How to Import PST File into Microsoft Office 365 Mailbox Using the Network Upload Method

Migrating Outlook PST files to Office 365 is a crucial step for organizations looking to move their email data to the cloud. The Network Upload Method is a secure and efficient way to transfer large PST files to Office 365 mailboxes without user intervention. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of importing PST files using Network Upload.

Why Use Network Upload for PST Import?

Network Upload is a preferred method for bulk PST migration because:

• It eliminates the need for manual imports on individual user devices.
• It provides a secure and efficient upload to Microsoft’s cloud storage.
• It supports bulk migrations without impacting end-user productivity.

Now, let’s go through the process step by step.

Step 1: Prepare for PST Import

Before starting the import, ensure you have the required permissions:

• Global Administrator or Exchange Administrator in Microsoft 365.
• Mailbox Import Export role assigned in Exchange Online.

To assign the role:

1. Open the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
2. Navigate to Exchange Admin Center > Permissions.
3. Assign the Mailbox Import Export role to your account.

Step 2: Download and Install Azure AzCopy

Microsoft provides a specialized tool, Azure AzCopy, to upload PST files to the cloud.

1. Download AzCopy from Microsoft’s official site: AzCopy Download
2. Once download extract the tool on the desired location on your computer.

Step 3: Obtain the SAS URL & Upload PST Files

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Purview Compliance Center:
   • Navigate to Microsoft Compliance Center.
   • Go to Data Lifecycle Management > Microsoft 365 > Import.
   • Click New Import Job and give it a name.
2. Generate the SAS URL:
   • Select Upload your data and click Next.
   • Microsoft will generate a Shared Access Signature (SAS) URL.
   • To generate the SAS URL click on Show network upload SAS URL.
     
   • Copy the SAS URL (this is needed for the upload process).
3. Upload the PST files using AzCopy:

• • Open Command Prompt.
  • Navigate to the location where AzCopy is installed.
  • Run the following command:

AzCopy.exe copy "C:\Path\to\your.pst" "<SAS_URL>" --recursive

(Replace <SAS_URL> with the actual SAS URL provided.)

• • Wait for the upload to complete.

Step 4: Create the PST Import Mapping File

Once the files are uploaded, the next step is to map them to specific mailboxes.

1. Download the PST Import Mapping File (CSV Template): Microsoft
   • In the Import PST Files section, click I’m done uploading my files and I have access to the mapping file.
   • Download the provided CSV template.
2. Fill in the CSV file with details like:
   • Workload: Exchange
   • FilePath: Name of the uploaded PST file
   • Mailbox: The Office 365 email address to import the PST into
   • IsArchive: Set to TRUE if importing into an archive mailbox, FALSE otherwise

   Example:

   Workload	FilePath	Name	Mailbox	IsArchive
   Exchange	file.pst	User	user@company.com	FALSE

3. Upload the CSV file back to the Compliance Center.

Step 5: Import PST Files into Office 365

• Validate the mapping file in the Compliance Center.

1. Click Start Import Job.
2. Choose whether to:
   • Filter emails (exclude certain messages based on criteria), or
   • Import everything (recommended for full migration).
3. Click Submit to start the import process.

Step 6: Monitor the PST Import Job

• Go to Import Jobs in the Compliance Center.
• Check the status of the job:
  • Queued: Waiting to start.
  • In Progress: Import is ongoing.
  • Completed: Migration is finished.

The process may take a few hours depending on the file size and number of mailboxes.

Alternative: Manual PST Import via Outlook

For small-scale migrations, you can manually import a PST file using Outlook:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Choose Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File (.pst).
4. Select the PST file and choose the mailbox destination.

Final Thoughts

The Network Upload Method is a powerful and efficient way to migrate PST files to Office 365 mailboxes, especially for large-scale migrations. By leveraging Azure storage and automation, organizations can streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition to the cloud.

Need help with your migration? Let us know in the comments! 🚀

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