How to Import EML to Kerio Connect Easily: Step-by-Step Guide

What Makes Users Move EML to Kerio Connect?

Well, there’s a direct connection between the EML file and Kerio Connect as- 

Kerio Connect is a centralized server environment storing all the emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other data as a separate EML file. And each .eml file is stored inside a #msgs folder stored inside a mail directory. 

Now, EML is the standard format, and it ensures that all email headers, metadata, HTML formatting, attachments, etc., are preserved. When you import EML data into it, this means you have placed the data in the correct server folder for recognition and simplified access, even in the near future. So, in all, it is beneficial to make the import, but you must ensure some checks before the import. 

Pro Tips to Import EML to Kerio Connect 

• Maintain an EML backup for data restoration, in case anything goes wrong. 
• Organized all separate EML files in a single folder for quick access and less repetitive search. 
• Make sure that your Kerio storage is enough and that you have a stable internet. 
• For the import of your Public folders, use /store/mail/#public/Contacts/#msgs
• Perform reindexing to update the index.fld if messages do not seem to appear. 
• Test your emails only with a few files first before importing the entire folder. 
• Verify that your copied files have the same ownership and permissions as your existing files after the import. 

What Steps to Take to Import EML Files to Kerio Connect?

You can follow some simple manual approaches, or download the converter tool to make an instant import. Use these approaches with the specified steps, along with their advantages and limitations, for better decision-making. 

Simple Way to Transfer EML Files to Kerio Connect

Let’s dive into three different solutions for a flawless transfer of the mailbox data with ease. These are explained as follows: 

#1: Creating Server-Level Copy in Kerio of EML 

It is one of the most direct solutions, but you must have access to the server file system, which is usually possible if you are a system administrator. So, this method is for you; just ensure to take a backup of your Kerio store directory before beginning here. The steps to follow are:

1. Prepare your .eml files and store them altogether, even if from other email clients.
2. Next, at the /mailserver/store/mail/<domainaddress>/<username>/<foldername>/#msgs, locate the Kerio Connect store directory.
3. Further, copy EML files in the proper #msgs folder using file transfer tools like rsync, scp, or file explorer. 
4. Once your files are copied, for each folder, new emails must be reindexed. 
5. Go to folder #msgs directory and locate index.fld. Rename the same to index.bad.
6. Finally, restart your Kerio Connect server. Once it’s online, it will detect reindexed files and incorporate new EML. 
7. Log in to your Kerio Connect Webmail for final verification of the imported files. 

Pros & Cons:

• Free and offers complete control with no requirement for additional softwares. 
• Needs server access with administrator privileges for the data copy. 
• Server downtime is needed, and it contains high risk of data loss. 
• No option to handle data built-in, and time-intensive for large mailboxes. 

#2: Client-Side Native Drag and Drop EML 

If you have a small number of EML files for the import and you are ready with the Kerio Connect credentials and access, then continue with these steps:

1. Start the Kerio Connect Client on a web server of your choice. 
2. Then, sign in with your admin credentials to the account. 
3. Further, create a new folder in the account to store EML separately. 
4. Finally, drag and drop files from the OS into the folder and check the data. 

Pros and Cons:

• Simply transfer EML files to Kerio Connect by drag and drop.
• Requires internet connectivity to be stable and high. 
• You cannot bulk move all EML files at once. 
• Has a high chance of missing or duplicating EML files in Kerio Connect. 

#3: Free Manual EML Import via IMAP 

In case you have a few files with critical data and access to your server system, then using a mediator client like Mozilla Thunderbird, you can import files via IMAP. Follow these steps:

1. Start Thunderbird on the system and from the Menu, press New Account. 
2. Choose Email and enter the name and Kerio Connect email address. 
3. Further, opt for IMAP and verify your account via OAuth authentication. 
4. Once Kerio Connect is configured with Thunderbird, its folders appear on the left. 
5. After that, move to the Menu again, and browse to Add-ons and Themes to install the ImportExportTools NG extension. 
6. Restart your Thunderbird, and then right-click your Kerio folder where you want to store EML. 
7. Choose ImportExportTool >> Import EML Messages >> All EML messages from a directory and subdirectory. 
8. Finally, pick your files and upload them to the Kerio Connect mail folders. 

Pros & Cons: 

• No downtime on the server, and it can be performed from any PC with IMAP access. 
• Slow and time-intensive process for large mailboxes, especially with big attachments. 
• Unsuitable for bulk imports, and data preservation is not guaranteed. 
• Folder structure and HTML formatting may vary, and there are also chances of human errors. 

Easy Way to Import EML to Kerio Connect 

Dealing with thousands or more EML files and complex folder structures makes it essential for a smart solution like SysInfo EML Converter to exist. It allows all professionals, end users, businesses, and enterprises to make imports with zero downtime and no loss. Experts trust it as an ideal solution for data migration with full integrity and folder structure preservation during batch imports in minimal time. Moreover, the software is available for all OS versions, whether Windows or Mac, and supports a Demo for assurance and user satisfaction. 

Working Process to Move EML to Kerio Connect

1. Launch the EML Conversion Tool and click the Next button to proceed. 
   
2. Further, choose the Select File button and upload EML files. Tap Next. 
   
   
3. Afterward, preview the EML files and select attachments and emails. Tap Next. 
   
4. Later, choose IMAP and enter Rackspace credentials. Click Login to continue. 
   
5. Finally, use the filters for the appropriate import and tap Convert. 
   

Pros & Cons:

• Fast and handle your bulk import without difficulties. 
• Maintain all the data and folder hierarchy intact. 
• Securely migrates data with OAuth 2.0 authentication.
• Error handling and report logs for verification. 
• Allows preview and offers test functionality with a free trial. 
• Paid software available with different licences. 
• Error handling, no alternative application installation, and safe. 
• Allows expert support 24*7 without any hassle. 

Conclusion

It is quite a straightforward task to import EML to Kerio Connect using the free or paid methods provided in this guide. With the right approach, the import becomes easy, and the data remains secure. For a few files, use any of the manual methods that you find a perfect fit. However, in the case of enterprise critical datasets, choose the SysInfo EML to Kerio Import Tool, which allows offline processing and effortless imports at minimal cost and time, accurately and precisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.