Migrate Kerio Connect to New Server Without Data Loss

Introduction: When the email server is down, the businesses come to a standstill. For businesses that use Kerio Connect as their email and collaboration server, moving to a new server is often necessary. Whether it is due to upgrading hardware, performance issues, or a shift in hosting providers, a poorly executed migration means loss of data, corrupted email, or broken configurations. This guide directs safe and proven ways to migrate Kerio Connect to new server, free or with an IMAP Backup, without any data loss and limited downtime.

Why Migrate Hosted Kerio Mail Server to Another Server?

The significant reasons for which you may decide to perform this migration are:

• Hardware Upgrades: Migration is necessary when moving from an outdated server to a new high-performance server.
• Hosting Changes: Migration is necessary when moving from on-premise to a hosted environment (or vice versa).
• OS Migration: It is necessary, for example, when moving Kerio Connect to a new server on Mac or Linux. 
• Performance & Storage: This is necessary for handling larger mailboxes, more users, or legal needs.
• Business Continuity: The transfer ensures the prevention of email or server failure and data corruption.

Real Life Scenario: An IT administrator handled a Kerio Connect server with around 200 users. As part of an agreement with upper management, and because of the potential for speed, they decided that the server would be migrated to a new data center for lower cost with higher uptime guarantees. A local copy was taken of the existing Kerio Connect server, which resulted in corrupted mailboxes and downtime. Following the reliable IMAP Backup Software and a free method, the server’s mailboxes, calendars, and contacts were moved to the new data center without a loss.

 

Automated Way to Migrate Kerio Connect to New Server Mac

For companies working with 100s or more mailboxes, the MacSonik IMAP Migration Tool is the safer option. It allows entire migration (includes emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, and tasks) in one go. The data integrity is preserved (no broken headers, no folder matched), and also, the expert tool provides cross-platform migration support. Moreover, there are options for selective export with filters and batch migration for multiple accounts at once.

Use Case Example: “An organization migrating a hosted Kerio mail server to another server with over 500 users utilized the IMAP Backup Tool. The entire migration (including end-user setup) was completed in minimal time with zero mailbox corruption. The same task using manual migration would have easily taken weeks.”

 

Easy Steps to Export Kerio Connect to New Server

1. Launch the Kerio Connect Migration Tool and choose your mode of account.
2. Accordingly, enter Kerio credentials or Import CSV for user accounts. Tap Sign In.
3. Further, browse its folders and files in the tree view and select those needed. 
4. Click Next, and after that, choose the IMAP option from the listed email clients.
5. Enter the credentials of the new server and Sign In. Later, pick filters. 
6. Finally, click the Convert button to migrate the data directly with ease.

This is the straightforward and instant approach for your server data migration. 

Pro Tip: You can use this tool to move email from Bluehost to Gmail and others. Also, get its Demo Version for evaluation and a few free migrations. 

Manual Way to Migrate Kerio Connect to New Server 

Use either of the two free ways to perform this Kerio Connect migration:

1) Move Kerio Connect to New Server with Backup & Restore 

1. Log in to the existing Kerio Connect Server and click on Server >> Backup.
2. This will take a full backup of your current Kerio Server mailbox.
3. Further, install the same version of Kerio Connect on your new server.
4. After that, on the new server, move to the Kerio Connect Administration Console.
5. Then, go to the Server and click Restore to transfer the data. 
6. At last, choose Backup (from Step 1) and follow the on-screen instructions to finish.

Cons

• Large and bulk mailboxes or multiple accounts take several hours, weeks, or days.
• Even a slight power failure or interruption can result in the loss of data.

2) Export Kerio Connect to New Server by IMAP

For this, ensure your new server is running on a different version. Then, only the method proves to be powerful. Its steps are:

1. First, enable IMAP on both Kerio Connect and New Servers.
2. Then, choose any email client (Outlook/Thunderbird) on your desktop where you would like to connect. 
3. After that, connect both the servers to it through the IMAP protocol.
4. Next, log in to the mailboxes of each user on the existing Kerio and new servers. 
5. In the end, drag and drop emails from Kerio Connect into the new server.

Cons

• Doesn’t transfer account, calendars, contacts, settings, etc. 
• Users must have technical skills and perform careful mapping.

Also Read:

Migrate Bluehost Email to Google Workspace

 

Conclusion

Migration of Kerio Connect to a new server does not have to be a hectic process. If you are in a small environment and you are somewhat technical, the manual method will probably work just fine. However, if you are in a larger organization or want to ensure that there will be zero data loss, minimal downtime, and a smooth transition, use the IMAP Email Backup Tool. Planning, testing, and picking the right process will allow you to migrate Kerio Connect to new server successfully without disturbing business operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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