You can back up the entire Exchange Server data or individual mailboxes. Follow the methods given below to backup Exchange Server mailboxes depending on your requirements.<\/p>
Method 1: Use Windows Server Backup<\/strong><\/h3>You can use Windows Sever Backup<\/a> to back up the entire Exchange Server data. In Exchange Server, there is a plug-in for the Windows Server Backup. This utility allows you to take a Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)–based backup of the entire Exchange Server or a selected volume. However, to utilize Windows Server Backup, you must be a member of the Administrators group or Backup Operators group. It does not support backup or backup storage on Clustered Shared Volumes. Let’s see how to use the Windows Server Backup:<\/p>Then, review the backup settings on the Confirmation<\/strong> page and then click on Backup.<\/strong><\/p>\n- Launch Windows Server Backup<\/strong> and select Local Backup.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the right pane, under Actions<\/strong>, click on the Backup Once<\/strong> option.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the Backup Options<\/strong> wizard, select Different options,<\/strong> and then click on Next<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select Custom<\/strong> on the Select Backup Configuration<\/strong> page and then click on Next<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- On the Select Items for Backup<\/strong> window, click Add Items<\/strong> to select the volume(s) you want to back up and then click on OK.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select Advanced Settings.<\/strong> If you want to exclude any files or file types from the backup, click Add Exclusion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select VSS full Backup<\/strong> under the VSS Settings<\/strong> tab and click on OK<\/strong>. Then, click Next<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select a location where you want to save the backup and then click on Next<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The will start the backup of selected volume(s). You can check the progress of the backup operation on the Backup Progress page.<\/p>
Method 2: Export Mailboxes to PST Files <\/strong><\/h3>If you want to backup individual or selected mailboxes, then you can export the mailboxes to PST files. For this, you can use the New-MailboxExportRequest<\/strong> PowerShell cmdlet in the Exchange Management Shell (EMS)<\/strong>. However, to use this command, you need to fulfill the following prerequisites:<\/p>1. Assign Mailbox Import Export Role<\/strong><\/h4>You must be assigned the Mailbox Import Export<\/strong> role. You can use the following command to assign the Mailbox Import Export role to your user account.<\/p>New-ManagementRoleAssignment -Role “Mailbox Import Export” -User DomainName\/UserName or alias<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>2. Create Share Location and Folder<\/strong><\/h4>You need to create a share location to save the exported PST files. After creating a folder, share this folder with the user having the Import\/Export role (assigned above). The Exchange Trusted Sub System needs to be added to the permissions. The user should have full permissions on the share and the folder.<\/p>
After fulfilling the above prerequisites, run the New-MailboxExportRequest<\/a><\/strong> command as given below to export a single mailbox:<\/p>New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailboxName” -FilePath \\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/code><\/pre>![\"run](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/run-the-New-MailboxExportRequest-command-as-given-below-to-export-a-single-mailbox.jpg\")
<\/figure>You can modify or limit the scope of exported contents by utilizing various parameters with the New-MailboxExportRequest<\/strong> command. Here are a few parameters you can use while exporting Exchange mailbox to PST format.<\/p>-ContentFilter Parameter<\/strong><\/p>By using this parameter with the command, you can export mailbox items based on subject and date. For instance, the following command lets you export items received before 01-01-2020<\/strong> with a subject beginning with ‘RE<\/strong>’.<\/p>New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -ContentFilter {(Received -lt ’01\/01\/2020′) -and (Subject –like ‘Re*’)} -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/strong><\/a><\/code><\/pre>Similarly, you can export the emails received after a particular date by using the –gt<\/strong> (greater than<\/strong>) option.<\/p>If you want to export the emails based on a date range, you can use the –lt and –gt parameters together. For instance:<\/p>
New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -ContentFilter {(Received -lt ’01\/01\/2020’ –gt ‘01\/01\/2019′) -and (Subject –like ‘Re*’)} -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/strong><\/a><\/code><\/pre>-ExcludeFolders and -IncludeFolders Parameters<\/strong><\/p>You can include or exclude certain folders from the mailbox while exporting to PST format.<\/p>
