How to Convert an Exchange EDB File to a PST File?

If you are managing email servers, then you might have come across file formats like EDB or PST. While the first format belongs to the MS Exchange Server, the other one is associated with MS Outlook. Though, there are times when admins wish to convert an EDB file to a PST file due to all kinds of reasons. Therefore, in this post, I will let you know how to convert an Exchange EDB file to PST in two different ways.

Part 1: What is an Exchange EDB File Format?

EDB is the file format extension for the Microsoft Exchange Databases that can store information about multiple accounts on the Exchange server. Typically, one Exchange server can store numerous EDB files that can be associated with different accounts.

Ideally, the Exchange database can store content in the form of a B-tree structure with the following major file types.

Private.edb: It stores details about the primary mailboxes.

Public.edb: The file would contain all kinds of information for the public mailboxes.

STM: These files are used to store attachments that would reduce the size of EDB files.

Part 2: What you Should Know about Outlook’s PST File Format?

MS Outlook can store all the vital data in two different file formats – PST and OST. PST, which stands for Personal Storage Table, is a proprietary file format that stores a local copy of your mailbox in Outlook.

Mostly, a PST file would include crucial details about your Outlook account like its configuration settings, Exchange accounts, emails, contacts, calendars, and so much more. Therefore, PST files are used not just to archive your data but can also help you import/export your account’s data to/from different platforms.

Part 3: Common Reasons for EDB And PST Conversion

Now when you have covered some basics, let’s learn the common reasons for converting EDB files to PST formats. While there can be all kinds of reasons, the following are some of the major causes for EDB to PST conversion.

Part 4: How to Convert an Exchange EDB File to a PST Format?

Ideally, there are a few techniques to convert an Exchange EDB file to a PST file. You can do it manually with the help of Command Prompt or can simply use a dedicated EDB file to PST converter to save time.

Method 1: Convert an EDB File to a PST File Manually

If you want to convert an EDB file to PST manually, then you can take the assistance of Command Prompt (PowerShell). Needless to say, you should have the administrative rights to access the Exchange database on your system. Afterward, you can take these steps to convert EDB to PST manually

Step 1: Launch Command Prompt and select any EDB file

At first, you can just launch the Run prompt and enter “Cmd” to open Command Prompt as an administrator. Now, you can enter the following command to get a list of all the stored mailboxes in your Exchange database.

Get-MailboxStatistics -Database

This will let you note the EDB file in the Exchange server that you want to convert.

Step 2: Convert the EDB File to PST Manually

Afterward, you can just run the following command by changing the parameters like the mailbox name and file path for the values in your system.

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox -FilePath \\ExchangeBackup\PST\MailboxName.PST

This will automatically convert the EDB mailbox file to PST and would save it to the provided location. If you want, you can later enter the “Get-MailboxExportRequest” command to check its status.

Method 2: How to Use a DIY EDB File to PST Converter?

As you can see, we can use the Command Prompt to convert an EDB file to PST, but it can be a bit complicated. Also, the process can fail in between while corrupting your EDB file.

To overcome this, you can use the EDB file to PST converter tool by Stellar. The application can convert your EDB files to several supported formats like PST, EML, HTML, Office 365, and so on. Also, while converting your files from EDB to PST, all the stored data like your mailboxes, attachments, contacts, calendars, etc. would be retained. Here’s how you can use the Stellar EDB File to PST converter to meet your requirements.

Step 1: Load the EDB File to Convert

To convert an EDB file to a PST file, you can first install and launch the Stellar EDB file to PST converter on your system. From its welcome screen, you can choose to load EDB files offline or from a hosted server.

Afterward, you can go to the “Select EDB file” button from the top to get a new pop-up window. Click on the “Browse” button to simply load the EDB files on the application.

Step 2: Select a Destination Format (PST) for the File

In no time, the application would provide a preview of your EDB file on its native interface. Here, you can check the stored data and click on the “Save” button from the top to export it.

This will provide a list of the supported formats in which you can export your EDB file. From here, you can just select the PST format and click on the “Next” button.

Step 3: Convert the EDB File to a PST Format

Now, you can just click on the “Browse” button and select a preferred location to save the PST file on your computer.

Afterward, you can just select the mailbox options from the list of the stored EDB files and start the conversion process.

Simply wait for a while and let the application convert the EDB file to a PST file format and save it to the designated location on your system.

As you can see, it is quite easy to convert an EDB file to a PST file format. Here, I have listed a smart way to manually convert EDB to PST via PowerShell and also shared a DIY solution to do the same. You can explore either of these solutions to convert an Exchange EDB file to a PST file. Though, the Stellar EDB file to PST converter provides a simpler and more effective solution. The application is extremely easy to use and will make sure all your data would be retained during the EDB to PST conversion.