Easy-Email

This article shows you how to backup your emails when they are stored in Gmail.

The method described here is the recommended way to backup your emails when you have setup Easy-Email. When you use a new method of backup for the first time it is important to verify that you can restore your precious data again.  Consider creating a temporary Gmail account to test the backup and restore function.

There are a number of different backup programs available. We will start with the free software first.

• Gmail Backup, which runs on both Windows and Linux, is our preferred option.
  Get it here: www.gmail-backup.com
  Note! Gmail-Backup has some limitations on label names. No special characters are allowed.

• IMAPSize is another free option, but it only runs on Windows.
  Get it here: www.broobles.com/imapsize
  Note! We have experienced some difficulties restoring data with this program. If you choose this program make sure you test the restore function.

• A commercial solution is Gmailkeeper. It runs on Windows only.
  Get it here: www.gmailkeeper.com

• A rather technical solution for Apple Mac can be found here.

Backup your emails in Gmail using Gmail Backup

The instructions here are for Windows, but the Linux version is virtually identical.

To get your backups going on Windows follow these steps:

Note! Click on the images to see a larger version.

• If you have hidden your All Mail folder as described in Hide the All Mail folder from other email clients you should unhide it before you start the backup.

• Download Gmail-Backup here: www.Gmail-Backup.com/
  Download the .exe file for Windows. You have to scroll down to find the link.
  

• When the download is complete install Gmail Backup by executing the downloaded file.
• Follow the instructions and keep all default values.
• The installation creates an icon for Gmail Backup on the desktop.
  Double click the icon to start the program.
  
• Specify your Gmail login and Gmail password.
  For Server enter imap.gmail.com.
  Select your preferred backup folder and give the backup file a name.
  Tip! The naming of the file: GmailBackup-YYYY-MM-DD.zip is not a coincidence. The date format will ensure that your backup files are listed in date order and the .zip file extension tells Gmail Backup to save the backup in a zip file.
  We do recommend that you create a folder specifically to hold the backup files.
  Note! If you have been using Gmail for a while you might have to change the date interval to backup all your emails. The date interval can be used to speed up subsequent backups by omitting emails which have been backed up already.
  Click Backup.
  
• Note! If you see the message below after you click Backup it is because your All Mail folder is hidden.
  
• When you see the message below the backup is complete.
  
• If you wish you can now hide your All Mail folder again as described in Hide the All Mail folder from other email clients.

If you would like help with synchronizing Gmail on multiple computers you can download and follow the Easy-Email Essential Guide. See how this brilliantly simple solution will simplify your life by watching the quick video at sync gmail.