Renaming a mailbox : risks and alternatives
1. Reasons & Symptoms
Renaming a mailbox may seem like a simple solution for tidying up or changing your identity, but this action is inadvisable and potentially dangerous. Here's why :
- Data loss : Renaming can lead to data corruption or loss of access to e-mails, contacts and other information stored in the mailbox.
- Synchronization problems : If you use multiple devices or email clients, renaming can disrupt synchronization and lead to inconsistencies between different platforms.
- Application malfunctions : Some applications or services linked to your mailbox may no longer function correctly after a name change.
Possible symptoms after mailbox renaming :
- Unable to send or receive e-mails
- Missing messages or contacts
- Synchronization errors between different devices
- Difficulties accessing services linked to your e-mail address
2. Solution: Save, Delete and Create
Rather than renaming your mailbox, we recommend adopting a more secure and efficient approach:
- Data Backup : Export all your e-mails, contacts and other important data to a PST file (Outlook) or equivalent format. This will enable you to keep a copy of your information in case of problems.
- Delete mailbox : Delete the mailbox you wish to rename. This step may vary depending on your e-mail provider, so be sure to follow the specific instructions.
- Create a new mailbox : Create a new mailbox with the desired name.
- Data import : Import your saved data (PST file or other) into your new mailbox. You'll be able to retrieve all your e-mails, contacts and other information.
Here are some official Microsoft articles detailing the PST import/export procedure: