Fix eDiscovery Export Tool Failing for Mailboxes Over 1 GB
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where the Microsoft eDiscovery Export Tool fails to export large mailboxes.

- Product
- Microsoft eDiscovery Export Tool
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting large mailbox data to PST files for compliance or backup purposes.
- Observed behavior
- The tool successfully exports small mailboxes but throws a 'Value cannot be null. Parameter name: value.' error for mailboxes over 1 GB.
Ensure you have global administrator or eDiscovery manager permissions in Microsoft 365 and have the latest version of the eDiscovery Export Tool installed.
Submit a Support Ticket via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Since this error involves a backend parsing failure or service limitation, contacting official Microsoft 365 support is the most effective way to resolve it.
The error 'Value cannot be null' during large exports typically indicates a failure while the tool attempts to parse the export job status. This often requires backend diagnostics from Microsoft engineers to identify the root cause.
Collect the exact eDiscovery Export Tool version, the mailbox size, the specific error message, and complete trace information from the export logs.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using your administrator credentials.
Navigate to the Support section, click 'New service request', provide the gathered details, and attach the trace data (ensure any sensitive information is removed).

Segment the eDiscovery Search
If a single large export continuously fails, adjusting your search parameters to create smaller export batches can serve as a reliable workaround.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the 'Value cannot be null' error in the eDiscovery Export Tool?
This error often occurs when the tool fails to parse the export job status correctly from the server. It can be triggered by mailbox sizes exceeding certain limits, such as 1 GB, or by temporary backend service interruptions.
Can I export mailboxes larger than 1 GB using Microsoft eDiscovery?
Yes, the eDiscovery Export Tool is built to handle large files. If it consistently fails at the 1 GB mark, it is likely due to a specific version bug or a backend service issue that requires Microsoft support intervention.
Where can I find the trace information for the eDiscovery Export Tool?
Trace information and error logs are typically generated by the tool and saved in the destination folder on your local drive where you attempted to export the PST files.
Should I post eDiscovery tool errors on end-user forums?
No, issues involving the eDiscovery Export Tool are best handled by Microsoft 365 administrator support or the Microsoft Q&A forum specifically for administrators, as they often require specialized backend diagnostics.




