How to Migrate PST to Exchange Online? Get 100% Verified Solution

An Overview on How to Migrate PST to Exchange Online

Exchange Online is a part of Microsoft 365, moreover, it offers various email management solutions compared to traditional PST files. Additionally, we will explore an in-depth overview of the migration process, including the differences between PST and Exchange Online. Furthermore, know the detailed steps for Network Upload, Drive Shipping, Outlook Import, and Aryson PST Converter Tool methods. Use these methods to open PST files in Office 365 (Exchange Online).

Personal Storage Table (PST) files are used by Microsoft Outlook to store copies of messages, calendar events, and other items on the user’s computer. Moreover, PST files are convenient for personal use and small-scale archiving. However, they have significant limitations, particularly in scalability, security, and accessibility. On the other hand Exchange Online provides a cloud-based email solution with advanced features like large mailboxes, enhanced security, and anywhere access. Before performing any major task it is always recommended to take a backup of Office 365 or the Outlook account.

Differences Between PST and Exchange Online

This section will explore the basic differences between PST and Exchange Online.

Properties	PST	Exchange Online
Storage	Firstly, PST files are stored locally on a user’s device.	Data is stored in the cloud, managed by Microsoft’s secure data centers.
Accessibility	The PST file can be accessed only on the system. Additionally, it has to be manually shared with the desired user.	Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity through Outlook or webmail.
Security	Less secure, vulnerable to corruption, loss, and unauthorized access.	Enhanced security features, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with various regulations.
Scalability	Limited by local storage capacity and can become cumbersome to manage in large numbers.	Virtually unlimited storage capabilities and easy to manage across large organizations.

Reasons to Migrate PST to Exchange Online

There are many reasons to import PST files to Exchange Online. This section will explore the most prominent ones. Additionally, before performing any procedure, it is necessary to repair any oversized PST file issues.

• Accessibility: Firstly, use Exchange Online to access emails, calendars, and contacts from any device with internet access.

• Security: Enhanced data protection with encryption and regular security updates.

• Centralized Management: Simplified administration through the Microsoft 365 admin center.

• Reliability: High availability with a 99.9% uptime guarantee and built-in disaster recovery.

• Cost Efficiency: Reduced IT costs by eliminating the need for on-premises servers.

• Collaboration: Integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.

• Performance: Improved email delivery speed and reduced local storage burden.

• Data Consolidation: Centralized data storage, reducing the risk of data silos and loss.

• Seamless Upgrades: Automatic updates with the latest features and improvements.

• User Experience: Consistent interface across devices and enhanced productivity features.

Methods to Export PST Files to Exchange Online

Before performing a migration task on the PST file, it is necessary to troubleshoot any kind of error, such as “Outlook PST is in use and cannot be accessed.” By handling these errors, you ensure that the migration process will be smooth. Furthermore, there are four methods to migrate PST files to Exchange Online.

• Network Upload Method
• Drive Shipping Method
• Outlook Import/Export Method
• Professional Method

Method 1: Export PST Files to Exchange Online Using Network Upload Method

The Network Upload method involves uploading PST files to Microsoft’s cloud storage and then importing them into user mailboxes in Exchange Online. We have divided the whole procedure in steps so that you can easily convert PST to Office 365. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

• Ensure you have the necessary permissions in Office 365 to import PST files.
• Install Azure AzCopy, a command-line tool, on a local machine to transfer PST files to Azure Storage.

Step 2: Upload PST Files to Azure Storage

• Use the Azure AzCopy tool to upload PST files to the Azure Storage location provided by Microsoft.
• Command Example: AzCopy /Source:<SourcePath> /Dest:<DestinationSASURL> /V:<LogFile>

Step 3: Create a PST Import Mapping File

• Create a CSV file that maps PST files to specific mailboxes in Exchange Online.
• CSV File Example:
  • Workload,FilePath,Name,Mailbox
  • Exchange, https://<StorageAccount>.blob.core.windows.net/pstcontainer/<PSTFileName>, <PSTFileName>, user@domain.com

Step 4: Create a PST Import Job

• Go to the Microsoft 365 compliance center, navigate to Information governance > Import, and create a new import job.
• Upload the CSV mapping file and verify the file paths.

