Google offers the Google Vault to store the archive data according to the retention policies. Google Vault helps to archive, retain, search, and export data. It is the add-on to the Google Workspace apps to simplify business workflow.
You can export Google Vault data to the PST file in two different ways first one is the Google Vault in-built export option and the next one is the professional method. But before deep diving into the solution let’s look at Google Vault and its benefits for the organizations.
Benefits of Using Google Vault
Google provides several features such as searching, retaining, archiving, holding, and exporting. It supports Gmail messages, Drive files, chats, recording, sites, and more data. You can also perform Google Vault to Office 365 migration if required. There are different benefits you can get if you migrate from Google Vault to PST and some of them are as follows.
- Retaining – Using the retention rules, you can set a particular period to preserve the data. The data remains available even when the users delete it.
- Remove from User accounts – If the data is sensitive and you do not want to keep the data in the user accounts. Then you can delete that from Vault as a result the data automatically deletes from the user accounts.
- Search feature – It provides the search feature to find the data using the date, keyword, message, and many more options as well.
- Hold – There is also an option to put the data on hold of accounts, and groups and set the limit for hold.
- Export – Export the data whenever required in different file formats such as PST, and MBOX.
How to Perform Google Vault Export to PST
There are two ways for Google Vault to export to a PST file. One is the inbuilt method of Google Vault and the other one is the professional method. Both methods can be used to export Google Vault data to the PST file. Let’s get a detailed discussion on both to help you to choose the best one for you.
Migrate from Google Vault to PST Using the Manual Method
You can export the data as per the requirement from the Google Vault for further analysis or save it locally. Before starting the process of exporting you should take care of some important points such as
- Do not run more than 20 exports simultaneously.
- Make sure that you are not having special characters as the export process name.
- If the process takes too much time, then cancel it and start again.
- Search the data to be exported carefully.
Now it’s time to start the Google Vault export to PST process which is different from the steps to export Google Workspace emails to PST. Follow the below steps in the given order to get the expected results.
Step 1. Go to your Google Vault account and log in with the credentials.
Step 2. Select “Matters” and click on Create for new matter.
Step 3. Provide a name to the matter and proceed.
Step 4. Choose the service from Gmail, Drive, Group, or Chat for email export.
Step 5. Select the data through the options such as All Data, and Unprocessed Data.
Step 6. Choose All accounts, designated accounts, or organizational units.
Step 7. Enter the targeted email for export and Search.
Step 8. Review and Save.
Step 9. Give a name to the Save Query and then OK.
Step 10. To verify the emails and mailboxes use the count option.
Step 11. Click on Export and assign a name to the PST file from Google Vault.
Step 12. Choose PST as saving format and hit on the Download option.
Limitations of this Manual Method
- Exports PST from Google Vault is a time-consuming process for large data sets.
- No advanced options to make the exporting process easier.
- Required to be proficient at Google Vault technicalities.
- This is not an automated method due to which the chances of errors are increased.
- The process can be stuck in between.
- The exported data is no longer available after 15 days of starting the export process.
Final Words
Google Vault is an effective solution for archiving the Google Workspace data. The data can be exported into multiple file formats whenever required. That’s why through this write-up, we have explained the different methods for Google Vault export to PST. The professional method is the best one for MS Outlook users so that they can import PST to Outlook 365 to access all the data into Outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I carry out a Google Vault export without being technically skilled?
Although the manual approach might need a bit of technical understanding, many professional tools are designed with easy-to-use interfaces and assistance, simplifying the process for those without a technical background.
Q. What steps should I follow if my export procedure encounters a delay or becomes halted?
It is advised to cancel the export and initiate the process again. Make sure you are not executing more than 20 exports simultaneously and avoid using special characters in the name of the export process.
Q. How long is the exported data available for download from Google Vault?
The exported data is available for download for 15 days from the start of the export process. Make sure to download the files within this period to avoid losing access to them.
Q. What are “Matters” in Google Vault, and how do they work?
Matters in Google Vault are containers used to group related information for eDiscovery purposes. They help organize and manage data relevant to specific cases, making it easier to search, hold, and export data associated with legal or compliance inquiries.