Convert Outlook OST to EML files

Updated on August 22, 2024 by Armaan

Many users want to migrate their OST file to EML file format; if you are one of them, this page will help you, so go through it carefully. No one likes to compromise with their OST files, so all the users prefer to move the OST files with the help of a third-party tool. You will find several applications for converting your OST file, but we will tell you about the best product and the products working on this page.

What is OST and EML file format?

OST refers to Offline Storage Table. It is a type of file format supported by Microsoft Outlook. These are the files that MS Outlook stores to access the files even when he is not connected to the Exchange server. This file stores a complete mailbox with emails, contacts, drafts, notes, calendars, etc.

EML is a file format of multiple email clients, i.e., Mozilla Thunderbird, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, The Bat!,DreamMail, Zoho Mail, etc. It is the most straightforward and flexible file format, storing the email message and other information.

OST and EML comparison – in a nutshell

OST (Outlook Offline Storage Table) and EML (Email Message) are different file formats used for email-related purposes. Here's a brief comparison, followed by a manual solution to convert OST to EML:

Why do you need to Convert the OST file to EML?

You need to convert OST files to EML format for many reasons. The main reasons for converting the OST file to an EML file are given below:-

Accidental deletion or lost data files: If your important OST files data got deleted or lost from the Exchange Server. Then, you can recover or restore your deleted OST file data by converting backup or archived OST files to EML file format.

Security issue related to Exchange Server: Although Live Exchange Server is not one of the most secure work environments, its benefits entice users to adopt it. If a security breach occurs, the data contained in the mailbox may be jeopardized. You can save a backup of the OST file to restore lost data during a data crisis, which will help you overcome these security dangers and secure your data.

Migration of Data files: If your organization is moving from its email platform from Outlook to Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, Windows Live Mail, DreamMail, etc., then you need to transfer your OST file data to EML file format for accessing your Outlook data into these different email client platform.

Manual Steps to Convert OST to EML file:

Converting OST to EML manually can be challenging, as OST files are meant for offline use in Outlook. However, you can still achieve this conversion using the following steps:

1. Ensure that you have Outlook installed and configured on your computer.
2. Open Outlook and select the OST file you want to convert.
3. Go to the "File" menu and choose "Open & Export" or "File" (depending on your Outlook version). and Select "Import/Export."
4. In the Import and Export Wizard, choose "Export to a file" and click "Next."
5. Choose "Microsoft Exchange" as the export type and click "Next."
6. Select the folder (typically "Inbox" or other mail folders) that you want to convert to EML format and click "Next."
7. Choose a location where you want to save the exported emails as EML files and click "Finish.”
8. Outlook will start exporting the selected folder to individual EML files. The process may take some time, depending on your mailbox size.
9. Once the export is complete, you'll find the EML files in the specified location. Each EML file represents an email message.

Remember that this method is best suited for converting a few emails from an OST file to an EML format. Consider using specialized OST to EML conversion software or third-party tools for larger conversions or batch processing, as manual conversion can be time-consuming for many emails.

Loopholes of the Manual Method of converting OST to EML file format

We've discussed the manual solution to convert OST to EML file format. Before you try the manual solution, let me inform you of its shortcomings/loopholes.

• First and foremost, you cannot convert the OST files which are orphaned or corrupt. If you are a bit techy or have knowledge about OST files, you might know that there is very little chance of converting OST files manually.
• The manual method doesn't allow the process of multiple OST files simultaneously.
• There is a risk of data alteration or losing the hierarchy of the OST files data, due to which many professionals need help with the manual solution.
• The manual method process is too complex and slow, and you cannot use it in hurried cases.

Use Professional tool to convert OST to EML file

You can use Regain OST to PST converter software, which is the preferred choice of professionals. This is one of the best tools that helps you convert bulky files in one go to EML and other file formats. This OST to PST converter is designed with an advanced algorithm and an easy user interface. This is developed with a user-friendly graphical user interface, making the working of a product easy for users. Sometimes, a user is not aware of where his OST files are located, so to reach your OST files:

In Windows Higher Version, including Windows 10:
Windows Drive> C:\User Name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

In Windows 7 and Below Version of MS Operating System:
Windows Drive> C:\Documents and Settings\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Steps to convert OST to EML file using Regain OST Converter tool:

1. Install and Run the application on windows operating system.
2. Click on Add file/Add folder and select the files for converting.
   
3. After adding the file click on ‘Start Scan’.
4. After clicking on start scan you can take detailed Preview of the added files.
   
5. Next in ‘Save destination path’ add Location where the files are to be saved.
   
6. Next from saving option select ‘save to EML’.
7. Click Convert, your files will be converted to EML file format in few moments.
8. Note: If you want to migrate your OST file to Office 365/ live exchange server click on Office 365 option from above tab after that select any of the two and add your ID and password and click convert.
   

Prominent Features of Regain OST Converter:

• It converts OST files into EML file format in a few seconds.
• The software does not impose any limitation on the conversion of the size of OST files.
• It converts the complete mailbox, emails, calendar events, notes, drafts, etc.
• Repair Corrupt OST file before converting OST to EML format.
• The software maintains the hierarchy of the data.
• Multiple saving formats- PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, MBOX, vCard, HTML, ICS.
• The software is capable of converting OST files into Office 365 platform and Live Exchange Server.
• Designed with an easy and graphical user interface.
• A preview of the converted files can also be seen to verify before conversion.
• Supports Microsoft Outlook 2019,2013,2010,2007,2003,2002
• Download the trial version and save 30 files free of cost.

Final Conclusion:

In this blog, we discuss the OST and EML file formats, their purpose, and ways to convert OST to EML and vice versa. There can be many reasons for exporting the files, such as a paid application, the requirement for small use, complex UI, Issues with Format, etc. You can use one of the best tools, i.e., Regain OST to PST converter, which will give you the desired result at the perfect time. If you have any doubt regarding the tool's functioning or any other, you can use the tool's free version and save 30 emails per folder. It is recommended to use the free version before making any decision regarding the software purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What are the limitations of the manual OST to EML conversion method?

Ans. The manual method cannot handle orphaned or corrupt OST files, does not support batch processing, risks data alteration, and can be complex and time-consuming for large conversions.

Q 2. Why choose an automated solution like the Regain OST to PST converter?

Ans. Automated solutions like Regain OST to PST converter simplify the conversion process, support large files, maintain data hierarchy, and offer an easy-to-use interface. They are ideal for efficient and error-free OST to EML conversions.

Q 3. Is a free trial version of the Regain OST to PST converter available?

Ans. Yes, users can download a free trial version of the Regain OST to PST converter to test its functionality and convert up to 30 files for free before making a purchase decision.

Q 4. Which email clients are compatible with EML files?

Ans. EML files are compatible with various email clients, including Mozilla Thunderbird, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, The Bat!,DreamMail, Zoho Mail, and more.

Q 5. Can the Regain OST to PST converter convert OST files to other formats besides EML?

Ans. Yes, the software supports multiple saving formats, including PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, MBOX, vCard, HTML, and ICS, in addition to EML.

Q 6. Does the Regain OST to PST converter work with different versions of Microsoft Outlook?

Ans. Yes, the software is compatible with various versions of Microsoft Outlook, including Outlook 2019, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, and 2002.

Q 7. How should I proceed if I doubt the software's functionality?

Ans. It is recommended to use the free trial version of the Regain OST to PST converter to evaluate its performance and capabilities before deciding on a software purchase.