Top 2 Best Solutions to Convert OST Files to EML Format

Written By Kiran Sharma
Updated on August 7th, 2023

Summary: Almost every Outlook user is aware of the OST file type. It is an offline copy of your Outlook mailbox. This file serves users in many ways so that you can access your Outlook emails without the Internet. Despite its benefits, users constantly search for the best solution to convert OST files to EML format. In the article, we will share different approaches to export emails from Outlook OST to EML file format and the most proficient OST to PST Converter for swift file conversion.

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Outlook OST file stores all your Outlook mailbox data in your system. It enables you to access all Outlook emails and other items, even without the Internet. OST files can only be supported by MS Outlook. However, when an OST file has been disconnected from the Exchange server, you can not access the OST file via MS Outlook.

EML files are the Email files that store individual email data. The best attribute of an EML file is that you can open the file through different applications. Also, migrating your emails will be easier. Therefore, users want to convert OST to EML. The main question is to convert your Outlook OST file to EML file format. In the upcoming sections, you will learn different methods to perform file conversion. But first, let us explore some reasons for the migration.

Why Convert OST Files to EML Format?

For numerous reasons, users want to move Outlook OST files data to EML file format. We will discuss some of the most significant causes of this file conversion.

Backup Outlook Mailbox – By converting OST to EML file format, you can save your emails in an easy-to-access file format. You can restore Outlook emails in case of accidental deletion.
Migrating to Other Accounts – It will also help you in exporting your Outlook emails to other email accounts as the EML file type is widely accepted by many email providers.
Easy Sharing – After converting OST to EML, you can also share your mailbox data easily without worrying about the compatibility of the resultant file.

Now, let us check different solutions for exporting OST files to EML file format.

Manual Procedure to Transfer OST Files Data to EML Files

Before sharing different methods to convert OST files to EML format, you must know about two scenarios of Outlook OST files. First, the Outlook data file is connected to the Exchange server and syncs with the Outlook mailbox. Another scenario is when the OST file is orphaned, meaning disconnected from the Exchange server and does not sync with Outlook. We will discuss both scenarios.

Scenario 1: When OST is Connected to Exchange Server

When an Outlook OST file is connected to the Exchange server, you can easily convert your OST emails into EML file type. The manual procedure involves configuring an IMAP-enabled email account in MS Outlook. Copy desired Outlook emails in the IMAP mailbox folders. After that, configure the same email account in Mozilla Thunderbird, and then you can easily convert OST to EML file format.

Step 1: Copy OST Items in IMAP Account

When an OST file is connected to the Outlook Exchange server, it stores all Outlook mailbox items. Backing up emails from your Outlook mailbox means downloading emails from the OST file. So, the first step in converting the OST file to EML file format is to copy all your desired Outlook emails to the IMAP account you configured earlier.

Step 2: Configure IMAP Email Account in Thunderbird

After you move the required Outlook emails into the IMAP mailbox, the next step is to configure the same IMAP-enabled email account in Mozilla Thunderbird. Follow the steps below to configure an IMAP account in the Thunderbird email client.

Open the Mozilla Thunderbird application.
Click on the Tools option from the menu bar and select Account Settings.
In Account Settings, expand the Account Actions and choose Add Mail Account.
Now, you will see the account setup wizard. Provide Full Name, email address, and app password. Press Configure Manually.
Provide the Incoming and Outgoing Server details. Hit the Retest button.

incoming and outcoming server

After that, click the Done button and then press Finish to complete the setup.
All your IMAP emails will appear in the Thunderbird mailbox.

Step 3: Download Mailbox Data in EML File Format

After adding the IMAP email account in the Mozilla Thunderbird application, you will see all the Outlook emails that you copied from Outlook. Now, in the last step to convert OST files to EML format, you will require to back up these emails in EML file format. Follow the steps below.

Open the desired mailbox folder.
Select all the emails that you want to back up.
Right-click on these emails and select the Save As option.

save as

After that, choose the destination folder and press Select Folder.
It will export all the selected emails into EML file format.

It is the complete procedure of converting Outlook OST file to EML file format. When the OST file is connected to the Exchange Server. By this procedure, you can export all your OST emails as EML files.

Scenario 2: When OST is not Connected to Exchange Server

If your Outlook OST data file is not connected to the Exchange server, you can not convert it to EML files through any manual solution. Hence, you will require a professional utility that allows you to change orphaned OST files into EML or any other file type.

Advanced Solution to Convert OST to EML File Format

MigrateEmails OST to PST Converter Tool is a top-notch software for converting Outlook OST files into EML and many other file formats like PST, MBOX, MSG, PDF, PNG, HTML, etc. The application can also batch export OST files to EML file extension. With this application, you can easily import OST file into Gmail, Office 365, Hotmail, AOL, iCloud, and other email accounts. Moreover, the application provides multiple options for accurate file conversion. You can download and use the application on your PC having any Windows version.

Steps to Convert OST Files to EML Format

Install and launch the ME OST Converter Tool in your system.
Click on the Browse button and choose the desired OST file.
After that, check the mailbox preview. Select desired items and press Next.
Expand the Save/Backup/Migrate As field and choose EML.
Select the remaining migration options and hit the Convert button.

Conclusion

I hope this article provided all the required information. In this write-up, we have learned the differences between OST and EML files, and why users want to Convert OST files to EML format. We shared two distinct approaches to exporting Outlook OST files based on different scenarios. If the OST file is connected to the Outlook email account, you can easily convert OST emails to EML file type. But, for exporting an orphaned OST file, you will need the automated OST Converter Software.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I save Outlook emails in EML file format?

You can convert OST to EML file through a simple DIY procedure. First, you need to configure an IMAP account in MS Outlook. After that, move the desired emails to that IMAP account. Configure the same IMAP account in Thunderbird and then save the emails in EML file format.

How do I create an EML file?

•Open the Mozilla Thunderbird email client in your system.
•Select the emails you want to backup and right-click on them.
•After that, click on the Save As option.

About The Author:

Kiran Sharma