How to Convert OST to EML Manually?

author Written By Deep Sikha
author Approved By Sonika Rawat
Updated on 27th Aug 2024
Reading Time 8 minutes

Are you looking to convert OST to EML file format without using a tool for free? Then you are at the right spot. We will discuss the complete manual process for conversion. Many users want to switch from one email client to another email client, but this isn’t an easy process. Microsoft Outlook’s OST saves multiple mailbox items while EML files save emails in dynamic format. Thus, users want to migrate OST files to EML file format. Read the blog till the end to get details about a quick and effective OST to PST Converter Tool.

Before learning techniques to export OST to EML, let’s understand the difference between the two formats.

OST vs. EML -Differences

OST Format EML Format
OST is a short form used for Offline Storage Table files created and used by Microsoft Outlook to save files. EML is used by different email client applications such as Outlook Express, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, etc.
OST files store emails, calendars, tasks, data, contacts, etc. It allows users to work without Internet connectivity too. EML is an electronic mail containing a single mail with an attachment. It requires Internet connectivity.
However, OST files can only be accessed on the system they were created. EML files are versatile and can be accessed on any platform.

Reasons to Convert OST to EML

Some significant causes that state the need to migrate from OST to EML are as follows:

  • Virus attacks can lead to system failure and crash, resulting in errors in the Outlook profile. These crashes are difficult to handle and a backup can restore OST files.
  • Accidental deletions of OST files from Exchange Server can be troublesome. Users can restore the deleted message by converting the backup or archived OST file to EML format.
  • PDF files can be encrypted and are password-protected for security from hackers, viruses, or threats.
  • Also, to overcome the security threats of the Live Exchange Server and secure our mailbox data from the crisis OST file backup is essential.
  • Moreover, users can get easier access by converting OST to EML format to migrate data from one platform to another.

Now, let’s check the manual steps to migrate Outlook OST to EML.

Manual Steps to Convert OST to EML

There are three steps as listed below to export OST to EML file format -

Step 1: Drag and Drop

Firstly, the user needs to Import OST File Emails to Gmail. To do so, just drag and drop the OST Data file you want to transfer into the configured Gmail account. This will create a copy of OST files in the Gmail mailbox.

Step 2: Add Gmail Data into Thunderbird

After performing the above step, you must sync the same Gmail application data to Thunderbird. Then, after the conversion process, you can access the Gmail data in the Thunderbird email client.

Step 3: Extract the EML Data from Thunderbird

Now, after the above steps. You need to extract EML files from Thunderbird by following the below process-

  1. Open the Thunderbird application on your local system.
  2. Select the emails that you transferred from Gmail to Thunderbird. You can select all by pressing Ctrl+A.
  3. Right-click on chosen emails and then select the Save As option.
  4. Browse the location to save the resultant files. The data will automatically be saved in EML format in Thunderbird.

The conversion of OST to EML format is done successfully. However, if you want to convert only selective emails, then follow these steps:

  1. Select the emails that you have transferred from Gmail to Thunderbird. Select all pressing Ctrl+A if required.
  2. Right-click on the selected emails, Choose to Save Selected Message, and then select EML format.
  3. Browse to specify the location for resultant files and the process to convert OST to EML is now successfully done.

These are the Manual steps that you can follow to transfer OST files to EML file format. However, bulk conversion of OST files to EML is tedious and time-consuming.

Alternatively, you can use OST to PST Converter to overcome this difficulty. Also by using this software, you can easily convert all your OST files in various other file formats such as EML, MBOX, HTML, etc., as well as to another email client application like Gmail, or Yahoo. Moreover, if you want to open an OST file in Windows Live Mail, you have to Export OST to PST. Instead, of going through a manual approach and facing difficulties, this tool will complete conversion tasks within seconds. It will also ensure security and data integrity during conversion.

Conclusion

We have discussed the reasons and the solution to convert OST to EML. To overcome the complexity of the manual approach, you can opt for professional OST Converter software. You can choose either of the solutions based on your requirements and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I convert an OST file to PST?

Ans. To convert OST file to PST, follow these steps:
  1. Install the OST to PST Converter Tool on your system and run it as administrator.
  2. Click Select Files to add OST files to the software and click Next.
  3. Preview the content of the added OST file and select folders to convert. Click Next.
  4. Further, select PST as the file-saving format and choose the optional filters (if required).
  5. Subsequently, specify the destination to save and hit the Convert button to initiate the process.

Q2. Can I do OST to PST conversion while maintaining folder hierarchy?

Ans. Using the professional OST Converter, you can maintain folder hierarchy during conversion without worries. This tool provides an option “Maintain Folder Hierarchy” to keep files intact and in initial order. Moreover, it also provides other additional features and filters to enhance the conversion process and migrate only required files.

Related Articles

How to Export Yahoo Mail to PST File Format? How to Migrate Yahoo Mail to Office 365 Account Easily? How to Change Yahoo Email Address? How to Setup Yahoo Mail in Outlook Email Client? How To Export Gmail Emails To PDF? How to Export Yahoo Emails to Computer? How to Save Gmail Emails with Attachments to the Hard Drive?