In this technology oriented world, organizations opt for different email services according to their business requirements. But when users need to convert data of one file format into another file format then they have to face different challenges.
Recently, my Manager assigned me a task to convert around 400+ email messages files with .eml extension into PST file format. At first, I was very nervous after getting such task as a few days back I joined the organization as a Data Analyst Trainee. As per my past experience, I never worked with EML and PST file formats. Now, I was stuck badly in such situation as I was not able to figure out how can I complete EML to PST conversion task on time.
After taking a deep breath, I starting exploring the Internet to gain some knowledge about the two file formats. In this segment, I am going to share what I got on the Internet regarding EML and PST file formats
EML: EML is file extension for an email message which contains message and attachments. Basically, in EML file format data is saved according to MIME RC 822 standard. The EML format is used to store email messages on a file system and each message is stored as a single file. There are numerous email clients that support EML file format such as Apple Mail, Windows Live Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, MS Outlook Express etc.
PST: PST (Personal Storage Table) is a data storage file that contains information used by Microsoft Outlook and Exchange. It includes emails, contacts, addresses and other data also. There are different email clients that support PST file format such as MS Outlook, MS Exchange Server etc.
At this stage, I was familiar with both the file formats. Now, my task was to find a method to convert and move EML email files to PST file format. I again started browsing the Internet to find a way to transfer EML files into PST file format. Luckily, I found different methods to convert and move EML files to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 etc. Here, I am going to share all the methods I got to know:
Method 1: Transfer Windows Live Mail EML Files to Outlook PST
- First, open MS Outlook and Windows Live Mail at the same time
- Now, in Windows Live Mail, click on File > Email > Email Messages
- After that, a new tab will open with the name Windows Live Mail Export. In Select the format you want to export section, you will see the options Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Windows Live Mail. Here, you have to select Microsoft Exchange as the format and click on the Next button
- A message will pop up saying ‘This will export messages from Windows Live Mail to Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange’. You need to click on OK for the message confirmation
- In the Export Messages tab, you need to select the mail folders which you want to move from Windows Live Mail to PST. You can select All Folders option or Selected Folders option. Click on the OK button
- After that, the export process will begin. Once the export process is completed, you can navigate to Microsoft Outlook and check the exported emails
Method 2: Outlook Express to MS Outlook
- First of all, open Outlook Express and select all the EML files which you need to move
- Now, drag and drop the EML files into Outlook Express
- After that, you have to open Outlook and then go to File > Open and Export > Import and Export
- Select Import Internet Mail and Addresses
- Choose Outlook Express > Next > Finish
After going through the methods explained above, I felt that these methods are quite complicated for me. As I am not a technocrat and due to lack of knowledge it was difficult for me to implement the method correctly. Moreover, if any of the steps are not implemented correctly then I have to face data loss issues. At this time, I was so upset and lost all the hopes to transfer EML to PST file format.
I just sat and relaxed for a few hours. Then again with a great confidence level, I started searching for any other method to move EML files to Outlook PST. After spending an hour on research work, I got to know that I can also make use of an automated tool to convert EML files into PST file format. One of the most amazing tools, I found was EML to PST Converter to convert EML files supporting different email clients into Outlook PST file format in a seamless manner.
With EML to PST Batch Converter utility, I was able to convert my 400+ email message files with .eml extension into PST file format. The tool is capable to move Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express etc. (.eml) files to Outlook PST without any data loss issues. I am not a core technical person but still, I was able to work with the utility due to its user-friendly interface. The tool is integrated with various beneficial features such as:
- There will be no change in the on-disk folder hierarchy of the EML files as the tool maintains on-disk folder hierarchy while saving EML files as PST
- One can also preview email messages easily.
- The software is capable to export all the attachments associated with EML files
- While EML to PST conversion process, there is no alteration in the SMTP Header of the EML messages
- The resultant PST file can be easily exported into all the version of Microsoft Outlook
Finally, I Completed My Task!
Luckily, I found EML to PST Converter and converted 400+ EML messages file into PST file format. My Manager appreciated my work and I was very happy. I know there are many users out there who face such issues on daily basis. Thus, I wrote this blog, to share my experience how I successfully converted EML files into PST file format. This write-up will surely help the users who need to convert EML files into PST file formats.