How to Migrate Email from Network Solutions to Office 365?

Test migrated mailboxes

After the migration, log in to each Office 365 mailbox to verify data integrity. Check folder structures, message count, attachments, and overall send/receive functionality. Gather feedback from users to catch any overlooked issues before decommissioning Network Solutions accounts.

Update MX, SPF, DKIM, and Autodiscover records to point to Office 365

Change your DNS records at the domain registrar to direct mail flow to Microsoft 365. Update the MX record, SPF record, DKIM keys, and Autodiscover settings based on Microsoft’s guidance. Monitor DNS propagation and confirm that emails route correctly to the new mailboxes.

Decommission Network Solutions accounts after confirmation

Once all emails are verified and mail is flowing through Office 365, remove or disable the old Network Solutions accounts. Ensure no active services remain to avoid confusion or future conflicts. Notify your users that the network solutions to Office 365 migration is complete and the old system has been retired.

Network Solutions to Office 365 Post-Migration Tasks

After successfully migrating your email and data from Network Solutions to Office 365, it’s important to complete a few essential post-migration steps. These tasks help ensure that all systems are functioning correctly, users can access their accounts without issues, and your organization can make the most of Office 365’s features. Addressing these items promptly will minimize disruptions and set your team up for ongoing productivity.

• Reconfigure Outlook or email clients with Office 365

  Once the Office 365 migration from Network Solutions is complete, you’ll need to update email clients across all user devices. This includes removing old Network Solutions profiles and adding the new Office 365 accounts in Outlook, smartphones, and any other mail apps.

• Recreate rules, signatures, calendars, and contacts

  Some user settings don’t automatically carry over when migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365. Manually rebuild any inbox rules or filters that didn’t transfer, and set up email signatures again in the Office 365 interface.

  Import calendars and contacts from backup files if they weren’t part of the automated migration. It’s important to verify recurring meetings, reminders, and shared calendar access to ensure no disruptions in scheduling or collaboration.

• Monitor mail flow and sync issues

  After completing the network solutions to Office 365 migration, keep a close eye on email delivery and synchronization. Watch for undelivered or delayed emails and resolve any errors users report when syncing across devices.

• Inform users of the new login credentials

  As part of the Office 365 network solutions transition, distribute updated login credentials to all users. Include clear instructions on how to access their new accounts and reset passwords if needed.

Outsourcing Network Solutions to Office 365 Migration

As you may have noticed, the migration process for Network Solutions to Office 365 while simple, could be tedious if there are several mailboxes to be moved out. Simplifying the process could involve the use of third-party tools and some technical knowledge of PowerShell. This is where Apps4Rent can help you. Our qualified experts have years of experience with migration services, whether you need to migrate from GoDaddy to Office 365, perform an Office 365 tenant-to-tenant migration, or move from other providers.

As a Tier 1 Microsoft Partner, Apps4Rent can handle these nuances of Network Solutions to Office 365 migration while providing 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email. Contact our consultants to know more about migration services to Office 365 and other Microsoft products.

• Benefits of using migration experts

  When migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365, working with experienced professionals can make a noticeable difference. Migration experts bring specialized knowledge from handling similar projects, allowing them to anticipate issues and apply best practices confidently.

  Their involvement reduces the chances of data loss, downtime, or configuration errors that can derail a project. With end-to-end support, organizations can move forward with minimal friction and greater assurance of success.

• Time and error reduction

  A professional-led Office 365 migration from Network Solutions is typically faster and more accurate than a DIY approach. Experts use automation tools and tested workflows to streamline each phase of the transition, ensuring email data is migrated cleanly and configurations are correct.

• Choosing a reliable partner

  Not all migration services are equal. To get the most out of your network solutions to Office 365 migration, partner with a certified Microsoft provider with proven experience. Look for evidence of successful projects, strong client feedback, and robust support offerings.

