Migrate Data

How to Migrate Kerio to Exchange Server? 4 Methods

Fact-checked and reviewed in accordance with our Editorial Policy

You can migrate emails from Kerio Connect to Exchange Server, then configure both accounts in desktop clients like Outlook or Thunderbird via IMAP. Therefore, if users have to migrate entire mailbox data from Kerio Connect to Exchange, including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other folders, then use Kerio Outlook Connector (KOFF) with classic Outlook. However, if you want to migrate multiple users from Kerio Server to the Exchange account or have a bulk of data to transfer, then use dedicated Kerio to Exchange migration software.

In this article we have explained how to migrate Kerio to Exchange via manual methods and using a direct tool. Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely transfer data from Kerio Connect to Exchange Server. Moreover, to simplify this process, we have also discussed causes, prerequisites, and the differences between Exchange Server and Exchange Online.

Difference Between Exchange Server and Exchange Online for Kerio Migration

When switching from Kerio Connect to Exchange, the most important decision is choosing the hosting site for your new system: either on-premises or in the cloud.

Exchange Server (On-Premises)

If you choose that option, everything will remain at your premises. This means that your organization will have the entire management of the physical servers, database, and regular maintenance procedures. This process can go in three different ways: using standard IMAP, Kerio Outlook Connector (KOFF) with classic Outlook, or the dedicated Kerio to Exchange migration tool.

Exchange Online (Microsoft 365)

On the other hand, if you go for a non-hands-on option, that way all the processes will be managed by Microsoft completely. Thus, if you decide to migrate Kerio to Exchange Online, you need to enable IMAP, transfer your mailbox data to Microsoft 365 with the help of a CSV migration set, convert the data into Microsoft servers, and change the MX records.

Learn: How to Migrate Kerio Connect to Office 365?

Why Migrate Kerio to Exchange Server?

Let’s first read some common reasons why organization users often look for Kerio to Exchange migration.

• As the business starts growing, professionals usually decide to discontinue Kerio Server and start using Exchange Server.
• Exchange Server is built to support your growing business needs. It easily handles large mailboxes and user accounts.
• Many users switch to Exchange as it offers strong security and compliance features, which help to protect email data.
• Exchange allows users to work in both cloud-based and on-premises environments based on their needs.
• Kerio Connect users struggle with storage issues while Exchange offers better storage capacity without any limitations.
• Migrating from Kerio to Exchange allows you to seamlessly work with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and other apps.

Pre-Migration Checklist That You Must Follow

• Analyze your Kerio account, including mailbox, data size, shared folders, contacts, calendars, and other items that you are going to migrate.
• Verify that your internet connection is good and has a high speed to avoid hassle in between the manual transfer.
• Keep all the required credentials ready beforehand.
• Make sure Exchange Server has enough storage space to store the migrated Kerio data.
• Try a run test with a few emails to check whether the method is suitable and fulfills all your requirements or not.
• Stop all processes if running in the background to avoid interruptions.

Method 1: Migrate Kerio Connect to Exchange Server via IMAP Using Desktop Clients

1. Set up a Kerio Connect account in Microsoft Outlook or Thunderbird via IMAP.
2. Set up a destination Exchange mailbox with a supported connection method.
3. Wait until the Kerio mailbox syncs.
4. Transfer any emails and folders that are needed to the Exchange mailbox.
5. Confirm via your destination mailbox that the migrated emails and attachments are correct.

It is important to note that IMAP only moves email messages and folders but doesn’t transfer contacts, calendars, and tasks.

Method 2: Use Kerio Outlook Connector (KOFF) with Classic Outlook

1. Install Kerio Outlook Connector on a Windows computer.
2. Use KOFF for Kerio Connect account configuration.
3. Let the data get synced with Outlook.
4. Check your emails, contacts, calendar, etc.
5. In Classic Outlook, choose File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
6. Select Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst).
7. Select the necessary account and check to include subfolders.
8. Select a location and save the PST there.
9. Set up your Exchange Server mailbox in Classic Outlook.
10. Import the PST file into the Exchange mailbox.
11. Check the Exchange mailbox to see the migrated data.

Important: Exporting a large mailbox to a PST can cause corruption of the files and freeze the tool. Keep tabs on the generated PST size during the export and if it’s more than 20 GB, split the export into smaller parts.

Note: Only Classic Outlook can be used for this PST import process; new Outlook does not support importing mailboxes/calendar entries from PST files.

Method 3: Migrate Kerio to Exchange Online

If you are migrating from Kerio to Exchange Online, then follow these steps:

1. Prepare your current system: Make sure to enable the IMAP settings in Kerio Connect. This is a safety measure to provide Microsoft with the ability to access and download emails safely.
2. Create new accounts: Create empty mailboxes for each member of your team in Microsoft 365.
3. Link the accounts: Create a basic spreadsheet (CSV file) that indicates the mapping between existing Kerio accounts and corresponding Microsoft 365 accounts.
4. Connect the systems: Upload the spreadsheet into Microsoft 365 so the system knows what emails to transfer and where.
5. Start migrating Kerio to Exchange Online: Begin the process to migrate Kerio to Exchange Online. Once the migration has been completed, check that everything is in order.

Prerequisites for BitRecover Kerio to Exchange Migration Tool

• Mailbox setup: Set up Exchange Server or Exchange Online mailboxes for users in the Kerio platform.
• Administrator details: Have credentials for the Kerio Connect and Exchange system at hand.
• Storage availability: Ensure that there is enough space at the destination to migrate Kerio data to Exchange.

How to Migrate Kerio to Exchange Server? Steps

1. Download and install the Kerio to Exchange migration tool.
   
2. Select Kerio individual files or entire folders to migrate.
   
3. After that, preview the Kerio folders in the software panel to migrate to Exchange Server.
   
4. Now, from the list of file saving options, select Exchange Server.
   
5. Enter your Exchange domain, username, password, and server name in the specific fields.
   
6. Finally click Convert to start Kerio to Exchange migration.
   

Key Features of Kerio to Exchange Migration Tool

• The software has the ability to directly transfer Kerio to Exchange Server.
• It supports batch Kerio to Exchange migration at once while saving time and effort.
• The tool preserves the original folder hierarchy throughout the process so that users can find their emails easily.
• It offers advanced filter options for selective and fast migration.
• Users can upload single as well as bulk Kerio folders to transfer to Exchange without any limitations.
• The tool does not impose file size restrictions and allows migrating even large-sized files from Kerio to Exchange with ease.
• In addition, the software maintains attachments, email formatting, metadata, and more in their original form.
• Guarantees users accurate and perfect results in less time.
• Compatible with all versions of Windows OS, whether you are working on the latest or old editions.
• Offers a free trial version to enable users to test tool features and functions before investing.
• Also, supports an option to change language. This allows users to switch to any other language as per requirements.

Conclusion

There are multiple methods to migrate Kerio Connect to Exchange, either an on-premises Exchange Server or Exchange Online. To migrate just Kerio emails to Exchange Server, using the IMAP protocol with either Outlook or Thunderbird can work.

If you want to migrate from Kerio to Exchange along with emails, attachments, contacts and calendars then you can use Kerio Outlook Connector. Moreover, if you run a company with multiple users or have significant data, you can use the dedicated Kerio to Exchange migration tool designed for the migration from Kerio to Exchange.

It is important to select the way of migration considering the destination Exchange, the total number of users, and the kind of data you intend to transfer from Kerio Connect.