How to Migrate Old EML Emails Into Outlook for Evidence?

Introduction: When dealing with old EML files, it is important to keep the content accurate. Many legal professionals prefer to migrate old EML emails into Outlook for evidence, as the EML format is not suitable for legal work. In this brief and informative guide, we will be learning how to migrate old EML emails into Outlook for evidence.

What are EML Files and Why Are They Preferred for Evidence?

Firstly, an EML file is a single email message that contains the content of the email, attachments, links, and everything in the email message. In short, when you transfer or save any email message from any source like Outlook, Gmail, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc, you get that particular email file in the EML format. The same way you get the PST file when you export or save your files from MS Outlook.

EML files are used for evidence as they are a raw and untouched file format, and keep the original form as it is. Also, it is easy to share, preserves data elements, and is compatible with multiple digital softwares. 

What Makes Old EML Files Difficult to Migrate?

• The Outlook does not support or give an option to directly import EML files, which makes it hard for users to save their EMLs into Outlook.
• Also, if you have large EML files to import, it becomes much more difficult to import them into Outlook.
• Migrating the old EMLs may cause metadata loss, disturbance in hierarchy, large file corruption, etc.
• Attachments or links may not load.

Manual Ways to Migrate Old EML Emails Into Outlook

Manually, if you are looking to transfer your EML files into Outlook, you can do that using two applications. One, you can use Outlook’s drag & drop method, or you can use Thunderbird’s add-ons for bulk import. Let’s discuss both manual ways for better understanding.

Manual Approach 1: Using MS Outlook

1. Go to your My Folders on your device and browse the EML files you want to import.
2. Then, right-click on the EML file > open with > Outlook.
3. Or you can open both Outlook and MY Folders side by side and drag & drop EMLs into your desired folder in the Outlook application. 

Note: This way is risky and may lead to data loss. It is not suitable if you have large EML or sensitive data files to transfer.

Manual Approach 2: Using Thunderbird Application

1. Firstly, go to Thunderbird and install the add-on by clicking on the settings gear (bottom-left corner) > add-ons and themes > search and install the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
2. Now, go to tools > account settings > click on new account > mail account. There, add your Outlook account credentials, and it will automatically sync the entire data.
3. Then, restart the application and create a new folder or select any folder from the Outlook mailbox where you want to migrate your old EML emails.
4. Now, right-click on the folder > ImportExportTools NG > import EML messages > all messages from a directory and subdirectories.
5. Select your EML data, and it will sync into your Outlook account.

Note: In this method, you can migrate your files in bulk, but Thunderbird does not guarantee to transfer files with the original hierarchy without data loss.

Why Manual Approaches are Risky? Drawbacks

• Migrating old EML emails into Outlook for evidence manually can fail to preserve the complete metadata and properties. Whereas legal evidence depends on metadata.
• Manual methods do not keep the data structure and folder hierarchy the same as before. While dragging & dropping or importing through add-ons often disturbs the hierarchy, it causes chaos later.
• Important elements like attachments, links, content, fonts, and other details may not load properly.
• It does not support direct bulk conversion without any size limitations.

Best Alternative Solution to Migrate Old EML Emails Into Outlook for Evidence

If you don’t have Outlook or want to transfer your old EML files in bulk, you can use the safest and most reliable EML to PST converter, which is a professional tool for these types of conversion. Whether you have a Mac or Windows, you can just use this tool to convert your EML files into Outlook directly in bulk without any size restrictions. It also has a free trial version through which you can try out migrating your files.

Working Steps:

1. Install the tool.
2. Click on the select files or folders option and add your EML files. 
3. Now, you can select or deselect your desired files/folders and click next.
4. Choose the saving option as PST > destination path > file naming options.
5. Optional: You can choose multiple advanced settings, like from, to, date range, subject, etc, for specific conversion. And, finally, hit the convert button.

Top Features of the Automated Software

• The software is fast, efficient, and secure. In just a few steps, you can migrate old EML emails into Outlook for evidence in bulk without size issues.
• It has the ability to handle thousands of large files altogether and convert them into any format or email service you prefer.
• The tool guarantees 100% data security & integrity, and does not keep the data in its internal environment.
• It preserves the attachments, links, images, fonts, content, body, and overall each data element while migrating old EML files.
• The EML folders, sub-folders, and files are automatically synced by just selecting the main folder. It will sync EMLs from scattered folders and files.
• It has a user-friendly interface, and you do not require technical knowledge to use this software. 

Tips to Preserve Evidence While Converting

• Always keep a backup of the data files.
• Avoid using the free online converters as they are not secure at all.
• Maintain a proper folder structure, which helps when you convert your data.
• If you are specifically migrating old EML emails into Outlook for evidence the do not modify them and create a conversion log for safety.

Final Thoughts

We can conclude by saying that if you are a legal professional and looking to migrate old EML emails into Outlook for evidence, then you should opt for the professional converter instead of manual ways. As we know that manual ways are only advisable to use when you have a few EML files, or they are not very crucial; otherwise, the automated way is only suggested because errors and mistakes can lead to a lot of chaos during presenting evidence in court.