  Transparency is key; your provider should offer clear timelines, regular updates, and responsive assistance throughout the engagement. A dependable partner will not only handle the technical tasks but also support your team during the transition.

• Cost vs value analysis

  While outsourcing may carry an upfront cost, it’s essential to weigh that against the potential risks and hidden expenses of going it alone. Lost productivity, extended downtime, or incomplete migrations can cost far more than a professional service.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful planning, migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365 can present a few technical challenges. Being aware of common issues and knowing how to address them will help ensure a smoother transition and minimize disruptions for your users. Here are some frequent problems and practical troubleshooting tips to keep your migration on track.

• IMAP throttling and how to manage it

  Both Network Solutions and Office 365 control IMAP traffic to protect their servers, which can slow mailbox transfers or leave data incomplete. If you notice sluggish progress or partial moves while you migrate Network Solutions email to Office 365, break the work into smaller batches and schedule them during off-peak hours. You can also ask Microsoft or Network Solutions for a temporary throttling exception. Choose migration tools that log errors and auto-retry failed items so nothing slips through the cracks.

• DNS propagation delays

  Updating MX records is a key step in any Office 365 migration from Network Solutions, but worldwide DNS updates are never instant. Lower the TTL on your DNS records to five minutes at least a day before cut-over, then track progress with online lookup tools. Let users know email could be spotty until the new records take hold, and give them alternate ways to stay in touch in the meantime.

• Credential mismatch or login issues

  New passwords, user name changes, or simple typos can block logins right after migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365. Double-check that every account is provisioned correctly in Microsoft 365 and send users clear instructions for first-time sign-in or password resets. The Office 365 admin center lets you unlock accounts or force resets quickly if anyone is stuck.

• Mailbox size or folder structure errors

  Oversized mailboxes and deep folder hierarchies may trigger errors during a network solutions Office 365 move. Audit mailbox sizes ahead of time, archive or trim what you can, and confirm you’re within the limits of your chosen plan. Use a migration utility that keeps folder paths intact and flags skipped items. After cut-over, spot-check a few large or complex mailboxes to be sure every message and folder made the trip safely, and fix any gaps right away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I migrate my email to Office 365?

   Use Microsoft 365’s built-in tools or a third-party service to migrate from Network Solutions to Office 365. Set up IMAP, create a migration endpoint, and update DNS records to complete the process.

2. How do I export emails from Network Solutions Webmail?

   Log in to Webmail and export emails as .eml or .mbox files. For full mailbox backups, use an IMAP client like Outlook or Thunderbird.

3. How do I transfer my email domain to Office 365?

   Verify domain ownership in Microsoft 365, then update MX, SPF, DKIM, and Autodiscover DNS records to point to Office 365.

4. How do I import old emails into Office 365?

   Use Outlook to import .pst files or let Microsoft 365 import messages during the IMAP-based migration from Network Solutions to Office 365.

5. What email protocol does Network Solutions use?

   Network Solutions supports IMAP and POP3. IMAP is preferred for Office 365 migration from Network Solutions.

6. Can I use Outlook with Network Solutions email?

   Yes. Configure Outlook with IMAP or POP3 settings provided by Network Solutions.

7. Does Network Solutions support IMAP migration?

   Yes, IMAP is supported, making it compatible with Microsoft’s native tools for migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365.

8. How long does it take to migrate to Office 365?

   Migration time varies by mailbox size and DNS propagation. A small Network Solutions to Office 365 migration may take a few hours; larger ones could take days.

9. What is the cost of migrating to Microsoft 365?

   Apps4Rent offers free email migration for all Office 365 customers, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process with no business disruptions.

