Quick Guide to Export AOL Emails to CSV without Data Loss

“My friend has two different AOL accounts with lots of crucial emails whose records she wants to manage in a proper order. Thus, he is thinking of storing all its data in the CSV file for proper management, organized access in rows and columns, and easy identification. Does any of you know how to effectively export AOL emails to CSV without major losses or email downtime?”

-Ethen Goldberg, London

It is quite a smart move to secure all your emails with a backup for long-term access. So, if any of you are struggling with your AOL Mailbox and want all its data stored in a CSV spreadsheet as a table, then this technical guide is for you. It elaborates on how you can export AOL emails to CSV for free, or by using SysInfo AOL Mail Backup Tool to get the job done without loss. It helps migrate information to new services like CRM and other applications. You can dive deep into the guide and find out all the key details for appropriate decision-making.

How to Export AOL Contacts to CSV Effectively?

Follow the manual method and the professional method explained below for a flawless and scalable conversion. Ensure that you have proper account credentials, storage, internet, and an external IMAP application to make the export manually. For automated export, you just need to get the software, and it will do the task in an easy and quick manner. 

Traditional Methods to Save AOL Emails as CSV

Since AOL doesn’t directly allow exports to CSV, you need to follow this workaround approach. Steps are:

  1. Install Mozilla Thunderbird and go to Tools >> Account Settings
  2. Then, choose Add Mail Account and enter your name, AOL address, and password. 
  3. If direct configuration fails, you can try the manual configuration using these credentials:
    • Server details: imap.aol.com/smtp.aol.com
    • Port No: 993/465
    • Encryption: SSL/TLS
  4. Further, install the ImportExportTools NG extension and then restart Thunderbird. 
  5. After the configuration is successful, you will find the AOL mailbox on the left. 
  6. Choose Export all messages in the folder and then opt for CSV format from the list. 
  7. Later, find a location in the system where you want to save the file and click Save. 

Loopholes:

  • Installing and using add-ons can be a slow and multi-step process. 
  • You cannot use it for bulk and large exports, especially with attachments. 
  • Attachments may not necessarily be moved, and data may not be intact.
  • There are high chances of losing data or missing files in the process. 

Modern Method to Export AOL Emails to CSV

Users with multiple AOL email accounts and having a non-tech background can use the dedicated AOL Mail Backup Tool. It provides a guaranteed, worry-free process to transfer the emails without any data loss or structure alterations. Additionally, users get to transfer the contacts along with emails and calendars without any hassle or risks. Moreover, it allows users to save a few data items for free in the Demo Version across all major Windows and Mac OS. 

Simplified Steps to Convert AOL to CSV 

  1. Launch the SysInfo AOL Email Backup Tool and tap Continue.
    Launch the SysInfo AOL Email Backup Tool and tap Continue
  2. Enter the credentials in the specified area and click Sign In. 
    Enter the credentials in the specified area and click Sign In
  3. Then, select the mail folders from the list and click Next. 
    Then, select the mail folders from the list and click Next
  4. Further, opt for the CSV format, pick a destination, and tap Next. 
    Further, opt for the CSV format, pick a destination, and tap Next
  5. Finally, choose the filters and hit Start Process to save emails. 
    Finally, choose the filters and hit Start Process to save emails

Real World Scenario

A top tech firm dealing with international clients globally had several AOL accounts managed by employees from different teams. They needed all their data to be organized together in a single file/space for an upcoming legal trial. Also, some investors were interested in verifying the data before making any decisions. So, the team needed to immediately export AOL emails to CSV spreadsheet for appropriate record maintenance. 

Manually saving data from several accounts seems impractical. Therefore, they decided to use the SysInfo AOL Mail Backup Wizard, which had a user-friendly interface. It helped them access all the AOL accounts simultaneously via Batch Mode and saved the entire mailbox data in a single CSV with minimal data, without downtime and loss, with scalability and precision. The investors were satisfied, and the trial went well, too.

Quick Guide to Export AOL Contacts to CSV

You can use the professional software to export the entire mailbox in a single go from multiple accounts at once. Sometimes, there are situations when you need to deal with a few contacts or those stored in a single AOL account, and you do not wish to spend a penny. In such times, you can simply export your contacts directly from the AOL account without using any external application or a third-party software installation. 

Steps to Export Contacts from AOL:

  1. From mail.aol.com, sign in to your AOL account on the browser. 
  2. Then, press the Contacts icon on the left and check it. 
  3. Further, find the “More”, “Tools”, “Actions”, or “Gear” icon in it. 
  4. Expand it and choose the Export option from the drop-down. 
  5. A pop-up appears. Choose the CSV file format and hit Export. 
  6. AOL will save the contacts CSV directly to the system. 

Note: This only works with contacts and not for calendar, emails, or other folders. 

Benefits and Troubleshoots to Save AOL Emails as CSV 

The significant reasons for which users are keenly interested in making this export are:

  • CSV files offer versatility and great compatibility across different platforms and spreadsheet applications. 
  • The data structure, message content, attachments, and formatting remain preserved in the CSV format. 
  • With CSV, it is better to organize and manage the data, allowing faster retrieval whenever required. 
  • It allows maintaining data backups and provides offline accessibility without any specific application. 

Furthermore, the troubleshooting you must take to avoid common issues during the export are:

  • Contacts Do Not Appear After Export

→ Try clearing browser cache and cookies 

→ Retry the process using a different browser 

  • File Size is Too Large 

→ Use the Professional Tool to split the file into smaller chunks by saving data with the Date Filter 

  • Export Remains Incomplete

→ Verify that your internet connectivity is stable. 

In case you want a perfect solution, where you don’t have to worry much, simply download SysInfo AOL Backup Software.

Conclusion

To conclude, it is critical to export AOL emails to CSV skillfully to ensure your data is secure and accessible with or without account connectivity. With the manual method above, you can secure your emails and contacts from AOL in a CSV file, but there are some limitations. Whereas the automated SysInfo AOL Backup Wizard allows smooth and flawless exports in one go for all accounts without any limitations. You can take your perfect fit after going through the above guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it possible to export AOL emails to CSV without data loss?

Ans. Yes, exporting AOL emails to CSV without data loss is easily possible if you use the specialized SysInfo AOL to CSV Export Tool. It guarantees 100% data security and accurate transfers with expert verification. 

Q2. Can I export multiple AOL emails to CSV at once?

Ans. To export multiple AOL emails in CSV format at once, use the smart AOL Mail Backup Tool. It has a batch mode which allows adding a CSV file containing details of all AOL users’ names, email addresses, and passwords to configure them together and save data from them in CSV.

Q3. Is technical knowledge required to export AOL emails to CSV?

Ans. While making the export manually, yes, technical knowledge is essential. However, with professional software, it isn’t mandatory as it is suitable for both tech and non-tech users. It has a user-friendly interface and intuitive GUI, which simplifies the process. 

Q4. Can I export AOL emails to CSV with attachments separately?

Ans. It is important to understand that when you export data from AOL to CSV, attachments are not necessarily moved. This is because CSV files don’t support attachments, and it only contains the metadata and message body present in the email. To move attachments too, you can either save your data in PST, PDF, or EML format with the software at once. 

Q5. What data fields are included when I export AOL emails to CSV?

Ans. Standard CSV exports include Sender (From), Recipient (To), Subject, Date Sent, Message Body, and other additional fields or technical headers. 

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About The Author:

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.

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