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Why eDiscovery Stopped Working? How to Fix the Issue?

  author
Published By Karen Chard 
Rollins Duke
Approved By Rollins Duke
Published On July 2nd, 2025
Reading Time 6 Min Read

One of our users started downloading their complete Office 365 data by using the eDiscovery export tool. But they have a download error. If you also have this same issue, then the problem is within the eDiscovery utility and we are here to solve it. In this article we will explain the reasons why the eDiscovery export tool is not working and provide the solutions to resolve them.

Know About eDiscovery in Microsoft 365

The eDiscovery export tool is built-in utility present in the Microsoft Purview Portal. The purpose of this is to search, collect and export your information. Users use this utility to search their content and export them for legal investigations. It also used to save your Office 365 data in the PST format. Which makes it easier for you to access your data for future reference.

However, some users may face delays and download failures during their eDiscovery export process. This is a huge problem for the organizations as they may face severe data integrity and compliance issues. But, why this happens? and how it is solved, we will explain it all in the upcoming section of the article.

Causes of eDiscovery Tool Failure

This problem does not arise because of one factor. There are multiple ones that cause this issue. We have a list of possible reasons behind this error which we share with you.

  • If your security settings or permissions are not properly configured. Then, there is a chance that you might face this issue.
  • Antivirus or firewall settings can also be the factor of this problem.
  • eDiscovery features do not come with every Office 365 license. You need an E3 or E5 plan to use the tool.
  • Your Web browser incompatibility with eDiscovery export tools are also the reasons for having difficulty in exporting the data.
  • Check that if you are using the outdated .NET framework. This can also be the reason for the failure of exporting tools.
  • eDiscovery uses ClickOnce technology which is supported by Internet Explorer. If it is not properly configured. Then, it causes you many issues.
  • Unstable or no internet network makes the eDiscovery export tool not working.
  • If you are exporting a large Office 365 mailbox, then the eDiscovery also crashes.

There are other things that can cause eDiscovery export tools not working. But, now you have the possible reasons and let’s see the solutions to fix it.

Minor Solutions to Fix eDiscovery Stopped Working

First we are going to provide you with small troubleshooting methods that can resolve them.

  1. Check your Permissions: If only the viewer permissions is assigned that the export process will fail. So, to check and fix the error,
      • make sure that the user account is a member of eDiscovery Manager or eDiscovery Administrator.
      • Then, go to the compliance Admin Center, select the Permissions button.
      • Then, click on the eDiscovery Manager. Assign Case Management and Export roles.
  2. Use Microsoft Edge: eDiscovery utility is compatible with Microsoft browsers. So, try to run the export tool using Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer mode in Edge.
  3. Use a proper internet connection: If you are using Proxy, VPN or split tunneling internet connection. It may disrupt your export process. Instead use direct connection.

These are simple ways to resolve the problem, if they did not resolve the problem then use the specific troubleshooting methods.

Update .NET Framework to Resolve the Issue

If you are using the outdated version of .NET Framework, then install the new version in your system.

  1. You can find the latest version in the Windows updates and install it.
  2. Alternatively, you can install the new version by going to Microsoft .NET Framework website.
  3. Once you downloaded the file, run it and complete the installation process.
  4. Then, restart your computer.

Resolve eDiscovery Export Tool using Adding ClickOnce

ClickOnce is a deployment technology which helps you to easily install Windows applications. It is also used in eDiscovery export tools. If it is not properly connected, Then, you may face the problem of an eDiscovery export tool not working. Below are the steps to properly configure it.

  1. First open the Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge.
  2. Go to the Settings page, by clicking the gear icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Select the Internet Options, then click on the Security button.
  4. Click on the Custom Level button to get a list of security settings.
  5. From the security settings, enable the ClickOnce option.
  6. Lastly restart the browser and check if the export tool is working or not.

These are the solutions that can fix the issue eDiscovery stopped working. If the problem still persists or you need to export the tool. Then, there is an alternative solution of the eDiscovery export tool.

Export Office 365 Data using Alternative Solution

If you cannot use the manual option to export your data, then there are several professional software that can easily do this. RecoveryTools Office 365 Backup Tool is one of the tools where you can easily save an entire Microsoft 365 account without any issues. Using this tool is much easier because of the user-friendly interface. It is very easy to download the software and follow the steps below to get your data.

Steps to Export Office 365 Data

  1. To start the process, we have to download and install the software.
    install the software
  2. Provide your Office 365 email address and password in the Sign in page.
    provide office 365 email address and password
  3. Don’t forget to click I am Admin and login to the software.
  4. Once your account is properly configured. The tool fetches your data and presents it in front of you.
    the software load your emails
  5. You can select the folder that you want to export. Then, choose PST or any saving options.
    choose saving options
  6. Browse a location where you want to store them. Lastly, click on the Backup option.
    click backup option

To Conclude

Now, if you encounter the problem of eDiscovery export Tool not working. Try these problems to get your data. Here, we provided expert solutions to resolve this problem. Furthermore, we also provide you an alternative solution that you can use. If you are unable to solve the problem.