up 

In this technical guide, I helped you to convert EDB to PST with the help of two most manual popular methods. Also, if you don’t want to follow these manual methods you can take the help of professional third party EDB to PST converter tools. These tools help you to achieve the same task with more proficiency and in just no time. 

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