Proven Guide to Import OST to Windows Live Mail

A user purchased a new computer but soon discovered that Outlook was not installed. He wants to access some important old emails stored in an OST file. Now, on his new computer, he decides to import OST to Windows Live Mail to easily access the old data without downloading Microsoft Outlook. But, how can he do it efficiently? To make this conversion happen, there are both manual approaches and a proven way to use the Cigati OST to PST Converter. Continue reading this blog until the end to explore the various solutions to import OST to WLM.

OST stands for Offline Storage Table. It refers to a file format used by Outlook that locally stores the mailbox data. Windows Live Mail is a free desktop email service that primarily manages emails, calendars, and contacts. An archived OST file has to be imported into Windows Live Mail to access Outlook emails.

Need to Import OST File to Windows Live Mail

The major reason for converting the OST File into WLM is during an Outlook crash or failure. The Outlook will ot work, but if the OST File is intact, then we can import it to WLM to access the data. Given below are some advantages that explain why this import process is needed: 

• During failure or a crash, the user might not be able to access Outlook, but the OST files remain intact. Therefore, to access the data stored in the OST file, the user has to import it into WLM.
• When organizations decide to switch from Outlook to Windows Live Mail, they have to retrieve the old Outlook emails. For that, they need to import the OST file into WLM to read the OST file. 
• OST files are specific to Outlook. Whereas Windows Live Mail uses EML files, which are flexible, easy to share, and open. 

How to Import OST Files into Windows Live Mail – Top 3 Solutions

There are two primary ways to perform OST to Windows Live Mail conversion. Both the manual method and the automated method work perfectly, but differ in time and effort. However, for a faster, more efficient, and error-free transfer process, opt for a professional automated tool. Let’s understand the manual ways first.

Import OST to WLM Using MS Outlook 

As we know, Windows Live Mail does not directly open the OST file. Therefore, we first have to convert the OST file to PST and then import the PST file into WLM. This method is suitable for importing only a few emails into WLM.

Given below is a step-by-step procedure to import OST to WLM:

Step 1: Convert OST to PST

1. Open MS Outlook.
2. Go to File > Import/Export > Export to a file > Next.
3. Now, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
4. Select the folder that you want to convert and click Next to continue.
5. Choose the location to save your PST file and click on Finish.

Step 2: Import the PST File into Windows Live Mail

1. Open Windows Live Mail on your PC.
2. Navigate to File > Import Messages > Microsoft Outlook.
3. Select the PST File that you created in Step 1 and click Next to continue.
4. You will be asked to select the folders that you want to import. Then, click Next.
5. Press Finish. 

Limitations: Some of the data might not get transferred properly, such as contacts and calendar entries. Also, it might not maintain the original structure and formatting.

Convert OST to Windows Live Mail Using IMAP

This method preserves the formatting and the attachments. The folder structure is also maintained properly during the process. One of the best features is that it works even if your OST file is orphaned.

Following is a step-by-step guide to begin the process:

Step 1: Add Gmail to Microsoft Outlook

1. Open Gmail and log in with your Gmail account credentials.
2. Go to Settings > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP. 
3. Enable IMAP Access and click on Save Changes.
4. Now, open MS Outlook.
5. Navigate to File > Account Settings > Add Account.
6. Choose IMAP and enter the server details:

Incoming Mail Server	Outgoing Mail server
imap.gmail.com	smtp.gmail.com
Port: 993	Port: 587
SSL Enabled	TLS Enabled

7. Sign in with your Gmail account credentials.

Step 2: Import OST File to Windows Live Mail

1. Open Outlook.
2. Drag and drop the emails from the OST inbox to the Gmail inbox/folder.
3. Now, open Windows Live Mail.
4. Navigate to Accounts > Add Email Account and fill in your Gmail Email ID and password.
5. Follow the same Step 1 (6).

Limitations: This method will take a lot of time importing large mailboxes. Moreover, the contacts and calendars won’t get transferred. 

Automated Way to Import OST to Windows Live Mail Directly

The OST to PST Converter Tool is a reliable and efficient utility that simplifies converting your OST file. It accurately extracts the emails, attachments, and contacts with no data loss. The user can preview the data before saving it, remove duplicate emails, and select specific folders. This tool holds the flexibility to handle large OST files without affecting the performance. 

Quick step-by-step procedure to import OST File to Windows Live Mail:

1. Download and install the tool.
2. Choose either Single File/ Multiple File or Select Folder and click on Next.
3. Locate the OST File that you want to import and open it to add it.
4. Expand the tree structure. Select the folders, preview them, and click on Next to continue.
5. Now, under the Saves/Backup/Migrate As tab, choose EML as the File Format. 
6. Choose the optional features if required and select the path to save your file.
7. At last, click on the Convert button to start the process.

Conclusion

Importing OST files to Windows Live Mail is necessary for users switching to Windows Live Mail. Manual import methods like IMAP and using Outlook work well, but they require complicated technical steps. On the other hand, the OST to PST Converter Tool offers an automated, reliable, and error-free method. This tool is often recommended by experts and business professionals to import OST to Windows Live Mail. Choose the most suitable method that best fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – How do I import old emails stored in a PST File into Windows Live Mail?

Ans – Open Windows Live Mail. Click on File > Import Messages > Microsoft Outlook. Now, choose the desired folder that you want to import and click Next > Finish.

Q – How can I import an .ost file to WLM?

Ans –  There are various manual as well as automated methods:

• Using Outlook
• Configuring IMAP in Gmail 
• With the help of an automated Cigati OST to PST Converter Tool.

You May Also Read: Import Outlook OST to Office 365

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