Convert Multiple EML Files to a Single PST File — Here's How

Maintaining a huge number of EML files could be really tough and frustrating – particularly when you have to integrate all those EML files into the Outlook application. If you have to transfer emails from Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail, or any other email clients that use EML file format. Then your ultimate aim will be to convert multiple EML files into a single PST file that can be imported into Outlook easily.

But the problem is converting each EML file into a PST file individually is quite impractical and unrealistic. You may find it tough and difficult to perform such an operation manually for thousands of emails.

Through this guide, you will get all the information that you need regarding the process of combining multiple EML files into a single PST file.

Understanding the Both Formats: EML and PST

Before proceeding to conversions, it is essential to understand these two formats and grasp the reasoning behind this conversion.

EML (Electronic Mail)

EML files contain one complete email message in text format. An EML file contains all aspects related to that particular email, such as the message, sender’s and receiver’s addresses, time and date stamp, attachment, and headers. EML files can be created using many email applications, including Mozilla Thunderbird, Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, and many other email clients.

PST (Personal Storage Table)

PST file is a Microsoft Outlook file format that stores all mailbox information in one file, which includes emails, contact information, appointments, tasks, notes, and folders. The advantages of PST files are as follows:

All mailbox information stored in one file
Easier transportability and backup
Highly integrated with Microsoft Outlook

Due to the fact that all mailbox information is stored in one file in PST, it is much easier to manage and transfer than thousands of EML files.

Why Would You Need to Convert Multiple EML Files to a Single PST?

Here are some practical examples in which such a conversion will be necessary:

Switching From EML based Application to Microsoft Outlook: Whenever there is a need to switch from applications like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Windows Live Mail to Microsoft Outlook. Combining all EML files in one PST will be the most efficient method.

Combining Your Email Archive: After using email clients over years, you might have lots of EML files stored in different folders or on different hard drives. In this case, merging them in one PST is a good idea.

Enhanced Security: When several EML files are converted into one PST file, then it is easier to protect them. Users can use password protection on their PST files, which are in MS Outlook, thus preventing any intrusion.

Enterprise-Level Email Transition: IT experts who manage email migration in enterprises have to work with large amounts of EML files (tens of thousands). In this case, combining them in one PST makes everything easier.

Easy Backup and Storing: It will be much more convenient to store and back up one PST file rather than hundreds or even thousands of EML files.

Manual Approaches for Converting Multiple EML Files to PST Format

While discussing the professional conversion tools available, it is also important to consider the manual techniques used in the past – and their drawbacks.

Approach #1: Dragging and Dropping EML Files into Microsoft Outlook

This is the simplest way. You just need to have Outlook installed on your system and then drag the EML files into a particular Outlook folder.

Steps:

Open Microsoft Outlook and create a folder (example – NewEML files).
Go to the File Explorer and locate the EML files that need to be converted.
Drag the EML files to the created folder (NewEML files) in Outlook.
Then export the folder in PST format using the File > Open & Export > Import/Export options.

Note: With this method the EML file is not open because Outlook shows this message: This file cannot be previewed because there is no previewer installed for it.

Disadvantages:

Only works if Microsoft Outlook is installed on the computer.
Very lengthy process, especially if there are too many EML files.
Does not maintain the original folder structure.
High chances of missing files due to manual error.

Approach #2: With Windows Live Mail as an Intermediary Solution

There are people who use Windows Live Mail as an intermediary solution between EML files and the PST format of Outlook.

Steps:

Import your EML files to Windows Live Mail.
Transfer mailbox data from Windows Live Mail to Outlook.
Then Outlook saves your data in PST format.

Disadvantages:

Windows Live Mail has been discontinued by Microsoft on Windows 11.
The method involves multiple steps and can lead to loss of data due to errors.
The structure of folders can be affected.

Approach #3: Smart Solution – MailsDaddy EML to PST Converter

If you require reliable software that will help you convert multiple EML files into a single PST file, then nothing can beat MailsDaddy EML to PST Converter. This solution from MailsDaddy is specifically designed for users who want to do all that manually, but without any hassle.

MailsDaddy EML to PST Converter Main Features

Support bulk conversion of EML files
Migrate several EML files into a single PST file
Ensures full data integrity preservation
Maintain the original folder structure
Preview email content Before Converting
No need for MS Outlook to be installed
Fast processing speed
Offers a free demo version

Steps:

Download & launch the MailsDaddy EML to PST Converter.
Browse or add the EML files or folder.
Provide a preview of email content before converting.
Click Export and select the files and folder which you want to export.
Select PST as Output option and browse the location where PST file will save.
Click on Export and then OK.
Now open imported files into Outlook.

Conclusion:

Combining several EML files into one PST file is important for managing emails through Microsoft Outlook effectively. However, although there are many manual ways to do this task, these methods prove to be ineffective, especially if a huge amount of data is involved.

The most effective way to use third-party looks like MailsDaddy EML to PST Converter. The tool is especially designed to perform this type of task without any hassle.