User Query: After a system crash, my Outlook profile gets deleted, and now I am only left with my OST file. Can I still migrate these files in EML format for separate backup to access the data inside them? Does anyone know the solution to convert OST to EML while keeping everything intact?
OST stores the synchronized copy of the data in the mailbox on a local system. It becomes difficult to access the OST file if your Outlook profile gets deleted. In this scenario, the only way to access those files is in EML format. An EML file can be opened and managed easily in many email clients. In this blog, we will cover the manual method and the SysInfo OST Converter Tool to move files from OST to EML format.
This is a complex manual process where you need to import OST file emails to Gmail. After that, you can follow the steps below to save them in EML format through Thunderbird. Follow the steps below carefully to convert Outlook OST files to EML.
Step 1: Add the Same Gmail Account in Thunderbird
Step 2: Export Emails from Thunderbird to EML
Limitations of the Manual Method
Enterprise-Ready Solution to Convert OST to EML Format
The SysyInfo OST File Converter Software is the fastest and most dependable solution to convert the OST files. It converts the OST file to the EML format without affecting the original file. The tool is designed to maintain data integrity and folder hierarchy throughout the process. Additionally, you can use it to export OST to PST (Personal Storage Table) or in a portable document format through this reference to convert OST to PDF. Furthermore, it also migrates OST mailbox data directly to various email accounts as well.





Before performing the conversion between two file formats like OST and EML, you should know about the differences between them. Here are the key differences between OST and EML we covered.
| Feature | OST File | EML File |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Offline Storage Table | Electronic Mail Format |
| File Type | Mailbox database file | Individual email file |
| File Size | Usually large, as it contains an entire mailbox | Smaller because each file contains a single email |
| Backup Purpose | Used for offline mailbox synchronization | Commonly used for email backup and archiving |
| Storage Structure | Stores complete mailbox data in a single file | Stores one email per file |
| Data Contained | Emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and attachments | Email message along with attachments and headers |
| Dependency | Requires an Outlook profile or an Exchange/Microsoft 365 account | Can be opened independently in supported email clients |
In this blog, we understand the benefits and the methods to convert OST to EML format. The manual method is effective, but it has a complex setup and process. There is 100% chances that you may lose your data or may fail to complete the conversion in between. Using the professional tool is an enterprise-grade solution that removes that complexity and directly migrates files in EML in just a few steps.
Q1. Can I export Outlook OST files to EML with attachments?
Ans. Yes, you can export OST files to EML along with their attachments. However, to ensure that attachments remain intact during the conversion, it is recommended to use a professional SysInfo OST Converter rather than a manual method.Q2. Can I convert OST to EML without Outlook installed?
Ans. Yes, it is possible. While manual methods typically depend on Outlook and additional email clients, the dedicated SysInfo OST Conversion Tool can directly convert OST files to EML without requiring Outlook installation.Q3. How long does it take to convert multiple large OST files to EML?
Ans. The conversion time depends on the size and number of OST files. For example, large mailboxes may take several hours using manual methods. In contrast, a professional tool can significantly reduce the conversion time and process large files more efficiently.Q4. Will email metadata remain intact after OST to EML conversion?
Ans. Yes, email metadata such as sender details, recipient information, subject lines, timestamps, and attachments can remain intact. However, this largely depends on the conversion method you choose. Therefore, using a reliable converter is recommended for maintaining data integrity.Q5. How do I avoid missing emails during OST to EML conversion?
Ans. Using the SysInfo OST to EML Converter preserves folder hierarchy and email content. This helps minimize the risk of missing emails.Q6. Can I convert a 50 GB or 100 GB OST file to EML?
Ans. Yes, large OST files can be converted to EML. However, manual methods may struggle with such large datasets and can be slow or unstable. Therefore, a professional conversion tool is generally a better choice for handling large mailbox files.Q7. What should I do if my OST file is inaccessible but I need EML files?
Ans. If your OST file is inaccessible due to a deleted Outlook profile or account issue, you should use the SysInfo OST Converter Tool. It can access orphaned OST files and convert them to EML format, allowing you to recover and access your email data without the original Outlook profile.Related Articles
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