Users who want to import PST to cPanel can do this by syncing their cPanel account in Outlook. PST file is an Outlook-exclusive file, so you cannot directly import it into any non-Microsoft email accounts. However, manually uploading your email file to cPanel can cause folder hierarchy disruptions, make it difficult to import multiple files, or cause issues when you are manually syncing your Outlook to cPanel.

However, SysTools IMAP Import Tool is developed to help you easily and quickly import your PST file into cPanel without any issues. So, in this blog, you will find all the ways to upload your PST files with simple steps.

Why Do Users Import Outlook PST Files to cPanel?

As you know, a PST file can only be opened in Outlook. Still, many people want it to be in cPanel. The reasons behind this are mentioned below.

  • The common reasons for importing your files are that you do not have Outlook installed on your computer. Instead, you have cPanel, which you want to use to open the file.
  • PST file also acts as a local backup file that is stored only on your PC’s drive. By importing it to cPanel, you can access your data from any device.
  • There is a risk of losing your data if, by any chance, your hardware fails, a ransomware attack occurs, or your hard drive is corrupted. To protect from these, move it to the web server so that your important data is safe.
  • If you are switching your platform from Outlook to cPanel. You have to also move emails and other data to cPanel.
  • Large PST files can easily take up a lot of storage space. This leads to full storage space becoming full. Hence, instead of storing files on your local drive, upload them to cPanel for easy organization and to reduce space usage.

These are the common reasons for importing your Outlook data file in cPanel. Now I am going to explain all the possible ways to upload the file.

How to Import PST to cPanel with Manual Method?

To manually move your file to the webmail, you need a desktop client that acts as a bridge to move your data. In this, MS Outlook is the perfect choice, as you can open your PST file in it and sync your cPanel account using IMAP. First of all, start by opening the PST file.

  1. Run MS Outlook on your desktop, click the File button, and then select the Open & Export option.
  2. Select the Import/Export button and then click Open Outlook Data.
  3. Browse to your file and open it in MS Outlook. Now, add the cPanel account.
  4. Click the File button, then select the Add Account option.
  5. Enter your cPanel email address and provide the details when they ask.
  6. After completely syncing the account. Drag and drop the data to the cPanel folder.
  7. Leave the app open to sync the email with the cPanel mail server.

These steps are for the classic Outlook version. If you have the new Outlook version. Then, follow these steps.

  1. Go to the View section of New Outlook. Select View Settings.
  2. Click Accounts and then Your accounts. Press Add Account.
  3. Enter your cPanel email address, select IMAP, and enter your server details manually.
  4. Click Continue or Add Account.
  5. Then, go to Settings or click the gear icon.
  6. Select the General/Accounts option. Find the Data Files/Import button.
  7. Choose Import email from PST file. Browse your file and select it.
  8. Select the cPanel mailbox folder and hit Start Import.

This is the manual method to import a PST to cPanel. They are free and easy to follow, but it can also cause problems.

Limitations of Manually Importing Outlook File in cPanel

  • When you manually drag and drop your Outlook data file to a cPanel folder. The original folder hierarchy is not intact. This leaves you with misplaced nested folders and missing complete subfolders.
  • cPanel puts a limitation on standard shared servers. If your PST file is large in size, it will take time to completely sync your data. The cPanel server temporarily blocks your IP address, and you have to forcefully restart the process.
  • Disturbance in the network during uploading the file can lead to an incomplete import and a sync error.
  • You are totally dependent on Outlook to move your file in the cPanel email account. This process will be time-consuming when you have to move multiple files.

From these points, you can understand that the manual is not a reliable solution to upload your file. Therefore, professionals and IT experts prefer professional software.

Import PST to cPanel with Professional Software

The import tool that I mentioned at the start is a direct option to upload your Outlook data file. This software is specially designed to open your email files that are stored on your local drive in an IMAP-enabled account. Users can import multiple files at the same time and specific ones using a date filter. The software can be downloaded for Windows or macOS computers for free, and you can learn how to use it. Follow the steps below.

Steps to Upload PST File in cPanel using Software

  1. After installing the tool, run it on your PC. Then, choose Outlook PST from the Source tab and IMAP from the Destination tab.
    install imap import tool
  2. On the source screen, upload your PST folder that is stored in your root drive. Click the Validate button.
    upload pst folder
  3. Then, choose the Other option in the destination dashboard. Provide the cPanel Server URL and port number. Then, validate it.
    select destination
  4. Add your source and destination email IDs, and then click the Start Import button.
    start import

Conclusion

In this blog, you have seen how you can import PST to cPanel account. Using the MS Outlook client, you can manually upload the file and move it to cPanel webmail. But it is not a reliable option, as I have explained the limitations of using manual upload. Instead, professional software is a much easier and more direct way to import the files, as it is an independent tool and supports all email services that use the IMAP protocol.