Apps4Rent – Tier 1 Office 365 Cloud Solution Provider

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Network Solutions is one of the oldest operating internet companies that is well known today for its domain registration service. It has built a legacy of trust primarily owing to its support and longevity and has extended its services to offer a full suite of internet solutions ranging from a DIY website builder to end-to-end online marketing solutions and everything in between. Because of its comprehensive set of offerings, it has a large subscriber base consuming its products or services to whom it upsells its offerings. It has many users of its email services some of whom eventually look for other options. This guide will teach you how to migrate email from Network Solutions to Office 365.

Why Migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365 Makes Sense?

As a part of its email solutions offering, Network Solution offers services similar to Office 365. Its plans are affordable starting at $1.75 per user per month and include email storage, drive storage, shared contacts, calendars, and tasks. Its Pro+ plan offers an in-house Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Presentation Tool. Nonetheless, it might be worth considering the vanilla Office 365 plans for certain users such as the ones that are moving out to a different hosting service provider or needing greater flexibility with the productivity suite.

• Cost efficiency and advanced features

  Migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365 can result in greater value over time, especially for businesses looking to consolidate multiple tools under one platform. While Network Solutions offers low-cost email hosting, Office 365 provides a unified suite that includes email, cloud storage, productivity apps, and collaboration tools under a single subscription.

  Though the monthly cost of Office 365 may be higher than basic plans from Network Solutions, the inclusion of Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and OneDrive makes it a more comprehensive solution.

• Seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem

  Office 365 is built to function seamlessly across the Microsoft environment, making it an ideal next step for businesses already using Windows or other Microsoft services. This native compatibility improves efficiency when switching between apps like Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.

  Unlike the more segmented experience in Network Solutions, Office 365 centralizes access and management through a single sign-on system backed by Azure Active Directory. Files, messages, and tools remain synchronized across devices and platforms, which simplifies daily operations and reduces administrative load.

• Better collaboration and scalability

  For businesses prioritizing team productivity, the collaborative features in Office 365 offer a noticeable upgrade from Network Solutions. Microsoft Teams, included in most plans, serves as a central workspace for messaging, meetings, and shared files.

  Built-in co-authoring in apps like Word and Excel allows team members to edit documents together in real time. Cloud storage through OneDrive and SharePoint ensures secure, anytime access to files, which is essential for hybrid or remote teams.

Network Solutions to Office 365 Pre-Migration Checklist

Before you begin migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365, it’s essential to lay the groundwork for a smooth and successful transition. Following a comprehensive pre-migration checklist helps minimize disruptions, ensures data integrity, and keeps your team informed every step of the way. Below are the key steps to review and complete before starting your migration process.

• Verify domain ownership

  Before beginning your Office 365 migration from Network Solutions, it’s essential to confirm that you control the domain associated with your email. Log in to your domain registrar and ensure you have admin-level access.

  Microsoft will provide a TXT record during the setup process. Add this record to your DNS to validate domain ownership. This step is required to start the migration and must be completed and verified in the Office 365 admin center before moving forward. Failing to verify the domain will halt the migration process, so it’s best to complete this early.

• Evaluate mailbox size and limits

  Take stock of your current mailboxes before moving from Network Solutions to Office 365. Review the size of each mailbox and compare them against the limits of your chosen Office 365 plan. Most standard plans offer 50 GB, while higher-tier options provide up to 100 GB plus additional archive storage.

• Inform end-users and plan for downtime

  Migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365 may involve brief service interruptions or changes in how users access their mail. Notify all affected users ahead of time with a clear migration schedule and outline of expected changes.

• Update DNS TTL settings

  To ensure a smooth cutover when switching from Network Solutions email to Office 365, adjust the TTL for key DNS records to 5 minutes or less. This change should be made 24 to 48 hours before migration begins.

  A lower TTL allows DNS changes to propagate quickly, minimizing delays in email delivery once records are updated. Make sure to document your existing DNS settings in advance, so you’re prepared to make precise updates during the switchover.

• Identify active accounts and permissions

  Before initiating the Network Solutions to Office 365 migration, conduct a full inventory of user accounts, shared mailboxes, and distribution groups. Verify which accounts are still in use and identify any that can be removed to simplify the migration.