For instance, the following command will export only the Inbox<\/strong> and Sent Items<\/strong> folders to PST.<\/p>New-MailboxExportRequest -IncludeFolders “#Inbox#\/*”,”#SentItems#” -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -<\/strong>FilePath \\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/a><\/code><\/pre>You can also use the –ExcludeFolders <\/strong>parameter to skip some folders during the export process.<\/p>-IsArchive Parameter<\/strong><\/p>By using this parameter, you can export only the archive folders to PST. For example,<\/p>
New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -IsArchive -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/strong><\/a><\/code><\/pre>You can also use the New-MailboxExportRequest <\/strong>command to export multiple or all the mailboxes from the database at once. For this,<\/p>\n- Create a variable to store all the mailboxes in your organization by using the following syntax:<\/li>\n<\/ol>
$ExchangeMailboxes = Get-Mailbox<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>The Get-Mailbox<\/strong> cmdlet displays all the mailboxes on the server.<\/p> 2. Then, use the ForEach<\/strong> loop with the cmdlet (see below) to export these mailboxes to PST.<\/p>ForEach $ExchangeMailbox|%{$_|New-MailboxExportRequest -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\$($_.Alias).pst<\/strong><\/a>}<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>Alternatively, you can create a script with the name “ExchangeMailboxes<\/strong>” containing usernames of mailboxes that you want to export or backup to PST format. Here’s the syntax:<\/p>$ExchangeMailboxes = “username1”,”username2”,…….,”usernameN”<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>($User in ($ExchangeMailboxes)) { New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox $User -FilePath \\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\$($User).pst\" }<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>Although PowerShell commands help you to export Exchange mailboxes to PST, there are a few limitations, such as:<\/p>
\n- The process is lengthy and time-consuming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Mailbox Import\/Export permission must be assigned to the user account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A large amount of space on the server storage media is required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There is no option to see the status of mailboxes that are being exported.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exporting multiple mailboxes to PST may impact the server performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This command is available in Exchange Server 2013 and later versions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Method 3: Use an EDB to PST Converter Software<\/strong><\/h3>A simpler way to backup Exchange mailboxes is by using a third-party EDB to PST converter software, such as Stellar Converter for EDB.<\/strong> This software can extract mailboxes from EDB file and export them directly to PST. After scanning the EDB files, the software displays the extracted mailboxes and other EDB items. It also offers an option to filter only specific emails or folders of the mailboxes. While the mailboxes are being exported, you can see the progress bar to indicate the status of the mailboxes that are being exported. In addition to PST format, this EDB to PST conversion tool<\/a> can save the EDB file items to EML, MSG, HTML, RTF, and PDF formats. It can also export EDB file items directly to Microsoft 365 or a live Exchange Server. The software supports all the versions of Microsoft Exchange Server, including 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2000, and 5.5. <\/p>
Then, review the backup settings on the Confirmation<\/strong> page and then click on Backup.<\/strong><\/p> The will start the backup of selected volume(s). You can check the progress of the backup operation on the Backup Progress page.<\/p> If you want to backup individual or selected mailboxes, then you can export the mailboxes to PST files. For this, you can use the New-MailboxExportRequest<\/strong> PowerShell cmdlet in the Exchange Management Shell (EMS)<\/strong>. However, to use this command, you need to fulfill the following prerequisites:<\/p> You must be assigned the Mailbox Import Export<\/strong> role. You can use the following command to assign the Mailbox Import Export role to your user account.<\/p> You need to create a share location to save the exported PST files. After creating a folder, share this folder with the user having the Import\/Export role (assigned above). The Exchange Trusted Sub System needs to be added to the permissions. The user should have full permissions on the share and the folder.