MSG files are used for storing individual email data including metadata, attachments, and other contents. Primarily, Microsoft Outlook uses this file format, so it is easier to move MSG files to the archive mailbox rather than import MSG files to Gmail. MSG will be used in several scenarios including the need for backup, migration purposes, compliance, etc. Additionally, this file format preserves the data hierarchy, which makes this the most preferred format to store crucial data.
Migrating MSG files to archive mailbox will make data accessible from anywhere, and add another level of security from data loss. Not only this, but there are several other benefits associated with this procedure which are described in the next section.
Why Import MSG to Archive Mailbox?
There are several reasons why users want to move MSG to archive mailbox. By reading these points you will understand the same clearly:
- Importing offline data to an archive mailbox helps users search or find the desired content easily.
- Due to hardware failure or corruption in MSG files, we can’t access them, or sometimes we lose them. To overcome these issues, it is crucial to import MSG Files into Outlook 365, which safeguards data from accidental deletion.
- If you running out of space or your system hard drive is almost full. Then moving MSG to archive mailbox helps users to free up space and store more content if needed.
- Using the retention policy feature, organizations can manage large volumes of data efficiently, by setting up rules like automatic deletion of emails for a specific time.
- In merging or acquisition scenarios, the data in Outlook will be easily migrated to other services if needed.
- Controlling the permissions and rights, one can allow multiple users to access the archived data.
How to Move MSG to Archive Mailbox: Tried & Tested Methods!
Before making a guide, our expert team will ensure and try all the solutions for the migration. Now, we are here to explain to every user the most reliable and practical solutions to import MSG to archive mailbox in minimum time. We divided all techniques into different sections so users can read and implement the steps effortlessly, and opting for one from them becomes easier. Despite that, one can export Google Workspace to MSG, if don’t have this file format.
Let’s dive into the details of the same:
Solution 1). Using Outlook Desktop App (Manual Drag-and-Drop)
Classic Outlook is needed for this procedure! If you ensure that the desktop-based Outlook is installed in your systems, then move to these instructions to move MSG to archive mailbox:
- Run the desktop-based Outlook, and verify that you are connected with the M365 mailbox. If not, then get help from your IT team to set it up.
- Ensure the MSG data stored in your PC is healthy as corrupted data will not be accepted by Outlook for import.
- Now, open the archive folder.
- Afterward, select the MSG file drag it to the archive folder, and drop it there.
- Lastly, check whether the data is imported or not by opening that email in the archive folder.
This procedure is straightforward, just need to drag and drop files into the archive mailbox. If needed, one can save Outlook 365 email as MSG after the transition. That’s all! Still, it becomes hectic when comes to moving large volumes of data via this procedure, as importing the file once at a time is time-consuming. So, those who are looking for an automated solution can consider the next approach.
Solution 2). Using PowerShell to Move MSG to Archive Mailbox
The PowerShell scripts help users to automate the task, and bulk import. However, this solution is easy for advanced or technical users, since understanding and running the PowerShell cmdlets is complicated for naive users. Additionally, there is a risk of data loss if the scripts are run incorrectly:
- Install the Exchange Online PowerShell module.
- After installing, connect it to the tenant.
- Now, proceed with these commands to import MSG to archive mailbox:
$MsgFiles = Get-ChildItem -Path "C:\Path\To\MSG\Files" -Filter *.msg foreach ($MsgFile in $MsgFiles) { $Message = Import-Message -Path $MsgFile.FullName Move-Message -Identity $Message.Identity -TargetFolder "Archive" }
Done! After running this command in the Exchange Online PowerShell module, all the MSG start importing to the MS Outlook simultaneously. Wait till all the content is imported, and don’t stop the process or shut down your PC, as it leads to permanent data loss.
Solution 3). Leveraging Automated Tool to Import MSG to Archive Mailbox
While the manual solutions are free, they come with some limitations like time-consuming, error-prone, risk of data loss, requiring technical know-how, etc. This is where automated solutions like MSG to Archive Mailbox Importer come in. It is designed by the most reputed company i.e. SysTools to move MSG to archive mailbox hassle-free. You can search about this company and its products, even on the Trustpilot site they achieve a 5-star rating.
