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Can I change incoming server without losing messages

Nath Rao
Nath Rao
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My university is moving to Microsoft Exchange Online. So I need to change the IMAP server (SMTP server is still the old internal server). How do I change the server without losing my existing messages? I can think of two possibilities: 1. Backup existing profile and/or copy existing inbox to local folders, then change the server settings (I have messages saved for offline access). 2. Just change the server settings, and rely on the migration setup to copy messages from the internal server to the cloud.

Are these the only possibilities, or is there something else?

Thanks Nath Rao

My university is moving to Microsoft Exchange Online. So I need to change the IMAP server (SMTP server is still the old internal server). How do I change the server without losing my existing messages? I can think of two possibilities: 1. Backup existing profile and/or copy existing inbox to local folders, then change the server settings (I have messages saved for offline access). 2. Just change the server settings, and rely on the migration setup to copy messages from the internal server to the cloud. Are these the only possibilities, or is there something else? Thanks Nath Rao

All Replies (1)

День сумо
День сумо
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Hi there. This is not really a question for Firefox.

But I'm trying to help you. Maybe this works?


Step 1: Create the same e-mail address with the new hosting provider. Make sure this is also an IMAP account.


Step 2: Add the old e-mail address in Outlook. If you already use Outlook to read your IMAP, this is of course not necessary.


Step 3: Add the new e-mail address to Outlook. Step 4: Then drag all folders and possibly individual e-mails from the old to the new account.


Step 5: Wait and sit back until all e-mail has moved. Just test! and you can cancel the old hosting account permanently.


These are three steps that can be made with moving i maps on your server.