<\/p> After fulfilling the above prerequisites, run the New-MailboxExportRequest<\/a><\/strong> command as given below to export a single mailbox:<\/p> You can modify or limit the scope of exported contents by utilizing various parameters with the New-MailboxExportRequest<\/strong> command. Here are a few parameters you can use while exporting Exchange mailbox to PST format.<\/p> -ContentFilter Parameter<\/strong><\/p> By using this parameter with the command, you can export mailbox items based on subject and date. For instance, the following command lets you export items received before 01-01-2020<\/strong> with a subject beginning with ‘RE<\/strong>’.<\/p> Similarly, you can export the emails received after a particular date by using the –gt<\/strong> (greater than<\/strong>) option.<\/p> If you want to export the emails based on a date range, you can use the –lt and –gt parameters together. For instance:<\/p> -ExcludeFolders and -IncludeFolders Parameters<\/strong><\/p> You can include or exclude certain folders from the mailbox while exporting to PST format.<\/p> For instance, the following command will export only the Inbox<\/strong> and Sent Items<\/strong> folders to PST.<\/p> You can also use the –ExcludeFolders <\/strong>parameter to skip some folders during the export process.<\/p> -IsArchive Parameter<\/strong><\/p> By using this parameter, you can export only the archive folders to PST. For example,<\/p> You can also use the New-MailboxExportRequest <\/strong>command to export multiple or all the mailboxes from the database at once. For this,<\/p> The Get-Mailbox<\/strong> cmdlet displays all the mailboxes on the server.<\/p> 2. Then, use the ForEach<\/strong> loop with the cmdlet (see below) to export these mailboxes to PST.<\/p> Alternatively, you can create a script with the name “ExchangeMailboxes<\/strong>” containing usernames of mailboxes that you want to export or backup to PST format. Here’s the syntax:<\/p> Although PowerShell commands help you to export Exchange mailboxes to PST, there are a few limitations, such as:<\/p> A simpler way to backup Exchange mailboxes is by using a third-party EDB to PST converter software, such as Stellar Converter for EDB.<\/strong> This software can extract mailboxes from EDB file and export them directly to PST. After scanning the EDB files, the software displays the extracted mailboxes and other EDB items. It also offers an option to filter only specific emails or folders of the mailboxes. While the mailboxes are being exported, you can see the progress bar to indicate the status of the mailboxes that are being exported. In addition to PST format, this EDB to PST conversion tool<\/a> can save the EDB file items to EML, MSG, HTML, RTF, and PDF formats. It can also export EDB file items directly to Microsoft 365 or a live Exchange Server. The software supports all the versions of Microsoft Exchange Server, including 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2000, and 5.5. <\/p>\n
Method 2: Export Mailboxes to PST Files <\/strong><\/h3>
1. Assign Mailbox Import Export Role<\/strong><\/h4>
New-ManagementRoleAssignment -Role “Mailbox Import Export” -User DomainName\/UserName or alias<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>2. Create Share Location and Folder<\/strong><\/h4>
New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailboxName” -FilePath \\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/code><\/pre><\/figure>New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -ContentFilter {(Received -lt ’01\/01\/2020′) -and (Subject –like ‘Re*’)} -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/strong><\/a><\/code><\/pre>New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -ContentFilter {(Received -lt ’01\/01\/2020’ –gt ‘01\/01\/2019′) -and (Subject –like ‘Re*’)} -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/strong><\/a><\/code><\/pre>New-MailboxExportRequest -IncludeFolders “#Inbox#\/*”,”#SentItems#” -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -<\/strong>FilePath \\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/a><\/code><\/pre>New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “MailBoxName” -IsArchive -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\FileName.pst<\/strong><\/a><\/code><\/pre>\n
$ExchangeMailboxes = Get-Mailbox<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>ForEach $ExchangeMailbox|%{$_|New-MailboxExportRequest -FilePath <\/strong>\\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\$($_.Alias).pst<\/strong><\/a>}<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>$ExchangeMailboxes = “username1”,”username2”,…….,”usernameN”<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>($User in ($ExchangeMailboxes)) { New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox $User -FilePath \\\\Servername\\SharedFolderPathName\\$($User).pst\" }<\/strong><\/code><\/pre>\n
Method 3: Use an EDB to PST Converter Software<\/strong><\/h3>