Not only this but there are several solutions available online, our experts consider this one to be the most effective. It has a self-explanatory interface, which helps any user to use this effectively. Using this one can automate their task, just need to select and upload the MSG files into it, rest will automatically do.
Why Opt for this Credible Utility to Import MSG to Archive Mailbox?
It offers various salient features which help users to make this migration seamless:
- Offers bulk import to move multiple MSG files of any size into the archive mailbox simultaneously, which saves time.
- The desired data migration option is also available by using the Date filter feature.
- If any issue occurs during the task due to hardware failure, this solution offers three options to overcome i.e. Retry Failed Items, Delta Import, and Re-run Import.
- Unlike manual methods, it maintains data integrity throughout the procedure.
- After the migration, it generates a detailed report in which the information is available including time taken, file count, etc.
- 24/7 Support is available if any issue or query is related to this solution.
Steps to Import MSG to Archive Mailbox
Now, follow the instructions to move MSG to archive mailbox in minimum time and hassle-free:
Step 1. Download the solution for free, and select the source (MSG) & destination (Office 365 Archive) platforms.
Step 2. Now, select the Email option on the same screen. Leverage the Date Filter for specific data migration.
Step 3. Afterward, come to the source screen to choose the folder path. Make a folder in which save all the data, and name that folder i.e. MSG.
Step 4. When everything is done, click on the Validate button, and Next.
Step 5. Provide the required credentials i.e. Admin Email & Application ID.
Step 6. Add source users using any of these three options: Fetch Users, Import Users, and Download Template.
Step 7. Add destination users using: User List Template & Import Users.
Step 8. Lastly, hit Start Import to import MSG to archive mailbox.
You see that, throughout the task, we won’t face any issues, and even naive users perform this migration efficiently using this utility. So, try this for free, and move multiple MSG files directly to archive mailbox in one go!
Common Issues When Importing MSG Files and How to Fix Them!
Several users faced issues during the migration, and here we learn what are they, and how to resolve them:
- A corrupted MSG file will not be accepted by Outlook. So, check the health of the data before migration. If you find the MSG files are corrupted, then use the ScanPST tool to uncorrupt them.
- Sometimes Outlook refuses to import MSG to archive mailbox because of an updation issue. To bypass this, ensure your email client is up to date.
- It is difficult to import large-size MSG files manually, as any traditional method doesn’t support it. So, in that case, it is recommended to split the files. Still, if the issue persists, try the automated solution as it supports bulk import.
- Ensure all the permissions (“Full Access” & “Send As“) and access rights formalities will be done before the migration. Otherwise, you won’t be able to move MSG to archive mailbox.
- Sometimes users find that imported data doesn’t have attachments, this is due to file corruption. There is no manual method to resolve this. However, the specified smart solution will help in this as maintains the attachments intact.
Best Practices to Import MSG to Archive Mailbox
Importing MSG to archive mailbox is a simple task, and to make it more efficient following the best practices is the key. Here we will learn some necessary checklists to move MSG to archive mailbox seamlessly:
- Our first task is to back up all the MSG data to ensure the content access if anything goes wrong.
- Ensure the necessary permission to import the data without failure.
- Verify the storage in the destination folder, especially when moving large volumes of data.
- Choosing a reliable method for the task is essential before the migration.
- Make a folder in which to store all the MSG files to avoid confusion. If possible, name the files with the Date & time, subject, or sender.
- If maintaining the data integrity during the task is the goal, then opting for the aforementioned automated solution is necessary.
- When everything is done, start the migration with 5 to 6 files to check if any errors occur. If those files are moved to the archive mailbox without any issue, then import all the content.
- Lastly, check if all the data is migrated with attachments and metadata. If not, then you have to restart the transition, as there is no other option.
Bottom Lines!
Importing MSG to archive mailbox is an essential task in the organization for better management and multiple-user access. When comes to import MSG to archive mailbox, then it becomes hectic without proper solutions and instructions. Therefore, through this guide, we cover all the queries related to this including reliable methods, best practices, troubleshooting tips for common issues, and many more. So, from now on you have a precise understanding of this procedure.