Minimal Mail Server Setup for Local Mail Transfer


 
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# 1  
Old 08-10-2012
Minimal Mail Server Setup for Local Mail Transfer

I am trying to get stored mail out of an old mail client. I figured that the easiest way to do it is with IMAP by logging in with both clients. I can copy the mail to the server from the old mail client, and back down into the new mail client.

Rather than using a real mail account on the internet, I was hoping there was an easy way to set up a minimal mail server (doesn't need any security, or to actually send/receive mail from the internet) in a virtual machine (say turnkey linux, ubuntu or some easy to set up distro). All I need is the ability to connect to a mailbox, create folders and shuttle mail back and forth from mail clients inside my firewall.

I know setting up a mail server properly can be quite a task, and the stuff I have found so far is just a bit beyond my comprehension. I was hoping there might be a simple way to do this given my minimal requirents.

Any help would be appreciated... suggested package(s) / pointers / etc.

Thanks.
# 2  
Old 08-11-2012
Unsent mail stays on a system (unless somebody deleted it), I believe it is in /var/spool/mail. If all you want is to get the mail off the system just grab those files. It could be a lot of work as you will probably want to parse out the messages.

If you have a 'real' mail server in your environment, you could configure SMARTHOST relay to deliver the mail to the mail server and let it deliver the mail.

Kind of confusing of what you are looking for and lack of info, what distro? Example, RH you could configure sendmail, Ubuntu would use postfix, etc. And you still have a wide range of choices as to how you want to configure.
# 3  
Old 08-11-2012
Thanks for the reply raggmopp - just to clarify, what I want to do is setup a server on a virtual machine that will accept IMAP logins. I don't actually need to connect the server to the internet or make it handle any real mail - everything will take place inside my firewall.

All I want to do with it is to:
  • IMAP log in to the server with one email client
  • create folders on the server
  • move/copy mail stored in that email client into the folders on the server
  • log in with another client
  • copy mail from the server into folders on the second email client

I am looking for the easiest to setup IMAP server, hopefully with some shortcut tips to get the minimal functionality I require working as easily as possible.
 
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