Overview: In this tutorial, we will discuss different methods, and some safe practices to move Zimbra to new server. Know how users can migrate from one Zimbra environment to another with minimum downtime and without losing any data.

Table of Contents Hide
    1. Why to Migrate Zimbra to New Server?
    2. Move Zimbra to New Server Manually – 3 Methods
    3. Using Backup & Restore
    4. Through Import/Export Feature
    5. Method to Migrate Zimbra Server to Another
    6. Pro Solution to Export Zimbra to Another Platform
    7. Tool Steps to Use the Application
    8. Conclusion

Reasons to Migrate Zimbra to New Server

These are some of the pointers why users move Zimbra to new server. Let’s read before we go with migration methods.

  • When your existing server slows down or fails to keep up with the existing mailbox data
  • With time mailbox sizes are expected to grow, and companies migrate to large storage servers
  • Businesses decide to migrate their servers to support the new operating systems that Zimbra supports
  • To migrate Zimbra mailboxes to cloud servers for quick access and enhanced scalability
  • Users move to new server for security purposes and to use new browsers
  • For server migration in their backup and disaster recovery plans to keep the business running

Users can follow these steps to find Zimbra Desktop Local Folder Location

Prerequisites Steps to Follow

Cross check all these points before you move Zimbra to new server.

  • Backup your existing Zimbra server
  • Check mailbox structure once
  • Verify that the destination server has available storage
  • Ensure DNS records are properly stored as it was
  • Check if there is connectivity between your source and destination server
  • Note down administrator credentials somewhere
  • Go through SSL certificates and security settings
  • Try to schedule all migration process during low-activity hours

3 Ways to Move Zimbra to New Server Manually 

This section is all about trying multiple manual methods to migrate Zimbra to new server. Let’s try one by one.

#1. Migrate Zimbra Environment Using Backup & Restore

You can use this method to move Zimbra to new server easily.

  1. Firstly, disable Zimbra services in the source server
  2. Next, take a Full Backup of the Zimbra Installation
  3. On the target server, install the same version of Zimbra as the source
  4. Most importantly, configure hostname and networking settings
  5. Move the backup files to the new server
  6. Restore mailbox databases and configurations
  7. Update DNS records
  8. Now, start Zimbra services and check mailbox over there

User Benefits:

  • Maintain server configuration
  • Good for sharing on large server

Drawbacks:

  • Need technical knowledge
  • There is high downtime risk
  • Might face version compatibility issue
  • Lags while taking large backups

#2. Export Zimbra TGZ Files Using Import/Export

Zimbra has an in-built export option with which users can migrate their mailbox data.

  1. Log into Zimbra web client
  2. Navigate to Preferences
  3. Select Import/Export option
  4. Export mailbox data as TGZ
  5. Just save the file locally
  6. Import the TGZ file into your Zimbra destination account

Advantages:

  • Efficient for single mailboxes
  • There is no need of server-level access

Limitations:

  • Time-consuming for multiple users
  • Large mailboxes may take time
  • For every account, you need to follow manually

#3. Method to Migrate Zimbra Between Two Zimbra Servers

Use this method when you have two active Zimbra servers to quickly move Zimbra to new server.

  • At first, add users on the target server
  • Next, you need to configure migration settings over there
  • Just export the mailbox data from source server
  • Now, you have the option to  import Zimbra TGZ files
  • After that, check all your emails, contacts, and calendars in the new server

Limitations:

  • Very complex configuration to set
  • Requires administrative expertise
  • You need to change some permission in order to share

Common Problems User Faces

You can note down these challenges while following the above manual methods.

  • The migration process might take more time in terms of large mailboxes
  • If not done properly, users can face email downtime.
  • You may end up with missing emails, attachments, or calendar events
  • Due to Zimbra versions, the migration would not complete
  • You have to reconfigure shared folders, private accounts manually

Move Zimbra Mailboxes to Another Platform – Pro Solution

If you have large mailbox data, then migrating the Zimbra server is not easy, as it takes more time. Users want their emails, attachments, contacts, calendars in their original folder structure without any changes. To ease the process, my recommendation is to go with SysTools Zimbra Converter. It allows you to convert Zimbra TGZ files into PST, EML, PDF, MBOX and MSG formats. It further enables you to migrate mailbox data over Office 365 and switch into other email platforms easily.

Download Now Purchase Now

Salient Features:

  • Export Zimbra TGZ files in Bulk
  • Maintain folder hierarchy
  • Keeps email properties and metadata
  • Support unlimited file sizes on TGZ
  • Advanced date-filter options
  • User-friendly interface for administrators

Software Steps to Easily Move Zimbra to New Server  

1. Simply download the software and run it on your computer.

run zimbra to vCard tool

2. To upload Zimbra emails, hit on Add file or folder.

select add files or folders

3. Select TGZ as source file for conversion.

import zimbra tgz file

4. After importing the data, you can preview your data once.

preview the data

5. Transfer all files, using Export or with Export Selected option.

select export option to import zimbra emails to thunderbird

6. Click Export for the File Type and Select CSV.

select MSF

7. Next, go to Advanced settings to filter the ones which you don’t want.

filters

8. Just click on Export to start the process.

select PST

9. After that a message will pop up saying this job has been verified as done. Click OK.

select PST

Are you planning to Migrate Zimbra to Exchange?

Most of the organizations are migrating to a fresh server, and users tend to migrate Zimbra to Microsoft Exchange for better collaboration.

Best Practices:

Follow these crucial steps to migrate Zimbra to new server easily without any errors.

  • Always create multiple backups
  • First of all, check your data before migration
  • All your mailboxes are present or not
  • Schedule migration during off-business hours
  • You will also need to observe the performance of your servers
  • Keep DNS TTL values low
  • Validate your contacts, calendars and attachments once
  • Maintain a rollback strategy

Conclusion

As explained, you can use our manual methods to move Zimbra to new server. But, these approaches tend to be time-consuming and are not preferred for larger mailboxes. This is where you can use our professional solution to migrate data from Zimbra to other platforms. It enables you to export mailboxes in a secure environment, while minimizing the difficulties related to migration. In this way, you can seamlessly migrate Zimbra to the target server while low downtime.