Process to Migrate Network Solutions Email to Office 365

Before migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365, it must be noted that the Office 365 service will be rendered from a different server than the current one through which nsMail email service is being offered. Also, it is not possible to associate mailboxes of a domain with Office 365 account to simultaneously operate with another email service. This means, there would be a downtime until the DNS propagation is completed during which users will not be able to receive emails. It is advisable to create backups of emails, contacts, and calendar items in Network Solutions email before moving to Office 365. Follow the 3 step process given below to migrate from Network Solutions to Office 365. A task like this would be greatly simplified by the management capabilities of Microsoft Project, which is just another reason why you should migrate to Office 365.

• Create Data Backups

  Follow the steps below to create backups for each mailbox migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365 using Outlook.

  • Launch Outlook and navigate through File > Open & Export > Import.
  • Click on the Export to a File option on this window and select Outlook Data File (.pst).
  • Choose the account name for which the backup has to be created and then hit Next.
  • Choose a location for the backup file, name it appropriately and press Next.

  This will create backups for the emails.

  Follow the steps below for moving calendar items.

  • Open the Network Solutions Calendar app in webmail.
  • Choose the calendar data that have to be exported. Note that if there are multiple items, each has to be exported separately.
  • Select the Actions icon near the calendar and click on Export.

  This will export calendars in the iCal format.

  You can export contacts by following the steps below.

  • Open the Network Solutions Contacts app in webmail.
  • Choose the address book you need to export. Note that if multiple address books have to be exported, each is to be done separately
  • Click on the Actions button and hit Export. It would be ideal to choose the CSV format.

• Export mailboxes from Network Solutions Webmail

  Log in to each user’s Network Solutions Webmail account and use the export option to download all emails, typically in .eml or .mbox format. Make sure every important folder is included. Store the exported files securely for future reference or backup.

• Use IMAP-compatible tools to back up emails

  Connect to each mailbox using an IMAP-compatible client such as Outlook or Thunderbird and sync all folders locally. Third-party IMAP backup solutions can help with large-scale exports. Confirm that all standard and custom folders are completely backed up before beginning your Office 365 migration from Network Solutions.

• Connect Network Solutions and Office 365 Servers

  You can begin the migration by establishing a connection between the source and destination servers, a process called endpoint creation. This can be done in the Exchange admin center. You can create a migration endpoint by clicking on New+ in Migration under Recipients. Select the Network Solution email users for whom the Office 365 migration has to be performed, create batches, and trigger the process.

  This can also be done in the Network Solutions Account Manager.

• Enable IMAP access in Network Solutions

  From the Network Solutions admin panel or user settings, confirm that IMAP is enabled for every mailbox being moved. Record IMAP server details (hostnames, ports, SSL settings) and test access with a sample account to ensure you can connect before starting the migration.

• Use Microsoft 365 Exchange Admin Center for migration endpoint setup

  Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Exchange Admin Center and navigate to the migration section. Create a new migration endpoint using the IMAP server details from Network Solutions. Test the endpoint to confirm connectivity and prepare for the mailbox transfer.

• Create a CSV file with mailbox information

  Build a CSV file that includes all user credentials required for the IMAP migration, following Microsoft’s exact format. Include email addresses, usernames, and passwords or app-specific passwords. Double-check all entries to reduce the chance of errors during the network solutions to Office 365 migration.

• Start batch migration using IMAP

  Upload your CSV file into the Exchange Admin Center and start the migration batch. Monitor progress from the dashboard and resolve any issues that arise. Once migration is complete, confirm that all emails have successfully moved to Office 365.

• Delinking Accounts and DNS Update

  The DNS propagation ensures that emails to Network Solutions mailboxes are redirected to Office 365. This can be done in the Accounts Manager. You can un-assign the mailboxes once the propagation is complete.

