By default Microsoft Outlook stores all of its data—including emails, attachments, tasks and so on—in PST file format. In a PST file one can save both required and extraneous emails. This means that occasionally, users could decide to convert PST files to MSG file format choosing just the most important emails. One can divide some emails using MSG files thereby improving data management and structure.
Two file extensions especially utilized in Microsoft Outlook applications are PST and MSG. Microsoft Outlook allows users to export their entire profile data—which includes emails, contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, diaries and to-do lists—as a PST (Personal Storage Table).
Why Would One Want to Transpose PST Files to MSG?
The following examples explain the necessity of converting the Outlook PST file format into MSG file format
- Added Message Details- MSG files include the primary message body hyperlinks and extensions.
- Forwarding Convenience- Export a PDF from Outlook email as an MSG file when using Outlook simplifying information forwarding.
- Inbox Management- Converting PST files to MSG lets users quickly review inbox contents making email management easier.
- Improved Exchange Process- Changing mailbox contents from PST to MSG simplifies email exchanges managing both contacts and inbox emails.
- Essential Data Only- Turning Outlook data files into MSG ensures that only the most important information is kept.
- Organized Storage- This conversion helps store data in an organized way enabling better access and improving overall efficiency.
Manual Approach to Convert Microsoft PST Files to MSG
Here are two of the best free techniques to convert PST files into MSG files. Though it’s possible to manually extract PST files into MSG format there are certain prerequisites.
- Import Outlook’s PST Files
- Select File from the menu after Outlook has been installed and set up on your computer.
- Choose Open & Export from the drop-down menu then select Import/Export.
- Select Import from another application or file.
- Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and click Next.
- Import specific PST files from your local system.
- Export the PST file into a folder and click Finish to complete the export process.
- Convert PST Files to MSG Using Drag-and-Drop
- Open Microsoft Outlook and select a PST folder to export.
- Use the Ctrl key to choose the emails required for conversion.
- Create a new folder on your desktop to save the produced MSG files.
- Drag and drop emails from the PST into the newly created folder.
- Access the folder to find the exported MSG files.
Limitations of the Manual Approach
The manual process for converting PST files to MSG consists of two conversion steps as mentioned earlier
- You must install Microsoft Outlook on your PC.
- It requires time effort and sufficient technical knowledge of Outlook.
- Manual conversion risks data loss and is time-consuming especially if converting several PST files.
Using a Professional Tool to Convert PST to MSG
For a more efficient and secure way to convert PST files to MSG you can use the Pcinfotools PST File to MSG Converter Tool. This tool guarantees data integrity during the conversion process. It offers a user-friendly experience with a variety of output formats like MSG, PDF and others. You can try the free demo to evaluate the tool’s performance.
Here are the steps to convert PST to MSG using the professional tool
- Download install and open the Pcinfotools PST to MSG Converter Tool.
- Choose Single Files/Multiple Files from the drop-down menu.
- Select the PST file to convert using the Select File button.
- Use the Mailbox Preview feature to view the selected item.
- Choose MSG as the file format.
- Select additional options as per your requirements.
- Choose where to save the output file and click Convert.
Final Thoughts
Converting PST files to MSG—either manually or automatically—can be done easily. In this post we’ve covered both manual and automated methods. For beginners the automated solution offers a faster and more accurate way to complete the task. Choose the method that suits your needs best and save time while ensuring data accuracy.