Step 5: Import Data to Exchange Online

• Once the files are uploaded and verified, start the import process.
• Monitor the job progress and completion status in the compliance center.

Method 2: Drive Shipping Method to Import PST to Office 365 (Exchange Online)

The Drive Shipping method involves shipping physical drives containing PST files to Microsoft. This method is suitable for large data volumes and organizations with limited network bandwidth.

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

• Ensure you have the necessary permissions and an Office 365 subscription that supports drive shipping.
• Download and install the WAImportExport tool provided by Microsoft.

Step 2: Copy PST Files to Hard Drive

• Connect a physical hard drive to your computer and format it to NTFS.
• Use the WAImportExport tool to copy PST files to the hard drive.
• Command Example: WAImportExport.exe CopyToHardDrive /j:<JobFile> /t:<DriveLetter> /m /d

Step 3: Encrypt the Hard Drive

• Encrypt the hard drive using BitLocker to ensure data security during transit.
• Record the BitLocker encryption key, as it will be needed during the import process.

Step 4: Create a PST Import Mapping File

• Similar to the Network Upload method, create a CSV file mapping PST files to specific mailboxes.

Step 5: Ship the Hard Drive to Microsoft

• Follow Microsoft’s guidelines for shipping the hard drive, including labeling and packaging requirements.
• Ship the drive to the provided Microsoft data center address.

Step 6: Create a PST Import Job

• After Microsoft receives the hard drive, they will upload the data to Azure Storage.
• Create an import job in the Microsoft 365 compliance center, using the CSV mapping file to map PST files to mailboxes.

Step 7: Import Data to Exchange Online

• Monitor the job progress and completion status in the compliance center once the data is available in Azure Storage.

Method 3: Import/Export Feature in Outlook to Convert PST to Exchange Online

The Outlook Import method involves importing PST files directly into Exchange Online using Microsoft Outlook. This method is more suitable for smaller-scale migrations or individual users.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook

• Ensure you have Outlook configured with an Exchange Online account.

Step 2: Open the PST File

• In Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File.
• Select the PST file you wish to import.

Step 3: Copy Data to Exchange Online Mailbox

• Once the PST file is opened in Outlook, you can drag and drop emails, calendar events, and other items from the PST file to the corresponding folders in your Exchange Online mailbox.
• You can also use the Import/Export wizard (File > Open & Export > Import/Export) to import the entire PST file into your Exchange Online mailbox.

Step 4: Verify Data Import

• Ensure all data from the PST file has been successfully copied to your Exchange Online mailbox.
• Check for any missing items or errors during the import process.

Method 4: Professionally Migrate PST to Exchange Online

The manual procedure to convert PST files to Exchange Online is very lengthy and time-consuming. Therefore, we recommend that users use the Aryson PST Converter Tool. This tool easily converts PST files to multiple formats and email clients. Moreover, users can utilize advanced filters and features to enhance their experience. The PST Converter has an interactive GUI and is easy to use. The steps to professionally migrate PST to Exchange Online are as follows:

Steps to Import PST Files to Exchange Online

1. Install and run the PST Converter Tool as an administrator.
2. Click on the Select Files button to add the PST files to the software.
3. Choose the Desired Files/Folders from the tree structure format and click Next.
4. Now, select Exchange Online as the saving format. Enter the Credentials and click on the Login button.
5. Finally, click on the Convert button to initiate the migration of PST to Exchange Online.

Conclusion

The process to migrate PST files to Exchange Online is a critical task for organizations looking to use the benefits of a cloud-based email solution. Understanding the differences between PST and Exchange Online is essential for choosing the right migration method. The Professional method is ideal for large-scale migrations, Drive Shipping is suitable for organizations with large data volumes and limited network bandwidth, and the Outlook Import method is best for smaller-scale migrations or individual users. By following the detailed steps provided for each method, organizations can ensure a smooth and efficient migration process, minimizing disruptions and ensuring that all email data is securely and reliably transferred to Exchange Online.

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