  • Click on the My Email option in Network Solutions Account Manager.
  • Select Un-assign for each of the mailboxes that have been migrated out and click Continue to confirm.

  Log out of the Account Manager and log back in to confirm that the process is complete.

Test migrated mailboxes

After the migration, log in to each Office 365 mailbox to verify data integrity. Check folder structures, message count, attachments, and overall send/receive functionality. Gather feedback from users to catch any overlooked issues before decommissioning Network Solutions accounts.

Update MX, SPF, DKIM, and Autodiscover records to point to Office 365

Change your DNS records at the domain registrar to direct mail flow to Microsoft 365. Update the MX record, SPF record, DKIM keys, and Autodiscover settings based on Microsoft’s guidance. Monitor DNS propagation and confirm that emails route correctly to the new mailboxes.

Decommission Network Solutions accounts after confirmation

Once all emails are verified and mail is flowing through Office 365, remove or disable the old Network Solutions accounts. Ensure no active services remain to avoid confusion or future conflicts. Notify your users that the network solutions to Office 365 migration is complete and the old system has been retired.

Network Solutions to Office 365 Post-Migration Tasks

After successfully migrating your email and data from Network Solutions to Office 365, it’s important to complete a few essential post-migration steps. These tasks help ensure that all systems are functioning correctly, users can access their accounts without issues, and your organization can make the most of Office 365’s features. Addressing these items promptly will minimize disruptions and set your team up for ongoing productivity.

• Reconfigure Outlook or email clients with Office 365

  Once the Office 365 migration from Network Solutions is complete, you’ll need to update email clients across all user devices. This includes removing old Network Solutions profiles and adding the new Office 365 accounts in Outlook, smartphones, and any other mail apps.

• Recreate rules, signatures, calendars, and contacts

  Some user settings don’t automatically carry over when migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365. Manually rebuild any inbox rules or filters that didn’t transfer, and set up email signatures again in the Office 365 interface.

  Import calendars and contacts from backup files if they weren’t part of the automated migration. It’s important to verify recurring meetings, reminders, and shared calendar access to ensure no disruptions in scheduling or collaboration.

• Monitor mail flow and sync issues

  After completing the network solutions to Office 365 migration, keep a close eye on email delivery and synchronization. Watch for undelivered or delayed emails and resolve any errors users report when syncing across devices.

• Inform users of the new login credentials

  As part of the Office 365 network solutions transition, distribute updated login credentials to all users. Include clear instructions on how to access their new accounts and reset passwords if needed.

Outsourcing Network Solutions to Office 365 Migration

As you may have noticed, the migration process for Network Solutions to Office 365 while simple, could be tedious if there are several mailboxes to be moved out. Simplifying the process could involve the use of third-party tools and some technical knowledge of PowerShell. This is where Apps4Rent can help you. Our qualified experts have years of experience with migration services, whether you need to migrate from GoDaddy to Office 365, perform an Office 365 tenant-to-tenant migration, or move from other providers.

As a Tier 1 Microsoft Partner, Apps4Rent can handle these nuances of Network Solutions to Office 365 migration while providing 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email. Contact our consultants to know more about migration services to Office 365 and other Microsoft products.

• Benefits of using migration experts

  When migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365, working with experienced professionals can make a noticeable difference. Migration experts bring specialized knowledge from handling similar projects, allowing them to anticipate issues and apply best practices confidently.

  Their involvement reduces the chances of data loss, downtime, or configuration errors that can derail a project. With end-to-end support, organizations can move forward with minimal friction and greater assurance of success.

• Time and error reduction

  A professional-led Office 365 migration from Network Solutions is typically faster and more accurate than a DIY approach. Experts use automation tools and tested workflows to streamline each phase of the transition, ensuring email data is migrated cleanly and configurations are correct.

• Choosing a reliable partner

  Not all migration services are equal. To get the most out of your network solutions to Office 365 migration, partner with a certified Microsoft provider with proven experience. Look for evidence of successful projects, strong client feedback, and robust support offerings.

