How to Convert OST to EML Format? Easy Solution

Summary: OST, Outlook’s Data File, stores all mailbox content like emails, calendar entries, and other mailbox data into a single file. This makes it complicated to extract or manage specific messages. Therefore, to address this issue, we need to convert OST to EML to save each email in an individual file. But, how will this conversion happen? There are two ways to initiate this conversion. One is through a manual process, and the other is by using OST to PST Converter. Read the blog till the end to learn more about the various solutions. Before exploring the solutions, let’s first understand the OST and EML file formats in detail.

Understanding OST and EML Files

OST stands for Offline Storage Table. It is a Microsoft Outlook Data File that stores Outlook’s mailbox data locally. The user can access this email data without needing an internet connection. It automatically syncs the updates once reconnected. 

EML stands for Email Message Format or Electronic Mail. It is a plain text file that saves a single email message per file. These are primarily used for email archiving, migration, auditing, etc.

Need to Convert OST File to EML

Many users want to transfer data from Outlook OST files to EML format for different reasons. Here we will examine the most important ones for this conversion:

• EML is a cross-platform format, while OST files work only with Outlook. Therefore, converting OST to EML is essential when migrating to other email applications. 
• OST files are difficult to share with others. EML files are simple to transfer and promote seamless and efficient communication. 
• In case of system failure or crash, users have multiple options to back up OST files into EML format.
• A virus attack targeting the Microsoft Exchange Server may result in a system crash, causing Outlook to display several errors.

How Do I Convert OST to EML Format?

Saving an OST file as EML can be done in two ways. The process depends on whether the OST file is connected to the Exchange server or not. Review both cases below and proceed with the appropriate steps.

When the OST File is Connected to the Exchange Server

The OST file can be saved in an EML format when the OST file is connected to the Exchange Server. Before proceeding with the process, make sure your Gmail account is configured with IMAP in Outlook. 

Manually Convert OST Files to EML

1. Open Outlook with your active Exchange-based OST file.
2. Look through your mailbox and select the emails or folder that you wish to transfer.
3. Now, drag and drop them into a Gmail account folder.
4. Now, launch Mozilla Thunderbird.
5. Go to Menu > Account Settings > Add Mail Account.
6. Fill in your Gmail Email ID and password.
7. Click on Configure manually and enter the server details:

Incoming Mail Server	Server: imap.gmail.com
	Port: 993
	Encryption: SSL
Outgoing Mail Server	Server: smtp.gmail.com
	Port: 465 or 587
	Encryption: SSL/TLS

8. Now, open the folder and select all the emails. Right-click on it and choose Save As.
9. Choose a destination folder, and these will be saved as .eml files.

Shortcomings of the Manual Solution

• The manual steps are complicated and are therefore prone to errors. 
• The process is not ideal for non-technical users as it requires technical know-how. 
• Converting large volumes of data can be slow and inefficient. 
• This manual conversion will not work if the OST file is orphaned or disconnected from the server.

When the OST File is not Connected with the Exchange Server

If your OST File is no longer connected to the Exchange Server, there’s no manual method to convert it to EML. Therefore, the best option is to use a specialized OST to PST Converter. It convert OST to EML format and offers advanced functionalities like a free preview option, removal of duplicate emails, and selective conversion. In addition to this, the tool can handle large OST Files, eliminating the file size constraints. Also, its easy-to-navigate interface makes the tool accessible to both individuals and businesses. 

Quick step-by-step procedure to export OST to EML:

1. Download, install, and open the tool.
2. Choose between Single File or Multiple File/Folders and click on Next.
3. Now, locate the OST File that you wish to convert and open it.
4. Tick and expand the tree structure. Select the folders and click on Next to continue.
5. Under the Saves/Backup/Migrate As section, choose EML as the saving format. 
6. Apply the additional features if required and select the path to save your file.
7. At last, click on the Convert button to start the conversion process.

Conclusion

Converting OST to EML is an essential task for Outlook users. One of the effective methods is using IMAP migrations along with Thunderbird. But this manual conversion requires advanced technical skills and proper setup. For those looking for a more instant and reliable way to convert OST to EML, choose the converter tool. It simplifies the process and is a more reliable, efficient, and error-free choice. In the end, choose the best method according to your requirements. 

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