The Problem

I have some mailboxes that I've now had for several years and have got quite big. I want to copy all the contents of them to another server so I don't loose everything easily.

But is there an easy way to do this? I've not found one online. So thought I'd try making one and share it with others that may have the same or similar issues.

Why not just copy it?

I thought I'd try the simple way of using outlook/outlook express and logging onto both servers and copying the data across. This kind of worked, but I did need to copy each individual folder and often create many of them and slowly copy across.

Using this method meant emails were downloaded to my PC, then uploaded to the new server location. With a mailbox of several thousand messages and folders this was not good for time or bandwidth used.

Issues

• I dont want to download every message and re-upload it elsewhere
• I'd like to do it online so that its done faster server to server
• I want it to backup all folders and sub folders
• I want to be updated how its doing it

There must be an easier way, and so I can do it on other mailboxes too.

I've found a way and am currently testing it working and when I'm satisfied it is ready, I will share the process with anyone who wants to try it.

Other features I'd like to have

• Automated schedule that backed up mail elsewhere
• Mail copy through SSL (more secure copy)
• Reports to email about how its done instead of staying on a page and waiting for it
• Saved accounts that will show logs of all copies
• Move emails (not just copy) them
• Selective copy - Only select folders to be copied across

So thats it for now. When I get the first part sorted I'll share more.

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