In Mac OS, all mailbox data in Outlook is kept in OLM files, which are not compatible with Outlook for Windows. To transfer Outlook Mac emails to Windows, you need to convert OLM file to PST file, which is recognized by Microsoft’s Outlook Windows version. But what methods are utilized to change OLM to PST? A myriad of avenues exist, all the way from a self-made export to the intervention of external applications. Nevertheless, the OLM to PST conversion presents itself as a complicated, tedious, manual process, which is shrouded in a certain level of technological prowess. Indifferent to the process, users encounter roadblocks with the sign-in procedure, such as data inconsistencies, corruption, loss, and, in the most extreme cases, complete erasure. It is no wonder, then, that a plethora of users have chosen advanced OLM to PST converters, as they are effective OLM to PST conversion software that facilitates the process without erasing data. In this piece, we will discuss how to convert OLM files to PST format manually and professionally.
Why Is It Necessary to Export OLM to PST for Outlook?
The reason MS Outlook for Windows cannot open OLM files directly is that Mac OLM files cannot be used with Outlook on a Windows PC, and OLM files can be used on Windows after being converted and imported to the PST format, which Outlook for Windows uses. The following scenarios demonstrate the growing need for OLM to PST conversion:
- A user relocating from Windows to Mac must convert OLM to PST to ensure no critical information in OLM files is lost.
- For users who need to access their Outlook files on a Windows device, OLM to PST conversion is mandatory.
- As a first step, we will outline the manual method and, after that, we will introduce the more advanced approach of using an online OLM to PST converter.
What Are the Manual Steps to Convert OLM File to PST?
Users can manually convert OLM file to PST by following these four simple steps. Make sure to complete each step carefully for a successful conversion.
Step 1: Set Up an IMAP Account
- Access your Gmail and sign in.
- Select Settings.
- Click the “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” tab.
- Activate IMAP, and remember to save.
Step 2: Add the IMAP Account to Mac Outlook
- Go to Mac Outlook. Click on Tools > Accounts.
- Using the Gmail user name and password, sign in to your new account.
- Fill in the configuration. IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com (use SSL) and SMTP port: 465.
- Select Add Account to complete the setup.
Step 3:Move Mac Outlook Emails to IMAP Folder
- From Mac Outlook, highlight the messages and/or folders you wish to transfer.
- Right-click and select “Move” or “Copy to folder.”
- Select as the destination folder an IMAP folder.
- Click on the Send/Receive button to sync the folder.
- The OLM emails in your system are now uploaded to the IMAP account.
Step 4: Windows Outlook configuration for the same IMAP account
- Go to the Control Panel, and then to the Mail app, and Email Accounts . Add new account.
- Select “Manual setup” and IMAP/POP.
- Fill in the Gmail IMAP and server information.
- Go to More Settings > Advanced, and set IMAP port to 993 (SSL enabled) and port 465 for SMTP (SSL enabled).
Drawbacks of Manual Conversion
- This process is ridiculously long, as this is the most time-consuming method.
- Necessitates sophisticated expertise to avert the errors.
- Possibility that careless human actions will result in the loss or alteration of information.
How to Convert OLM file to PST Using an Automated Converter
The SysInfo OLM to PST Converter automates and simplifies processes that previously required manual effort. Such processes often led to complications, including data loss, and were fraught with other restrictions and limitations. With the utmost diligence, SysInfo crafts OLM converter tools that function flawlessly for both Mac and Windows Operating systems. SysInfo OLM to PST Converter lets users carry out bulk exports of OLM files to PST, EML, MBOX, OST, PDF, HTML, CSV, PNG, and DOC formats with ease. Migrations can be conducted directly to Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Office 365, Yandex Mail, and other associated email platforms. The software operates with absolutely no file size limitations and is incredibly user-friendly. This, including features such as a date filter, allows users to locate and isolate specific emails with unparalleled ease. The free demo version lets users convert 50 emails at no charge, as well as many other mailbox items, including contacts, calendars, and attachments.
Final Words
To summarize, the conversion of OLM files to PST is necessary to use the accessibility features of Outlook for Mac on Windows systems. The manual methods, despite all of their pros, prove to be complex and fraught with the potential of losing data. Even worse, manual methods are far more time-consuming. Using the SysInfo OLM to PST Converter provides a secure, fast, and easy solution to convert OLM file to PST, supporting multiple formats and ensuring complete data safety. Data conversion of this level of complexity can be achieved with incredible ease.