  Transparency is key; your provider should offer clear timelines, regular updates, and responsive assistance throughout the engagement. A dependable partner will not only handle the technical tasks but also support your team during the transition.

• Cost vs value analysis

  While outsourcing may carry an upfront cost, it’s essential to weigh that against the potential risks and hidden expenses of going it alone. Lost productivity, extended downtime, or incomplete migrations can cost far more than a professional service.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful planning, migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365 can present a few technical challenges. Being aware of common issues and knowing how to address them will help ensure a smoother transition and minimize disruptions for your users. Here are some frequent problems and practical troubleshooting tips to keep your migration on track.

• IMAP throttling and how to manage it

  Both Network Solutions and Office 365 control IMAP traffic to protect their servers, which can slow mailbox transfers or leave data incomplete. If you notice sluggish progress or partial moves while you migrate Network Solutions email to Office 365, break the work into smaller batches and schedule them during off-peak hours. You can also ask Microsoft or Network Solutions for a temporary throttling exception. Choose migration tools that log errors and auto-retry failed items so nothing slips through the cracks.

• DNS propagation delays

  Updating MX records is a key step in any Office 365 migration from Network Solutions, but worldwide DNS updates are never instant. Lower the TTL on your DNS records to five minutes at least a day before cut-over, then track progress with online lookup tools. Let users know email could be spotty until the new records take hold, and give them alternate ways to stay in touch in the meantime.

• Credential mismatch or login issues

  New passwords, user name changes, or simple typos can block logins right after migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365. Double-check that every account is provisioned correctly in Microsoft 365 and send users clear instructions for first-time sign-in or password resets. The Office 365 admin center lets you unlock accounts or force resets quickly if anyone is stuck.

• Mailbox size or folder structure errors

  Oversized mailboxes and deep folder hierarchies may trigger errors during a network solutions Office 365 move. Audit mailbox sizes ahead of time, archive or trim what you can, and confirm you’re within the limits of your chosen plan. Use a migration utility that keeps folder paths intact and flags skipped items. After cut-over, spot-check a few large or complex mailboxes to be sure every message and folder made the trip safely, and fix any gaps right away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I migrate my email to Office 365?

   Use Microsoft 365’s built-in tools or a third-party service to migrate from Network Solutions to Office 365. Set up IMAP, create a migration endpoint, and update DNS records to complete the process.

2. How do I export emails from Network Solutions Webmail?

   Log in to Webmail and export emails as .eml or .mbox files. For full mailbox backups, use an IMAP client like Outlook or Thunderbird.

3. How do I transfer my email domain to Office 365?

   Verify domain ownership in Microsoft 365, then update MX, SPF, DKIM, and Autodiscover DNS records to point to Office 365.

4. How do I import old emails into Office 365?

   Use Outlook to import .pst files or let Microsoft 365 import messages during the IMAP-based migration from Network Solutions to Office 365.

5. What email protocol does Network Solutions use?

   Network Solutions supports IMAP and POP3. IMAP is preferred for Office 365 migration from Network Solutions.

6. Can I use Outlook with Network Solutions email?

   Yes. Configure Outlook with IMAP or POP3 settings provided by Network Solutions.

7. Does Network Solutions support IMAP migration?

   Yes, IMAP is supported, making it compatible with Microsoft’s native tools for migrating from Network Solutions to Office 365.

8. How long does it take to migrate to Office 365?

   Migration time varies by mailbox size and DNS propagation. A small Network Solutions to Office 365 migration may take a few hours; larger ones could take days.

9. What is the cost of migrating to Microsoft 365?

   Apps4Rent offers free email migration for all Office 365 customers, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process with no business disruptions.

Apps4Rent – Tier 1 Office 365 Cloud Solution Provider

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OR

CLICK TO CALL

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