An external drive can provide a second copy of your archive, but plugging one in does not create a backup by itself. You need to know what was copied, whether the copy completed and how to read it later.

Identify the complete collection

Locate the archive you intend to protect and record the accounts it includes. Distinguish full message storage from a search index or recent-message cache. If you are unsure of the location, check the app’s settings rather than copying a folder because its name looks plausible.

Use the app’s backup workflow where appropriate. For a manual filesystem copy, avoid copying while the collection is being changed. Close the app or pause operations as appropriate, then preserve the directory structure rather than selecting isolated files.

Copy to a genuinely separate device

Check that the drive has enough free space and is mounted at the intended destination. A shortcut or another folder on the internal disk is not a separate-drive backup. Give the backup a clear date and keep a short inventory beside it.

Protect private correspondence with suitable drive encryption or access controls. Confirm you can unlock the backup and keep recovery information securely. Encryption that you cannot unlock later is another way to lose access.

Verify and restore a sample

Inspect messages from different accounts and dates, including attachments. Restore a sample to a separate temporary location and open it there. Do not overwrite the active archive to prove that the backup works.

Safely eject the drive after the copy completes. Keep it disconnected or stored separately when that suits your recovery plan. Record the last verified backup date, not merely the last day the drive was attached. Schedule the next update according to how much new email you can afford to lose.

Sources and product details

Keep the email history you need. MailVault archives messages as standard EML files on your computer, with local search and optional paid automation.

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