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CReasoner's avatar
CReasoner
Copper Contributor
Nov 07, 2024

How to migrate my Exchange Plan 1 to a Business Microsoft 365 Outlook account?

I currently have a Bluehost Exchange Online Plan 1 that contains Microsoft 365. I have been using the Outlook app as my email platform. I now have gone with a new hosting provider and want to cancel my account with Bluehost, but I am unsure how to export all my information from this Outlook account into my new business Microsoft 365 account, which is now standalone. I have looked at Purview, Outlook, 365, MyAccount, Exchange, and eDiscovery to find a way. I keep ending at a dead end. Of course, you can only speak to a live person at Microsoft unless you are giving them money to purchase a product. I have a whole history of emails that are very important to my business.

I have tried for over a month to get my emails moved. I have talked with Bluehost several times, and they have been of no help. I have tried to get help from Microsoft and have gotten nowhere. I have started to look for someone who specializes in Microsoft products to see if they could help me.

I have an Exchange Plan 1 @celistialart.com with Bluehost and a Microsoft 365 account with @CELIStialArt.onmicrosoft.com. I was told that I needed to purchase a new account, so that is why I have two accounts. I was talking with Bluehost today, and they said that Microsoft could have taken my account out from under them and made it a standalone account. My frustration level is so high. I am just trying not to have my Outlook account with Bluehost. This should be an easy process. I tried to do the migration and ran into errors.

"Error: ImapTemporaryServerErrorException: Imap server has encountered a temporary error. --> Imap server sent NO response to LOGIN. Response code." message: Server Unavailable. 15.

I have tried to call Microsoft to see if they could help me, but once again, you can't talk to anyone unless you want to make a purchase. Can anyone help me with this process?

Does Microsoft work with contractors who could do this process for me? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, my Outlook account from Exchange Plan 1 does not have a File option in the main navigation. I have no way to create a PST file.

  • kyazaferr's avatar
    kyazaferr
    Iron Contributor
    Nov 13, 2024
    • Set Up Your Microsoft 365 Account:
      • Ensure that your new Microsoft 365 Business account (with @celistialart.onmicrosoft.com) is fully configured, and that you have the necessary administrator permissions.
    • Check for IMAP Settings in Bluehost:
      • The error you're seeing is related to IMAP connectivity issues. You may want to double-check your IMAP settings for your Bluehost account. These settings are required to connect and migrate emails via IMAP. Bluehost's documentation should provide these details, but the standard IMAP settings for most email providers look like this:
        • IMAP server: mail.yourdomain.com (or Bluehost-specific, check support docs)
        • IMAP port: 993 (SSL)
        • SMTP server: smtp.yourdomain.com
        • SMTP port: 465 or 587 (SSL/TLS)
      • If you are still facing temporary IMAP errors, ensure your email account with Bluehost is not experiencing temporary outages or restrictions.
    • Export Emails Using Outlook (PST File Creation):
      • Although you mentioned that you don't see the File option in the Outlook app on your Bluehost Exchange Plan, you should be able to create a PST file using Outlook Desktop or Outlook for Microsoft 365:
        • Open Outlook.
        • Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
        • Select the Email tab and highlight your Exchange account.
        • If you still cannot see the File tab, try accessing Outlook via a desktop version (not web-based Outlook).
        • Once you're in the File tab, choose Open & Export, then Import/Export.
        • Choose Export to a file, then select Outlook Data File (.pst).
        • Select your email account and choose to export All Mail or specific folders.
        • Save the PST file to your local drive.
    • Import the PST to Microsoft 365 Business Account:
      • After exporting the PST file, you can import this file into your new Microsoft 365 Business account.
      • Open Outlook with your Microsoft 365 account set up.
      • Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
      • Choose Import from another program or file, then Outlook Data File (.pst).
      • Select the PST file you exported from the Bluehost Exchange account and follow the prompts to import it.
    • Consider Using Microsoft’s Native Migration Tools:
      • Microsoft 365 Migration Tool: If you're unable to use the PST method, you can try Microsoft’s Native Migration Tools, such as:
        • IMAP Migration: This will allow you to migrate emails from your Bluehost Exchange Plan 1 to your Microsoft 365 account. This process requires you to enter the IMAP settings for your Bluehost account and the credentials for both the source and destination accounts.

      • Key Considerations:

        • PST Export: This is one of the most straightforward methods if you can access the File menu in Outlook Desktop. Ensure your Outlook client is correctly configured.
        • IMAP Migration: If you’re experiencing errors with direct Outlook export, consider using the IMAP migration method within Microsoft 365’s admin center.
        • Account Transition: Ensure your email addresses in both the Bluehost Exchange Plan and Microsoft 365 are correctly configured. Double-check the domain settings in your new Microsoft 365 account.