How to Export OST Emails to EML Format (Full Guide)

Summary: Outlook keeps the OST file format offline on your system,, whereas EML files are the text version of emails that a user can save on their PC. But owing to some instances, customers like to convert OST to EML format; hence, this post will help you in this conversion. OST to EML is a tool that allows you to convert your files to EML format in a secure and straightforward conversion process.

The Offline Storage Table, or OST, is a file type used by Microsoft Outlook to save the user’s information in an offline location. It keeps email, tasks, contacts, notes, and calendar in OST files. It makes sure that the users are able to access all the info even if there is no internet connectivity. An EML file, however, is an electronic message that comprises a single email message together with its other components like message, date, subject, receiver/sender details, and attachments. It is utilized by numerous email programs, including MS Outlook, Thunderbird, Zoho Mail, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail etc.

Reasons to Convert OST File to EML Format

Some of the reasons why users need to convert OST to EML format are as follows:

• System crash: Any virus attacks in the MS Exchange server can be the main reason for a system crash. Things can run out of hand, and it can lead to several errors in Outlook.
• Backup requirements: In the event of a system failure or inadvertent deletion, users can employ numerous methods to backup OST files in EML format.
• Data sharing: You cannot easily exchange OST files with other users. An EML file makes the transfer easier and faster, and furthermore, it assures smooth communication.
• Changing platforms: As we noted before, the EML format is supported on many platforms; however, the OST format is only supported with Outlook. So, if you want to switch to a different email client, you have to convert.

After discussing the causes, let’s move on to the approaches to convert OST to EML format.

How to Convert an OST File to EML Format?

There are two conditions to perform the procedure to convert OST to EML format: either the OST file is connected with the Exchange Server or the OST file is not connected with the Exchange Server. Go over the examples below and follow the steps carefully. 

1. Connected OST file of Exchange Server

If the OST file is associated with the Exchange server, then you can convert the OST to an EML file manually. However, there are some requirements that you need to remember before conversion.

Requirements:

• The user should have an IMAP Gmail account configured in MS Outlook.
• Supported EML format for Windows Live Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, Zoho Mail, etc. email clients.

Steps to Convert OST file to EML Manually

Before you proceed, ensure that you have met all the prerequisites indicated above. Now, follow this process to save the OST file to EML when it is linked with the Exchange Server:

Stage 1. Transfer OST file to Gmail:

First of all, you just need to transfer the appropriate OST file to the selected Gmail inbox. This may be done with a simple drag and drop.

Step 2. Set up the same account in Thunderbird:

Now you need to set up the same Gmail account for Thunderbird, which supports the EML format. Once you finish the setting, you will find the OST file contents in Thunderbird. By which you can access OST files in Thunderbird. Follow these steps to set up your IMAP account in Thunderbird:

• Start Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer and click on the three horizontal lines.
• Now head on to Account Settings.
• Select Add Mail Account in Account Settings.
• Enter all the essential information in the Account Setup window and click on Configure manually.
• Now, enter outgoing and incoming server details and click on the retest option.
• Now go ahead and click Done and then click Finish to conclude the process.

3. Export EML file from Thunderbird:

The user can again drag the OST emails and drop them anyplace on your system. It will automatically save the EML data on the designated location. How to Convert OST to EML via Thunderbird: Follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Select the emails that you wish to convert to EML format by pressing CTRL+A.
• Now, right-click on the selected emails and choose the Save As option.
• In the save as wizard, select the EML format.
• Now go to the folder where you want to save the file.
• Now hit Save to finish the process.

Limitations of manual methods

Here are some reasons to avoid using manual techniques to convert OST to EML, MSG, or any other format:

• Manual procedures are difficult and error-prone.
• Requires significant technical expertise.
• Long and time-consuming process.
• This utility cannot be used to save numerous OST files to EML format.
• It only works if you are linked to a Microsoft Exchange server.

2. When OST file is not associated with Exchange Server

When the OST file is unplugged from the Exchange server, there is no manual solution to save in EML format. In such cases, it is recommended to go for a professional OST to EML converter tool. GainTools OST to EML converter software is developed to recover, convert, and save any OST file into many file formats like EML, PST, MSG, MBOX, etc. Here are some of the characteristics of this tool that can be used for numerous reasons too:

• It may be used to convert single as well as numerous OST files, with the integrity of the data being maintained.
• It can selectively convert OST to EML files.
• This software is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Outlook and Windows OS.

How to Save OST File to EML Format Using Automatic Tool

OST to EML Converter is a simple tool that helps you save your OST files to EML format. You can follow the below-described steps:

1. To begin with, click on the Browse option to select the OST file you wish to save in EML format.
2. On selecting the file, you can read the content before storing it in EML format. Click on the email, then click Save as EML.
3. Selectively specify your OST data using the given filter options. Now, choose where you want to save the EML file and click Finish to complete the process.

Conclusion

OST and EML file formats are quite different, and the transferring process is complex. The procedures differ depending on whether OST is connected with the Exchange Server or not connected. We have supplied the remedies for both cases. But for a hassle-free conversion, utilize the recommended tool.