How to Convert PST to EML with 100% Accuracy? Best Methods
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Summary: You can convert PST to EML files using manual & professional methods. Manual method is suitable when you are converting small numbers of PST files, it is time-consuming & requires additional software installation. That’s why we are introducing a professional utility to change PST to EML files. It saves your time by batch converting PST files without requiring Outlook.
Are you wondering how to change your PST files into EML format on your Mac, Windows or Linux machine? Well, first, you need to know that PST file is a proprietary file format developed by Microsoft. It is impossible to access the PST files without the help of Outlook or some other program that can support PST files. Email clients widely use EML format according to RFC 5322 standard. When we say converting PST files into EML files, it is not just changing the file extension but actually transforming the PST file for compatibility.
Most people need to perform the conversion of PST files into EML files for the purpose of transferring their emails from one platform to another and accessing the PST on different operating systems like Mac or Linux or for the purpose of mail forensics and audit. There are three basic methods you can use to perform your conversion:
- Free Legacy Outlook Drag-and-Drop Method
- Thunderbird Bridge Method
- Professional PST to EML Converter
Why Convert PST to EML?
There are some common reasons behind converting PST file to EML:
- Compatibility: PST is mainly created for Outlook, while EML file is supported by many email clients. If you convert PST to EML, it makes easier to read PST files across different software.
- No Risk of Data Loss: PST contains multiple emails in one file, because of this, corruption can affect many emails. EML saves emails separately so, that other emails remain safe if one file is damaged.
- Easy to Share: EML files make it easier to share individual emails or particular conversations with colleagues, clients or other users.
- Cross-Platform: EML files can be opened on various operating systems & computer, making emails easier to access and share.
- Free Email Clients: Some Outlook features need Microsoft 365 subscription, while EML files can be opened with different free email clients. It makes EML file convenient option to choose.
How to Convert PST to EML Manually?
Below, we have explained manual methods to change PST to EML:
Method 1: Drag and Drop in Outlook for Mac
In this way, we will take advantage of the Outlook for Mac’s MIME export capability. One can drag and drop emails from an imported PST mailbox in Legacy Outlook for Mac to convert them to EML format. PST file must first be imported into Legacy Outlook for Mac before proceeding with this method. In case it is not, it can be obtained from the File > Import > Outlook Data File (.pst) option. Please refer to the working steps mentioned as below:
- At the start, run the Legacy Outlook on your Mac device.
- Create a folder on your Mac desktop.
- Now, select all the PST emails.
- Export to EML by dragging and dropping the selected emails.
Method 2: Using Thunderbird Bridge on Windows
You can convert PST files into EML format for free on Windows by importing Outlook data into Thunderbird through Outlook’s installed MAPI interface and then exporting the emails using the ImportExportTools NG add-on. However, just make sure that you have the right version of both Thunderbird and Outlook based on whether they are 64-bit or 32-bit before you begin following the next steps.
#1: Integrating PST to Thunderbird with MS Outlook
- Launch the Thunderbird email client. Once there, click the Tools tab.
- Click on the Import option from the list.
- Select Import from Outlook, and click Continue.
- Select the Mail Messages option in the Items section. and click Continue.
- When done, hit the Start Import button.
#2: Change PST to EML using ImportExportTools NG plug-in
- Open the Thunderbird email client and perform a right-click on the folder.
- Then select ImportExportTools NG > Export All Messages in Folder > EML Message Format.
- Now choose where you would like to save your output files on your computer.
- Finally, navigate to the appropriate folder and see all the files in EML format.
One thing to note here is that improper Outlook configuration or restricted MAPI integration may cause this method to fail.
Is there any Limitations of Using Manual Methods?
Yes, there are some limitations of using manual methods, because it is time-consuming, need multiple steps to do, may require some manual selection of emails & folder. Here are the limitations if you convert PST to EML with manual method.
- Additional Software Needed: It requires additional application like Outlook or Thunderbird to change PST to EML.
- Pre-Import Required: PST files must be imported before you are converting it to EML files.
- Multiple Steps: You have to do multiple steps to convert PST file to EML.
- Time-consuming: Manual methods take a lot of time if you are converting large mailboxes.
- Difficult to Handle: It becomes difficult to manage if you need to handle thousands of emails.
Convert PST to EML in Bulk Using Professional Utility
If you are searching for a solution that doesn’t rely on Outlook and which can batch-convert PST to EML files, systematically preserving attachments, metadata and digital fingerprints, you should try the free version of the BitRecover PST Converter Wizard that can convert orphaned and damaged PST files to EML format. The program employs a bit-by-bit mapping process which contributes to total accuracy when converting data in bulk.
How to Batch Convert PST to EML in Simple Steps?
Below is easy step-by-step guide to change PST to EML:
- Firstly, install and run the PST to EML converter tool.
- Next, click on the Select Files or Select Folders option to add PST files.
- Now, for selective PST to EML conversion, select the PST folders from the folder tree.
- After that, choose the saving option as EML from the drop-down menu list.
- Thereafter, choose the destination path and output EML file name. You may choose auto file naming based on Date, From, To, and Subject combinations.
- Finally, click on the convert button to start PST to EML conversion process.
Notable Benefits of Professional PST to EML Converter Utility
Below are some benefits of professional PST to EML Conversion Tool:
- Bulk Conversion Supported: The software allows users to convert unlimited data files in bulk at one time without any file size limitations. So, you can save your time and effort.
- Preserve Original Formatting: The tool guarantees to retain complete metadata integrity during conversion. The tool preserves email properties such as To, From, Cc, Bcc, Subject, Date, Time, Attachments, and other metadata throughout the conversion process.
- Standalone Utility: You can run this software without installing third-party tools or Microsoft Outlook.
- Recovers Corrupted Files: PST to EML Converter can convert and recover corrupted PST files and export them to EML format. The software utilizes the B-tree node reconstruction method to fix damaged Outlook data files.
- All Outlook PST Compatibility: The PST to EML converter supports PST files of all Microsoft Outlook versions. In short, users can convert both ANSI and Unicode PST files to EML format using this professional utility.
- Advanced File Naming Option: The PST to EML conversion tool offers a file naming option to manage the converted EML file in a better way. These file naming options are based on date, time, from, to, cc, subject, etc. combinations for easy management.
- Trial Version: PST to EML Converter provides trial version in which users can convert emails from PST files to available formats. It helps you to understand the structure of software.
- Multiple Saving Options: This utility is also capable of converting PST to PDF, MBOX, EMLX, HTML, and several other standard file formats.
FAQs
Q1: Can I change PST to EML without having Outlook?
A: Yes, The software works without Microsoft Outlook.
Q2: Is it true that email attachments and other metadata will be preserved?
A: Yes, everything including attachments, folder structure, and header information will be the same.
Q3: Is it possible to convert more than one PST file in a single go?
A: Yes, batch processing of one or more files/folders is allowed in the software.
Q4: What is the difference between PST and EML files?
A: Here some difference between PST & EML files:
- PST stores emails & other Outlook data while EML usually stores one email.
- Microsoft Outlook mainly creates PST files, while many email clients supports EML files.
- EML is suitable for individual email storage but PST is suitable for complete mailbox storage.
Q5: Can I open a .PST file without Outlook?
A: Yes. With BitRecover you can open PST file without Outlook. You don’t have to install Outlook.
Concluding Words
Moving PST files from Outlook to the EML format helps the users manage their data. Manual techniques like drag-and-drop and the use of the Thunderbird Bridge work well when it comes to small PST files, but not for larger PST files. Dedicated software when it comes to PST-to-EML conversion provides a secure and scalable solution necessary for this type of task.
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