How to Convert OLM to PST File Format? – A Complete Solution
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Are you planning to switch Mac to a Windows computer and want to access your Outlook data on the new system? As we know, Outlook for Mac holds data in OLM files and Outlook for Windows uses PST files. Users need to convert OLM to PST before deciding to migrate. In this blog, we’ll discuss the simple and reliable methods to convert OLM files to PST without losing any crucial Outlook data.
OLM file is a custom archive format used by Microsoft Outlook for Mac. It holds mailbox data like emails, calendar, contacts, tasks and notes in a single file. It cannot be directly opened or imported into Outlook for Windows.
PST file is the standard Outlook data file used on Windows. It contains emails, tasks, contacts, calendar and attachments locally. It makes it useful for archiving, backup and migrating Outlook data.
Why Users Convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST
In many situations, users need to convert OLM files to PST file format due to various factors like:
- Users are switching from Mac for Outlook to Windows systems.
- Users may have orphan OLM files in the Windows system which they need to access based on their needs.
- Users with Windows Outlook often receive files in OLM format. In order to read it they need to convert OLM file to PST.
- Users can view emails, calendar, contacts, tasks and other mailbox items in Outlook for Windows
Method-1: Quickest Way to Convert OLM to PST
Users looking for simple and reliable way to convert OLM file to PST can go for BitRecover OLM Converter to export their OLM files including other data like contacts and calendars to PST format with ease. The software offers more than 14 saving format options, and users can convert OLM files to EML, HTML, MBOX, etc. You simply need to click on the download button and run a few steps to convert OLM to PST file.
Users can also use the free trial version of the software includes emails, tasks, calendars, contacts and more to convert OLM file to PST. If satisfied with the tool, they can purchase the utility to unlock more advanced features.
Trial Version: Download the free demo version and explore the advanced features of the application. It will offer to convert the first 25 items from each folder. You can purchase the full version of the software to bulk export Outlook for Mac OLM files to PST and other formats supported by the application.
Full Version: Migrate all the Mac Outlook Mailbox from OLM to PST format.
How to Convert OLM to PST File.
- Firstly, download and launch the OLM to PST converter tool on your P.C.
- Next, you can either Select Files or Select Folders to convert OLM to PST format.
- Then, select the folder having OLM files and click the Open button.
- Now, select the PST saving format from the list of options and press the Next button.
- Finally, choose the desired destination path and click the Convert button to export OLM to PST.
Exclusive Features of OLM to PST Converter Software
Following your understanding of the tool, let’s discuss one of the most advanced features of the software.
- Supports All Outlook Version: The OLM file to PST Converter tool supports all versions of MS Outlook. It is compatible with Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016, and below versions.
- Operates Independently: The software is an independent utility and doesn’t need any third-party installation in order to convert OLM file to PST file format.
- Support Different Formats: The versatile tool offers more than 14 popular export options besides PST. So, if required users can convert OLM files to PDF, EML, HTML, etc.
- Convert Selective Items: The utility helps you select specific email data like selective emails, or contacts or calendars as per user’s requirement which prevents unnecessary conversion, saving user’s time, effort and storage space.
- Complete Data Preservation with Attachments: The software keeps all the components of an OLM file, like emails, contacts, attachments, calendars, notes and tasks, in its original form during the conversion process. It preserves all types of attachments like images, PDFs, documents or Excel sheets
- Bulk Conversion: Using this software, users can load multiple OLM files at the same time. It eliminates the need to convert files one by one. This saves time when handling large volumes of data.
- Corrupted File Recovery and Conversion: The software has capability to manage corrupted, damaged, or completely inaccessible OLM files. It scans damaged archives, extracts every readable lost email data item and converts them to PST format.
Method-2: Convert Mac Outlook to PST Manually
Under this method, we will use a Gmail account to export Mac OLM to PST file format. Follow the below steps to facilitate the conversion process.
Note: Since Google doesn’t support less secure apps service anymore, users need to enable IMAP access and generate app password to prevent authentication errors.
