How to Export AOL Email to PST- A Complete Guide

Reasons to Export AOL Mailbox to PST

Whether for business continuity, compliance, or transitioning into Microsoft 365, the conversion requires precision. But before that, understanding its importance is essential for successful results. Some common enterprise-driven causes are as follows:

Note: AOL doesn’t natively support PST; the format is compatible with Outlook.

• Organizations archiving communications for FINRA, HIPAA, or internal retention policies need to integrate with Outlook.
• To get access to centralized mailboxes, ensuring all old and archived AOL emails are stored together.
• Seamless port of AOL data for Exchange and Outlook clients while preserving it for the long term with the backup on PC.
• Before the closure of previous AOL accounts used by old employees, conversion to PST is suited for compliance review.
• In times of data loss or AOL termination, PST provides readable and restorable data access.

Export AOL Emails to PST: Find Out How?

A direct import to Outlook PST format from AOL isn’t possible due to the file format incompatibility. However, the manual method has another round way with IMAP configuration. And for those seeking a reliable and accurate solution in less time, a professional tool is given below.

Manually Download AOL Emails to PST

This step-by-step instruction for free conversion is classified into two parts for a clear understanding. Follow them here:

Step 1: Configure AOL Mail in Microsoft Outlook

1. Start with Outlook and File → Add Account → Add Account.
2. Then, input the email address and password for your AOL.
3. If performing manual configuration, enter the following:
• Incoming Mail + Port: imap.aol.com + 993 + SSL connection
• Outgoing Mail + Port: smtp.aol.com + 465 + SSL connection
4. Further, input the password (specifically App password, if 2FA is on).
5. Finally, click Done to complete and wait for Outlook to sync AOL mailbox.

Step 2. Export AOL Mail to PST Format

1. After the sync, AOL appears along with Outlook in the left panel.
2. After that, move to Import and Export from Open & Export– in File.
3. Now, you need to move forward with Export to a File → (.pst) format.
4. Furthermore, click Next and select the AOL Mail folders to save.
5. You can include subfolders too, and click Next to set up a save location.
6. Lastly, click the Finish button after duplicate settings to end export.

Drawbacks of the Manual 

• Contacts and calendars are not supported for export.
• Bulk import is next to impossible, and if done forcibly, results in loss.
• Only the data synced can be imported.
• Adding more than 10 AOL mailboxes is difficult, and it takes time.
• Also, configuration issues are very common in this procedure.

Export AOL Email to PST Using the Professional Tool

If you are handling multiple AOL accounts and need speedy results while preserving attachments, folders, and metadata. Then, a tool-based solution like this is ideal. The SysInfo AOL Backup Tool is a trusted and efficient utility that helps:

• Export the entire AOL mailbox, including emails, contacts, calendars, etc.
• Maintain folder hierarchy and timestamps when converting to PST.
• Filter emails, schedule backups, and divide large mail files without hassle.

Moreover, it has a demo version for evaluation and, if needed, explore deployment options. Or talk to our technical advisor for an enterprise-level AOL to PST backup strategy.

Steps to Follow When You Export AOL Mailbox to PST

1. Download and launch AOL Mail Backup Utility to sign in to the account.
2. Or, for multiple accounts, click Add Row or Import CSV.
3. Then, preview all the folders from the tree structure in the tool’s interface.
4. Select the needed ones to save in Outlook 365 and click Next.
5. Further, pick the PST format and specify the destination to save.
6. At last, click Next and then Convert to save AOL emails to PST Outlook.

This is a more easy, quicker, secure, and reliable solution that has benefited several users from manual hassle. To find out for yourself, get started with the trial version right away.

Conclusion

Whether you are closing AOL account, migrating to MS Outlook 365, or ensuring email compliance. The decision to export AOL email to PST is best, and using the right methods for the same is even better. This strategic step can be achieved manually or professionally, depending on the files and technical skills you have. Yet, for guaranteed outcomes, none beats the given automated tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

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.