Convert OST to EML: Simple Methods You Need to Know

Various Reasons to Convert OST to EML Format

Various reasons motivate users to convert the OST file to EML format. Some of them are mentioned below:

• The process of converting OST files to EML format will facilitate migration to a different email client, one that uses EML files.
• Transitioning to an email client that supports EML files.
• Archiving emails in a universally accessible format.
• Accessing emails across different platforms and devices.
• Easily sharing individual emails without compatibility issues.

an OST file into EML format, you can improve the compatibility, accessibility, and manageability of your email data, to facilitate the integration, backup, and sharing of this information as needed. 

Manual Procedure to Convert OST to EML File Format

Before sharing different methods to convert OST files to EML format, you must know about two scenarios of Outlook OST files. 

Prerequisites:

• Active Microsoft Outlook account connected to an Exchange server.
• Mozilla Thunderbird installed on your system.
• A Gmail account configured with IMAP.

We will discuss both scenarios.

Outlook data File is Connected to the Exchange Server

If your Outlook OST file is linked to an Exchange Server, you can convert OST emails to EML files by performing these actions:

1. Configure Gmail in Outlook to Establish the IMAP
2. Move Emails to IMAP Folders
3. Convert OST to EML File Format With the help of Mozilla Thunderbird 
4. Convert to EML Files

Upon completion of these steps, you will have successfully migrated your OST emails into EML format to provide access to your emails within another email app or for backup purposes. 

Step 1: Configure Gmail in Outlook to Establish the IMAP

1. Login Gmail account with your credentials.
2. After that, go to the settings, and click See all Settings option.
3. Then, click on the Forwarding and POP/IMAP options.
4. Under IMAP Access, enable IMAP and click on the Save Changes button.
5. Launch the Microsoft Outlook application on your defined system.
6. After that, Go to the File and click on the Add Account option.
7. Now, Enter your Name, Email, and Password, and click on the Next button.
8. In the end, click on the Finish button to successfully validate it.

Your Gmail account should now be successfully configured and synced with Outlook.

Step 2: Move Emails to IMAP Folders

Once the OST file is connected to the Outlook Exchange server, it will retain all of the Outlook mailbox items. The next step is to back up your emails while converting them to the EML format. For this, you have to first copy the Email(s) from the OST file into an earlier configured IMAP ( Gmail) email account. This is the second step in the conversion process. 

Step 3: Convert OST to EML File Format With the help of Mozilla Thunderbird 

Once you have shared the email messages that you want to move to the IMAP mailbox. The next step is to configure the same IMAP email account using Mozilla Thunderbird. Follow these steps to configure the IMAP account in Thunderbird:

1. Download and Open the Thunderbird application on your system.
2. Login to your Thunderbird account with your credentials.
3. After that, click the Thunderbird Menu (settings) button and choose the Account Settings options.
4. Then, click the Account Action option and select the Add Mail Account option. 
5. Following, provide your Gmail account password and email to set up your existing email address. 
6. In the end, click the Finish button, and your Gmail account will appear in Thunderbird.

Step 4: Convert to EML Files

Outlook emails will be reflected in Mozilla Thunderbird once you add the IMAP email account. To finish conversion you have to change OST files to EML files, you will need to save your emails to EML. To do this, follow the below-mentioned steps. 

1. Open the desired mailbox folder.
2. After that, Select all the emails that you want to back up.
3. Now, Right-click on these emails and select the Save As option.
4. After that, choose the defined destination folder.
5. In the end, It will export all the selected emails into EML file format.

This is the complete process to convert OST to EML format. You can follow this procedure to export your all emails in the form of EML files from an OST file in case it is connected to the Exchange Server. 

Limitations Associated With the Manual Methods

When you manually change OST files to EML files, there are several limitations to consider:

• The manual method requires significant time for the process to complete.
• There’s a risk of data loss or corruption if you miss or skip any given step.
• Also, you cannot use this approach for a large volume of Outlook data. 
• Also, you don’t get any further features to finish the process. 

These drawbacks make it clear why people frequently look for automated solutions to convert OST files into CSV files. In the next section, we will guide you through the top utility to import the large OST file.

Convert OST File into EML File Format With the Help of OST to EML converter

Use the most reliable DRS Softech OST File Converter Tool for converting Outlook OST files to EML file format without altering the file content. Also, the software exports OST files to various file formats and email clients. This advanced utility offers a range of exclusive features designed to make conversion easy and accurate. With its user-friendly interface, fast performance, and innovative migration options, it stands out from other tools. Besides converting OST files, it can also migrate your Outlook data to different email accounts. Additionally, the tool is compatible with all versions of Windows OS, ensuring broad usability.

Simple Steps to Convert OST to EML File Format

1. Download, and install the DRS Softech OST Converter Tool on your defined system.
2. Now go for the Single Files/Multiple File Option.
3. Click Select File and choose the Desired OST File Option.
4. In the utility, you’ll see a tree-like structure displaying your contacts. 
5. Now, select the folders you want to convert and then click Next to proceed.
6. Then after, From the drop-down list, choose EML as a file format option.
7. Choose the additional option/attributes to meet your requirements.
8. After that, select the desired location to save the resultant file.
9. At the end, click on the convert option to convert the task.

Conclusion

Converting OST files to EML might appear tough at foremost, but it can be straightforward with the proper approach. OST files are used by Microsoft Outlook, while EML files are used by other email applications. To convert OST to EML format, you can either use a manual method or a tool like the DRS Softech OST Converter. If you’re not a tech enthusiast, using a conversion tool is often easier and faster. This guide should help you understand the process better and choose the method that suits you best. Whether you choose manual or use a tool, this guide facilitates converting your files can be simple and efficient.

Read More: Import OST to Thunderbird (MBOX) File Format

About The Author:

Pradeep Kumar

Pradeep is an expert with over 2 years of experience in email migration, email recovery, and file conversion. He has a passion for helping users by sharing easy-to-understand solutions for common technical challenges across different platforms. Known for breaking down complex tech topics into simple, enjoyable content, Pradeep's work has earned recognition in several well-known tech blogs. His straightforward approach and reliable guidance have made him a trusted source for both tech enthusiasts and beginners looking to resolve their technical issues.