How to Convert PST to EML - A Complete Guide

Emails are part of our day-to-day lives. Used as a medium for communication, organizing, and managing them could be quite a task, especially when dealing with different file formats. For instance, if you've been using Microsoft Outlook (that uses PST files) and now intend to switch to another email client that uses EML files, this could get a bit tricky.

In this post, we are committed to helping you understand how to convert PST to EML. We will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to facilitate this conversion process. Along with this, we will introduce you to a robust software tool, SysCurve PST to EML Converter that can simplify the task.

Understanding PST and EML files

PST and EML are file formats associated with emails. PST, used by Microsoft Outlook, stores your emails, calendar events, and other such data on your computer. It is convenient for backup or moving data from one computer to another.

On the other hand, EML files act as containers for individual email messages. It stores the subject, sender, date, and attachments associated with the email. EML files are supported by numerous email clients, such as MS Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, and Thunderbird.

Why Convert PST to EML?

In the world of email clients, the formats in which emails are stored and accessed can vary greatly. Two commonly encountered formats are PST, which is specific to Microsoft Outlook, and EML, which is compatible with multiple email clients. Converting from PST to EML can open up a new realm of possibilities in terms of email access, data migration, backup solutions, and more. Here are the primary reasons why such a conversion can be beneficial:

Compatibility across Multiple Platforms: EML is a widely accepted file format that can be opened with numerous email clients, including Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail, etc. This contrasts with the Outlook-specific PST format, and so converting PST to EML can be essential if you want to migrate your email data to a different platform or share it with someone who doesn't use Outlook.

Independent Accessibility: EML files represent individual email messages and can be opened directly without the need for an email client. This accessibility isn't possible with PST files, making EML a more convenient option if you want to read or access individual emails from a PST file.

Easier Backup and Data Transfer: EML files store individual emails, which simplifies the process of transferring or backing up specific email data. In contrast, PST files typically contain an entire mailbox, which can make them bulkier and less convenient for backing up or transferring specific emails.

Increased Data Security: EML files are less prone to corruption compared to PST files because they are simpler in structure. Converting PST to EML can therefore help increase the safety of your data.

EML is Easy to Import: EML files can be easily imported into any other mail client that supports the EML format, giving you more flexibility. In contrast, importing PST files to another mail client can be a complicated process.

In sum, converting PST to EML format can offer numerous benefits, from improved accessibility and compatibility, to simpler data transfer and increased security. Depending on your needs, this conversion might be a game-changer.

How to Convert PST to EML?

There are two ways to convert PST to EML: manually or by using a software tool. The manual method can be quite complex and lengthy. Alternatively, SysCurve PST to EML converter simplifies the process, saving time and effort.

Method 1: Convert PST to EML Using Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird

In this method, we'll be using Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird to convert PST files to EML format. This process involves importing the PST file into Thunderbird first and then exporting the emails to EML files. This manual method requires both Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird installed on your computer.

Step 1: Import PST to Thunderbird

1. In your Windows machine, go to the Settings and select the Default Program option
2. Click on the Email and select MS Outlook (Desktop) from the Choose an app list
3. Open Thunderbird and click on the Thunderbird menu icon
4. Select Tools and choose the Import option
5. Select Import Everything or choose the Mail option as per your requirement and click on the Next button
6. From the select the type of file, select Outlook and click on the Next button
7. Click on the Finish button to complete the process.

Step 2: Export EML from Thunderbird

1. After importing PST file data, select emails you want to convert and export. To select all emails, press Ctrl+A
2. Right-click on the selected emails and select Save as an option
3. Select the folder where you want to store the EML files and click on the Select Folder button
4. After the process, go to the folder, and you will find all EML files there.

Method 2: Convert PST to EML Using Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail

In this method, we'll be using Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail to convert PST files to EML. This process involves exporting the PST file to Microsoft Exchange Server from Outlook, then importing that file to Windows Live Mail, and finally saving the emails as EML files. This manual method requires both Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail installed on your computer.

Step 1: Export to Microsoft Exchange Server

1. Launch Outlook, and click on File -> Open -> Import.
2. The Import and Export Wizard will open. Here, select Export to a file, and click the Next button.
3. Choose Microsoft Exchange, and click the Next button.
4. Select the folder to export from, and choose a location to save the exported file.
5. Click the Finish button to complete the export.

Step 2: Import to Windows Live Mail

1. Open Windows Live Mail and click on File -> Import -> Messages.
2. Select Microsoft Exchange as the format, and then click the Next button.
3. Navigate to the location of the exported file from Outlook, and click Next to import.
4. Once the import is complete, right-click on the email and select Save As to save the email in EML format.

These manual methods are long and require technical expertise. In some version these methods not work properly. In such case, you can use third-party PST to EML Converter tool.

Convert PST to EML using PST to EML Converter

A less complicated method is to use a tool like SysCurve PST File Converter. This software allows you to quickly convert PST to EML. Moreover, it can handle other file formats like MSG, HTML, and RTF.

1. Download and install the SysCurve PST to EML Converter
2. Open the tool and click on the Add file option.
3. Select PST you want to convert and click on the OK button to start the loading process.
4. Once the loading process is complete, the software will generate preview mode inside the software window. You can select any message to see the message.
5. Click on the Export option and select folders you want to convert.
6. Select EML as an Export option and provide a path to save the output EML files
7. Click on the Export button to start the PST to EML conversion.
8. Once the process is complete, click on the Finish button.

Other helpful features

• Convert PST to EML, MBOX, EMLX, MSG, HTML, RTF, and other file formats.
• Preview PST file data inside the software
• Maintain original folder structure.
• Process unlimited PST files.
• Migrate PST to Office 365 and Live Exchange Server.
• No limit for PST file size
• Perform selective conversion based on date, to, cc, subject, from, etc.
• Free PST to EML conversion for the first 20 items from each folder
• Support all versions of MS Outlook, including Outlook 2019.
• Compatible with all editions of Windows OS.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Word

Transitioning between different email clients and file formats can often be a challenging task. However, with the right tools and guidance, you can easily convert PST to EML format. Whether you decide to employ manual methods using Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird or Windows Live Mail, or utilize the simplified, efficient solution offered by SysCurve PST to EML Converter, the choice lies in your hands.

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