Part-1: Configure Gmail into Mac Outlook
Important Note: Create a New folder in Gmail account.
- Firstly, open Mac Outlook and go to the Tool bar.
- Next, choose Accounts >> Email, enter the Gmail credentials and hit the Add button.
- Now, your Gmail is successfully added to Outlook for Mac.
Part-2: Move Mac Outlook Emails to Gmail
- Firstly, drag the desired emails from the Mac Outlook account.
- Then, drop the emails to the newly created folder in your Gmail account in Outlook for Mac.
- Now, the emails will automatically be synced.
Part-3: Set Up Gmail Account in Windows Outlook
- Firstly, open Microsoft Outlook for Windows on your system.
- Next, click on the File >> Account Settings >> Account >> Email tab >> New option.
- Now, select the “Manual setup or additional server types” option and hit the Next button.
- Then, choose POP or IMAP to set up your accounts and click the Next button.
- Lastly, enter your Gmail account login credentials like email address and app password to proceed further.
Part-4: Move Gmail Data to Windows Outlook Account
- Now, that your Gmail account is configured into Microsoft Outlook, you can drag your emails from your Gmail account.
- Then, drop the emails to the new folder in the Outlook account to convert OLM to PST.
Part-5: Convert OLM File to PST Format
- Open Windows Outlook email client on your PC.
- Next, choose the File >> Open & Export >> Import Export option.
- Now, select the Export to File and click the Next button.
- Then, select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option from the list.
- Next, select the desired location to save the converted files.
- Select OLM data you want to export and click Next.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the process of converting OLM to PST.
Limitations of Manual Method
- The manual method requires dependency across two email clients- Outlook for Mac and Windows Outlook and also involves multiple steps, making the process lengthy and complex.
- It is highly risky for users with large amounts of data as drag and drop of emails can be a risky and time-consuming task.
- The manual method doesn’t offer batch conversion, for which users need to manually convert large mailboxes one by one.
- Another significant drawback of manual approach is that it doesn’t support the conversion of calendars, contacts, tasks, notes. Only emails can be exported using the manual steps.
- It doesn’t guarantee to preserve the data integrity and folder hierarchy of emails as original. It can disturb the elements during the conversion process.
- Using the manual method, users cannot export selective data based on their requirement like just the calendar or the contacts from OLM to PST and may end up converting unnecessary data.
- Users need high technical knowledge and practice in the data migration area to convert OLM to PST manually, as it involves complex steps like configuration of accounts and drag and drop manually.
Frequently Asked Questions by Client
Q: How can I convert OLM to PST files?
A: Simply follow these easy steps to Convert OLM files into PST file format.
- Run OLM to PST Converter tool
- Browse the OLM files for exporting in PST format
- Check specific OLM folders and PST as saving format
- Select the destination path and hit on the Convert button
Q: Does the tool export Outlook OLM file to PST including attachments?
A: Yes, our expert team has developed this utility to convert OLM file to PST in such a way that it creates a separate folder for storing the email attachments during the conversion procedure.
Q: Can I move multiple OLM file messages to PST format at once?
A: Yes, the OLM to PST Converter application provides a dual-mode conversion option. With the help of this utility, you can add a folder to transfer numerous email items in Outlook PST at once.
Q: What software can I use to convert OLM files to PST files?
A: To convert OLM files to PST files smoothly users can use dedicated software like OLM to PST Converter.
Q: What is the difference between PST and OLM files in Outlook?
A: An OLM file is used by Outlook for Mac users to hold local data whereas a PST file is used by Outlook for Windows users for the same purpose.
Final Thoughts
In the following article, we provided a comprehensive solution for our users who are looking to convert OLM to PST format without facing any issues. Although the manual method is free of cost it comes with several limitations and risk of data loss and corruption. The OLM to PST converter tool is a seamless solution to export Mac OLM files to Outlook PST format in bulk with complete data quickly and efficiently.
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