Microsoft Outlook stores mailbox data in OST (Offline Storage Table) files, which lets users read emails even when the Exchange server is down. However, OST files are tightly linked with Outlook and cannot be opened independently. This limitation creates problems when users need to share, store, or view emails outside of Outlook. HTML is a format that is used by many users and can be opened in any web browser. This is a good option for making emails easier to read. Converting OST files to HTML makes it possible to view emails without Outlook, share them easily, and save them for later use on Windows systems.
Why Users Prefer Converting OST Files to HTML
There are a number of reasons why users choose HTML as their output format:
- HTML files are accessible through all web browsers.
- It's easy to read and share emails.
- Not dependent on Outlook or Exchange Server
- The best way to save and keep records
- Keeps the basic formatting and layout of emails
Because of these benefits, a lot of individual users and businesses look for reliable ways to convert OST emails into HTML.
Manual Methods to Convert OST Emails to HTML
Method 1: Save Emails as HTML Using Outlook
Outlook provides a basic option to save individual emails in HTML format.
Steps:
- Start Microsoft Outlook
- Choose the email you want to change
- Click on File > Save As
- Select HTML as the file type.
- Choose a folder to save to and click "Save."
This method works for exporting a few emails when Outlook access is available.
Method 2: Copy and Paste Emails into a Browser or Text Editor
Another simple approach is manually copying email content.
Steps:
- Open the email in Outlook
- Select the email body
- Paste it into a web browser or HTML editor
- Save the file with an .html extension
This method is mostly used to quickly look up or share content.
Method 3: Print Emails to HTML via Virtual Printer
Some users use virtual printers or tools that work in their web browser to export emails.
Steps:
- Open the email in Outlook.
- Pick the Print option
- Choose a web-based output or a virtual printer.
- Save the output as a web page or HTML file.
Limitations of Manual Conversion Methods
Even though manual solutions may seem simple, they have a number of drawbacks:
- Not good for converting a lot of emails at once
- Needs to have Outlook set up correctly
- The folder structure is not kept.
- Attachments might not be saved properly.
- Takes a long time for big mailboxes
- There is a high chance that you will miss important emails.
Because of these problems, manual methods only work for very small tasks.
A Practical Solution by Using an Automated Way
Users often need a more stable and automated way to do things when they have to deal with big mailboxes or OST files that they can't get to. With a professional conversion tool, users can open OST files and send emails in HTML format without needing Outlook profiles or a server connection.
ToolsBaer for OST to HTML Conversion is a specialized tool that makes it easy and quick for users to turn whole OST mailboxes into HTML files while keeping the email structure and readability on Windows systems.
How to Convert OST Files to HTML Format
- First, download the software and install it on your Windows.
- Open the program and add the OST file to it.
- Let the tool scan the mailbox and load the data.
- Check your emails and folders before converting.
- Select HTML as the format to export.
- Choose a folder to send the files to and then begin.
Users can read their emails from any web browser because the conversion is done in a safe and organized way.
Final Thoughts
Converting OST files to HTML is a good idea if users want to easily get to their Outlook emails without having to use Microsoft Outlook or Exchange servers. If you only have a few emails, you can do it by hand, but it's not safe or efficient for big conversions. A professional and reliable way makes sure that HTML emails are correct, saves time, and lets you access them safely on Windows systems. This is why converting OST files to HTML is a great way to handle, save, and share emails.
