How to Export IMAP to PST Format in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010?

IMAP Backup File in Older vs Newer Outlook Versions

Several email clients like Gmail, Yahoo, AWS, etc. use IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) for web communication. IMAP helps in fetching mailbox data from the web server and share across different platforms.

Since the launch of the new Outlook versions beginning from Outlook 2013, IMAP accounts have been maintained differently. All IMAP inbox items are thereby stored in OST files. Unlike the handy PST files, OST file exists on the local machine being Since the launch of the new Outlook versions beginning from Outlook 2013, IMAP accounts have been maintained differently. All IMAP inbox items are thereby stored in OST files. Unlike the handy PST files, OST file exists on the local machine being vulnerable to data loss and malware attacks. This risk can be prevented or eliminated by taking a backup of the OST files.

Reasons to Export IMAP to Outlook PST

• Provides backup of the data ensuring complete data security.
• PST files are easily accessible in Outlook anytime with a stable internet connection.
• Also, PST files in Outlook have a password protection option for extra security.

Methods to Export IMAP to PST in Outlook

Any user can reinforce the configured IMAP profile within Outlook. There are both manual as well as automated solutions available for IMAP to PST migration. Let’s know more about them in detail.

Manually Restore IMAP Inbox Items Using Microsoft Outlook

1. First, start your Microsoft Outlook (2013, 2016, or 2019) application.
2. Move to the File menu, tap Open & Export alternative > hit Import/Export.
3. Now, in the Import and Export Wizard, pick Export to a file and tap Next.
4. Further, in the open dialog box, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and hit Next
5. Then, pick the IMAP mailbox folder along with the mentioned mail ID.
6. Make sure to mark the Include subfolders alternative. Later, tap Next.
7. Then, in the following popup, hit Browse and include the desired destination to download the resultant Outlook PST file.
8. Also, one can maintain the conversion of replicated items with the help of given trivial options. Once complete, click the Finish button.

Finally, the migration process of IMAP account OST data to the PST file will begin. Furthermore, after completion, it will terminate automatically.

Drawbacks of the above Manual Method

• Severe inconsistency errors can increase the risk of data loss.
• Tactical and lengthy operative method for non-technical users.
• Allows no selective migration and exports one mailbox at a time.
• Requires verification of IMAP configuration and OST file accessibility

Export IMAP to PST in Outlook Using a Dedicated Tool

IMAP files can be migrated to PST format using the SysInfo IMAP Backup Tool. The above method might downgrade the resultant file due to underlying limitations. Hence, the user can utilize the mentioned utility for the desired outcome. The tool is embedded with features like maintaining a hierarchical structure, keeping folder data intact throughout the process, etc. Moreover, it has some additional features, such as:

• Transfers IMAP Emails to distinct webmail clients like Gmail, Thunderbird, Office 365, Yahoo, and Outlook.
• Reinforces IMAP inbox items to PST, EML, EMLX, OST, PDF, MSG, MBOX, and other multiple file formats
• Exports and saves batch IMAP emails at a time along with attachment files.
• Successfully migrate all the IMAP inbox emails to the Live Exchange Server.
• Download all the contacts that exist in the IMAP mailbox to CSV File Format.

Step-by-Step Process to Change IMAP to PST

1. Launch the software as an administrator on the system.
2. Select either Single Mode or Batch Mode for accessing accounts.
3. Then, enter the required credentials and click the Login button.
4. Further, select the mailbox to convert from the tree structure. Hit Next.
5. Now, choose the PST file format from the drop-down menu to save.
6. Subsequently, click the Dest. Path button to browse and select a path to save.
7. Click Next and select the filters that you want to apply.
8. At last, hit the Convert button to complete the process. Once done, click OK.

Conclusion

The article bounds the techniques to export IMAP to PST in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 without hassle. However, the manual solution does possess some underlying limitations that make the process ineffective sometimes. In this case, the automated solution might be prosperous for an individual for providing accurate results. The suggested expert tool is the best possible approach to receive the best possible outcome.