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Do you know how to migrate Kerio Connect to new server? If not, then you are in the right place. In this blog, I am going to explain how to easily transfer your Kerio Connect emails to another server without any issues. But before that, let us learn the reasons for Kerio-to-Kerio migration.
Causes of Switching Old Kerio Connect to New Server
When you have been using your old Kerio for a long time, large amounts of email and log data are stored in your system, which strains the system directories and slows down your system. Switching to a new server allows you to reduce a lot of burden from the old system and improve performance.
Many switch to a different operating system due to preferences or any other reasons. For this reason, they have to also switch their Kerio server.
In times when the company grows, the existing system is not able to support storage capacity, memory, etc., as data grows. Therefore, having another server helps them store and manage their system.
There is a fixed end of life for physical server infrastructure. Before you hit the end, migrate to a new server.
Often, migration is for disaster recovery plans, data center relocation, or transferring to better automated backup systems.
These are the common factors for which users want to move their emails. However, to transfer from server to server, you need to first do preparations.
Pre-Migration Checklist for Migrating Kerio to Another Server
Before you migrate your mailboxes, there are some points that you must follow before the transition. This is to make your work easier and quicker. Here is the checklist.
Make sure the new Kerio Connect server version is the exact same as the old server.
Your source and destination servers must share the same OS bit architecture. Like Windows 32-bit or 64-bit.
Properly confirm your valid server license, and verify that at least 30 days of runway remain.
Run a complete email backup of the source Kerio Connect server.
Check your source mailbox and clean it up. Remove any duplicates or unnecessary emails to reduce space.
Prepare your destination server, where you will create a new user mailbox the same as your source Kerio Connect.
Now, you are ready to start the migration, first I am going to explain how you can migrate your Kerio server to a new one. Then, explain the methods to move the mailbox.
How to Transfer Old Kerio Connect Server to New Server?
Below are the steps that allow you to completely switch from the old server to a new one.
First of all, download and install the same version of Kerio Connect Server on your source server desktop.
Once the installation is complete, immediately stop the Kerio Connect service on the new server; i.e., don’t run the initial configuration wizard.
Run the Source server terminal or service panel. Stop the Kerio Connect engine/service:
Windows – Open services.msc, find Kerio Connect, and click Stop.
Linux – run this command: systemctl stop kerio-connect or /etc/init.d/kerio-connect stop
macOS – Use the Kerio Connect Monitor app and stop the service, or run this command: sudo /usr/local/kerio/mailserver/kerio-connect stop.
Now, copy the configuration files to the target server. Find the Kerio installation directory.
Copy the core items and paste them into the same directory structure on the target server.
Transfer your mail store directory; find the mailserver.cfg file from the old admin dashboard.
Copy the full content of the directory and paste it to the target server.
Now, you can start the Kerio Connect service on your target server. Also update the global network infrastructure.
Manually Migrate Kerio Server Email to New Server
If you don’t want to transfer the complete server, only emails. Then, your option is to use an email client. Using IMAP, configure your source and target Kerio Connect accounts and then move them by drag and drop. Here are the steps to do it.
First, open your email client on your desktop. Go to the account settings.
Click on the Add new account button. Add your complete source Kerio email address.
Then, enter the password. Select IMAP as the migration type. Provide the Kerio IMAP settings.
Then, click the Continue or Done button. With these same steps, configure your target Kerio account.
When both are properly synced, move the emails from one source Kerio folder to another destination Kerio folder via drag and drop.
Migrate Kerio Connect to New Server with Professional Software
This method is much better than the manual method because you can directly transfer emails from one server to another. SysTools Kerio Migrator is an independent tool, and you don’t need the physical Kerio Connect server to move your mailbox. The software is available for free to download, and with the steps below, you can move your emails.
How to Use Professional Software for Transferring Emails?
Properly download and install the software, and then select IMAP as the source and destination.
In the Source dashboard, click Other option and add your old Kerio Server URL and Port number. Then, click the Validate button.
Same with the destination dashboard, choose Other, then add the new Kerio Connect Server URL and Port number. Press the Validate button.
Now, add the users’ source and destination email IDs. Then, click the Start Migration button.
Final Words
For those who want to migrate Kerio Connect to new server. This blog provides various ways that you can use. However, before you transfer your server, make sure you properly follow the tips for planning, backing up, verification, etc. Then, use the manual and automated methods to transfer your emails securely.
