Back

Exchange Online Central PST Discovery Import and Upload

Microsoft Exchange PST Capture allows you to search for PST files on computers in your organization and then import those files to mailboxes in your o...

3 min read
Published on Jan 30, 2012
Exchange Online Central PST Discovery Import and Upload

Microsoft Exchange PST Capture allows you to search for PST files on computers in your organization and then import those files to mailboxes in your organization. PST Capture works with both on-premises Exchange servers and Exchange Online.

This topic provides an overview of PST Capture. For details about how to install PST Capture, seeĀ Install PST Capture.

PST CAPTURE COMPONENTSPST Capture Architecture PST Capture is comprised of the following components:

  • PST Capture Central ServiceĀ At the heart of PST Capture is the PST Capture Central Service. The Central Service maintains the list of all PST files found in your organization and manages the data as it’s moved to the Exchange servers or Exchange Online.
  • PST Capture AgentĀ Discovery of the PST files is performed by PST Capture agents that are installed on computers in your organization. The agents also send the PST files they find to the host computer when an import operation is started on the PST Capture Console.
  • PST Capture ConsoleĀ The PST Capture Console is the interface you use to configure PST searches, specify the target mailboxes for PST files, and track the status of PST import operations and reports. You can also use the console to import PST files stored on network attached storage (NAS) devices, on which you can’t install PST agents.

For optimal operation, you should install the PST Capture Central Service and the PST Capture Console on a dedicated computer, known as the PST Capture host computer.

Communication between the PST Capture Central Service and the PST Capture agents is achieved through a polling mechanism. Each minute, all PST Capture agents poll the Central Service for configuration updates and any pending tasks by default. If necessary, you can change this polling frequency (for details, seeĀ Configure PST Capture Settings). When a PST Capture agent contacts the Central Service, it receives any pending actions, such as a PST search or import operation. The PST Capture Agent then sends status updates from previous actions to the Central Service.

PST Search and PST Import OperationsPST Search and PST Import Operations

When you configure and run a PST search from the PST Capture Console, a new PST search action is queued for the PST agents that are installed on the computers included in the search. These agents scan the local computers on which they are installed for PST files and then return the list of PST files that were located to the Central Service. For detailed steps about how to perform a PST search, seeĀ Search for PSTs Using PST Capture.

When you configure and run an import operation, a new import action is queued for the PST agents that are installed on the computers where the PST files reside. These agents transmit the PST files to the Central Service. The Central Service then logs on to the destination mailboxes and imports the data. For detailed steps about how to import PSTs, seeĀ Import PSTs using PST Capture.

Read the rest @>Ā https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh781036.aspx Download @>Ā https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/what-is-gomicrosoftcomfwlinklinkid-212733/99104b86-227c-4222-a74d-fe1656f89ed2

This post has matured and its content may no longer be relevant beyond historical reference. To see the most current information on a given topic, click on the associated category or tag.

Related Posts

CMMC Documentation Requirements: Avoid Assessment Failure

GIGO: Garbage In, Garbage Out: Why Documentation Can Make or Break Your CMMC Success

Strong documentation is critical to CMMC success. Learn the key evidence assessors expect and how to avoid common documentation failures.

Jul 24, 2025
5 min read
Fast-Track CMMC Certification for Urgent Contracts

How to Fast-Track CMMC Certification for Urgent Contracts with AgileThrive JumpStart

Need urgent CMMC certification? AgileThrive JumpStart accelerates compliance for DoD contractors with fast-track assessments, gap analysis, and rapid audit readiness.

Jul 21, 2025
5 min read
Defending Against Email Compromise

Defending Against Email Compromise: Safeguarding Accounting & Procurement

Discover how to defend accounting and procurement teams from email compromise in the Defense Industrial Base. Learn CMMC-aligned best practices using Microsoft 365.

Jul 15, 2025
4 min read
Technical vs. Process Controls in CMMC Compliance

Understanding Technical vs. Process Controls for CMMC Compliance

Understand the difference between technical and process controls in CMMC compliance. Learn how both work together to protect FCI and CUI data effectively.

Jul 14, 2025
4 min read
20 Essential Questions to Ask a Managed Service Provider

Top Questions to Ask Your Managed Service Provider (MSP)

Looking for a new MSP? Stay ahead with the top questions to ask—from security and scalability to pricing and offboarding. Vet your provider with confidence.

Jul 12, 2025
5 min read
Overview of CMMC 2.0 and Its Levels: DoD Compliance Guide

CMMC 2.0 Explained: Levels, Compliance Requirements, and Key Changes

CMMC 2.0 simplifies cybersecurity requirements for DoD contractors. Explore an overview of its levels, key changes from CMMC 1.0, and what each level means for compliance.

Jul 11, 2025
6 min read

Ready to Secure and Defend Your Data
So Your Business Can Thrive?

Fill out the form to see how we can protect your data and help your business grow.

Loading...
Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Let's start a conversation

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Schedule a Free Consultation

Location

Agile IT Headquarters
4660 La Jolla Village Drive #100
San Diego, CA 92122

Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out

Schedule a Free Consultation