Before making any changes to your email or DNS settings, it is strongly recommended that you create a backup of your existing email.

This guide will walk you through backing up your email using Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird to a local folder on your computer.

• This applies to most versions of Outlook (including very old versions).
• This also applies to Thunderbird.
• Backups should be saved somewhere safe (your computer or external drive).

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Important Notes Before You Begin

• If your email is configured as POP3, messages may only exist on your computer — backup is critical.
• If your email is IMAP, messages are stored on the server, but a backup is still recommended.
• Do not skip this step before migration.

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Backup Options for Microsoft Outlook Users

Method A: Copy Emails to a Local Folder (Quickest Simple Method)

This method works well for most versions of Outlook and is especially useful if you are not comfortable using the export tools.

1. Create a local folder:
   • In Outlook, scroll down to Outlook Data File or Personal Folders
   • Right-click → New Folder
   • Name it something like Email Backup
2. Open your mailbox (Inbox or other folders).
3. Select emails to back up:
   • Hold Ctrl to select multiple emails
   • Or press Ctrl + A to select all
4. Right-click the selected emails → click Copy
5. Go to your new Email Backup folder.
6. Right-click inside the folder → click Paste

This creates a copy of your emails stored locally on your computer.

Important: Do not drag emails unless you intend to move them. Dragging without copying will remove them from the server.

Tip: If you are using IMAP email, copying messages into a local folder ensures they are downloaded and stored on your computer, even if they were previously only on the server.

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Method B: Export to PST (Recommended for Long Term Backup)

Outlook uses a file called a PST file to store email backups.

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to:
   • File → Open & Export → Import/Export
3. Select Export to a file.
4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst).
5. Select your email account or top-level mailbox.
6. Ensure:
   • Include subfolders is checked
7. Choose a location to save the file (e.g. Desktop or Documents).
8. Click Finish.

This will create a complete backup of your email.

Method C: Copy Existing PST File (Older Outlook Versions)

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Locate your PST file (common locations):
• C:\Users\YOURNAME\Documents\Outlook Files\
• C:\Users\YOURNAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
3. Copy the PST file to a safe location.

This method is commonly used for older Outlook versions (2003, 2007, etc.).

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Backup Options for Mozilla Thunderbird Users

Thunderbird stores email locally in your profile folder.

Method A: Copy Profile Folder (Recommended)

1. Close Thunderbird completely.
2. Navigate to:
• C:\Users\YOURNAME\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\
3. Copy the entire profile folder (e.g. xxxxxxxx.default).
4. Paste it somewhere safe (Desktop, external drive, etc.).

This creates a full backup of all emails, settings, and accounts.

Method B: Drag-and-Drop Folder Backup

1. Open Thunderbird.
2. Create a new folder under Local Folders.
3. Select emails or folders.
4. Drag them into the local folder.

This creates a local copy of selected emails.

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Where Should You Store Your Backup?

• Your computer (Documents or Desktop)
• An external USB drive
• A secure backup location

We strongly recommend keeping at least one copy outside of your computer.

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After Your Backup Is Complete

• You can proceed with your migration steps safely.
• Your backup can be restored at any time if needed.

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Need Help?

• Email: support@easyonnet.com
• Please include your domain name.
• If possible, include what email program you are using.