Export Microsoft Purview PST Files to RedactBox
Complete step-by-step guide for Microsoft 365 eDiscovery export and email redaction workflow
- eDiscovery export
- PST format
- Compliance ready
Process overview
This workflow is essential for Subject Access Requests (SAR), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, litigation holds, regulatory investigations, and compliance scenarios requiring email redaction before disclosure.
- 1Access Purview
- 2Create search
- 3Export results
- 4Download PST
- 5Import to RedactBox
Why use this workflow
Streamline your Microsoft Purview to RedactBox integration with these key benefits.
Enterprise security
Maintain compliance with enterprise-grade security throughout the export and redaction process
eDiscovery integration
Integrate with Microsoft Purview eDiscovery for legal and compliance workflows
Regulatory compliance
Meet GDPR, FOIA, and other regulatory requirements for email disclosure
Prerequisites
What you need before starting the export process.
eDiscovery Manager permissions
You must be assigned to the eDiscovery Manager role group in Microsoft Purview, which includes the Export management role required to download search results.
Microsoft 365 subscription
Your organisation must have Microsoft 365 E3, E5, or equivalent subscription with Microsoft Purview eDiscovery capabilities enabled.
RedactBox account
A RedactBox account (free to get started, pay only when you need more) to process and redact your exported PST or MBOX files.
Step-by-step guide
Follow these detailed steps to export PST files from Microsoft Purview and import them into RedactBox.
1
Access Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview is Microsoft 365's unified compliance and data governance platform that includes powerful eDiscovery capabilities for legal and compliance purposes.
Navigate to
compliance.microsoft.comSign in with your Microsoft 365 account that has eDiscovery Manager permissions
Select
eDiscoveryfrom the Solutions menuClick on
eDiscovery (Standard)oreDiscovery (Premium)depending on your licenceCreate a new case or select an existing one
Cases help organise your eDiscovery work by matter, investigation, or request
2
Create content search
Define the search criteria to identify the specific emails you need to export for redaction.
Navigate to the
Searchestab within your caseThis is where you'll create and manage your content searches
Click
New searchand provide a descriptive nameUse meaningful names like
SAR-John-Smith-2024for easy identificationDefine locations to search
Select specific mailboxes, all Exchange mailboxes, or organisational groups
Add search conditions and keywords
Use date ranges, keywords, senders, recipients, or other criteria to narrow results
Run the search and review results
Verify the search captured the correct emails before proceeding to export
3
Export search results
Configure your export settings to download the search results in PST format.
Select your completed search
Ensure the search has finished running and results are available
Click
Actionsand selectExport resultsThis opens the export configuration panel
Provide an export name
Use a descriptive name to identify this export later
Configure export options
Choose
All items, including ones with unrecognized format, encrypted, or weren't indexedfor complete exportSelect PST format for Exchange content
Choose
One PST file per mailboxorOne PST file containing all messagesbased on your needsEnable de-duplication if needed
This removes duplicate email messages from the export
Start the export
The system will prepare your export package in Azure storage
4
Download PST files
Once the export is prepared, download the PST files to your local system.
Navigate to the
ExportstabView all export jobs and their status
Wait for export completion
Export processing time varies based on data volume, from minutes to several hours
Select your completed export
Click on the export name to view details
Click
Download packagesModern browsers will handle the download directly without additional tools
Save PST files to a secure location
Store downloaded files on an internal drive with appropriate security controls
5
Import into RedactBox
RedactBox supports both PST and MBOX formats directly, so you can import your files immediately:
Log into RedactBox Console
Access your RedactBox account at
console.redactbox.co.ukClick the upload button in the top right corner
This will open the file upload interface
Select your PST or MBOX file
You can also drag and drop the file directly. Both PST and MBOX formats are supported
Monitor upload and processing progress
Processing time varies based on file size and email count
View processed emails in the sidebar
Begin your redaction workflow once processing is complete
When you'll need this workflow
Common scenarios where Microsoft Purview to RedactBox integration is essential.
Subject Access Requests (SAR)
When individuals request their personal data under GDPR Article 15 or CCPA, you'll need to export their emails from Microsoft Purview and redact other people's personal information before providing the response.
Legal eDiscovery and litigation
During legal proceedings, export relevant emails using Purview eDiscovery and redact privileged, confidential, or personal information before sharing with legal counsel or opposing parties.
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
Public sector organisations receiving FOI requests often need to export relevant emails and redact personal information, commercial confidentiality, or other exempt information before disclosure.
Regulatory investigations and audits
When responding to regulatory investigations or compliance audits, export relevant communications and redact sensitive information before submitting to regulators or auditors.
Internal compliance reviews
For internal investigations or compliance assessments, export employee communications while protecting personal information of uninvolved parties and maintaining confidentiality.
Questions
Does RedactBox support PST files directly?
What permissions do I need for Microsoft Purview exports?
How long does a Purview eDiscovery export take?
Can I search across all mailboxes in my organisation?
Try it on your next request
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