Backing up mail account using IMAPSize
Published:
15 Oct 2013, last updated 16 Mar 2023 18:27
Introduction
This article contains a step-by-step guide to backing up your Calzada Media POP3/IMAP mail accounts using 3rd party software, Broobles IMAPSize*.
For this article, we will be using Broobles IMAPSize *. IMAPSize is a freeware application that may be downloaded for free from http://www.broobles.com/imapsize/
This article is only concerned with our standard email accounts. For Hosted Microsoft Exchange mail accounts, see Backup up Hosted Exchange Account.
What is IMAPSize?
IMAPSize is a free-to-use utility that allows you to easily backup any IMAP account. The underlying backup process is fairly simple: IMAPSize connects to your mailbox and downloads every message and saves them as individual .eml files on your computer.
Caution: IMAPSize backups do not preserve the read/unread status of individual messages. If you reinstate any IMAPSize backup, all restored messages will appear as unread in your mailbox.
PreRequisites
To complete the steps in this article, the following details will be required:
The time required to backup your mailbox will depend on the speed of your Internet connection and the size of your mailbox.
Creating a Backup
This guide uses the email address test@calzadamedia.net for demonstration purposes. Substitute the target email account details where applicable.
Step 1: Download, Install and Open IMAPSize
Download and install Broobles IMAPSize from http://www.broobles.com/imapsize/ If you don't wish to install the application, a standalone version is also available in a ZIP package.
Once installed, open IMAPSize.
If this is the first time you have run IMAPSize, you will see a dialog prompting you to create an account. If so, click on the Yes button.
Step 2: Adding an Account
If you have already added your email account to IMAPSize, skip to Step 3.
If you have used IMAPSize before, and wish to add a new account, go to Account > New
In the Add Account dialog, enter the details of the account/mailbox you wish to backup.
- Account – A description of the account
- Username – The account’s email address
- Password – The account’s password
- Server – The address of your domain’s mailserver.
- For example, if your domain is mywidget.com, your mailserver address should be mail.mywidget.com
- For many accounts, the address mail.calzadamedia.net will also work.
- Port – leave as 143
- Use Secure Connection (SSL) - leave unticked
- Smart INBOX – leave unticked
- Spam handle – set as None.
Once the details have been added, click on the OK button.
By default, IMAPSize stores backups within its’ application folder. This folder is often located in a protected location that you may not be able to access.
To change the backup folder:
- In IMAPSize, go to View > Options
- Go the Misc tab
- Change the value of Root Backup Directory to the place where you wish to store backups.
- Click on OK to save the changes
Step 4: Select Account
If you have defined more than one account, select the target account from the drop down list in the IMAPSize toolbar. If there is only one account defined, it will be automatically selected.
To get the email account's folder structure, click on the Check Size button in the toolbar (button highlighted in red in screenshot below).
This will return a list of folders and their respective sizes:
Step 5: Backup
To start the backup, click on the Backup button in the toolbar (button highlighted in red in screenshot below).
The Account Backup dialog will appear. Select the folders you wish to backup. The easiest option is to click on the Select All button.
To start the backup, click on Backup
You will be returned to the main IMAPSize window. The progress of the backup is indicated in the bottom-right of the window.
Once the backup has completed, you will see a confirmation dialog.
Additional Information
* The download, installation and use of IMAPSize or any other 3rd party software is done entirely at your own risk. Full Disclaimer.