MSG vs PST
MSG is a file format developed in 2003 by Microsoft in conjunction with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange Servers. It has the sole purpose of permitting Outlook users to save and distribute a single email. An MSG file will carry emails in their entirety, including Subject, Sender, Recipient, Date, Time, and attachment(s).
MSG files remain tied to Microsoft Outlook. However, they may also be opened on any other software that supports the Microsoft Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI). Despite that, each MSG file is limited to one email.
Conversely, an Outlook PST, or Personal Storage Table, is an entire data file, containing all Outlook items, such as, emails, folders, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and journals. In order to keep all Outlook data together or to simplify and stringify an array of MSG files, users must convert MSG files to PST as it is required.
Reasons to Convert MSG Files to PST
- Each MSG file contains only one email, while a PST file can store many emails together. That’s why converting MSG to PST helps in better email access and organization.
- Instead of importing emails one by one, using a single PST file saves a lot of time and effort.
- Converting MSG files to PST helps keep email data safe and unchanged.
- Users can store important MSG emails in one PST file for long-term backup and future use.
- MSG files collected from different sources can be combined into one PST file, making email management more organized and centralized.
Manual Methods to Convert MSG to PST
MSG files can be converted into PST format in two ways: manually or by using a professional conversion tool. While the manual method works, using a specialized tool is quicker and more secure. Below, we provide a detailed explanation of both methods.
Method 01: Change MSG Files to PST Using Drag and Drop
In Outlook, the drag-and-drop method is the simplest and most straightforward way to convert MSG files into a PST file. This approach maintains email content, attachments, and metadata.
Follow these steps:
- Launch Microsoft Outlook and ensure an email account is configured.
- Create a new folder in Outlook where the MSG files will be imported.
- Open the folder on your system that contains the MSG files.
- Select one or more MSG files and drag them into the newly created Outlook folder.
- Outlook will automatically import the selected emails.
Method 02: Convert MSG to PST Using “Save As” Option
Using this method, users can open individual MSG files in Outlook and save them in PST format while keeping the email content and attachments intact.
Follow these steps to complete the conversion:
- Open the folder that contains the required MSG files.
- Double-click an MSG file to open it in Microsoft Outlook.
- Go to File > Save As and select Outlook Data File (.pst) as the output format.
- Repeat these steps for each MSG file you want to convert to PST.
Method 03: By Using Outlook’s Import/Export
This method exports emails in an organized and structured way and is especially helpful when converting multiple MSG files into a PST file.
Follow these steps to get started:
- Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
- Locate the MSG files and drag and drop them into an Outlook folder.
- Click File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Export to a file, choose Outlook Data File (.pst), and click Next.
- Select the folder that contains the imported MSG files.
- Choose a destination to save the PST file and click Finish
Drawbacks of Manual Methods
- These methods are time-consuming when converting a large number of MSG files to PST.
- Missing even one manual step can lead to potential data or attachment loss.
- Drag-and-drop conversion increases the likelihood of human errors during the process.
Automated Method to Convert MSG to PST
The MacSonik MSG to PST Converter is one of the most reliable tools in the convert MSG files to the Outlook PST format. Additionally, it is compatible with various other file types such as EMLX, MBOX, etc. The tool also converts MSG files to PDF. The software is also capable of direct exports to prominent cloud email services such as Google, Office 365, Yahoo, etc. The converter provides complete data integrity and assurance of reliable conversion. Moreover, the tool is available and works well with the latest updates of Windows and MacOS.
Professional Steps to Convert MSG Files to Outlook PST
- Download and launch the MacSonik MSG Converter on your computer.
- Then, choose to work with Select File/Multiple Files or Select Folder.
- After that, browse and select the MSG file(s) you want to convert, then click Open.
- Expand the folder tree, select the emails you wish to convert, and preview them.
- From the File Format list, select PST.
- Adjust any optional settings if needed.
- Click the Convert button to begin the conversion process.
Conclusion
Converting MSG files to PST format is critical to enhancing email management and achieving long-term storage efficiency. This blog discussed various methods, including automated conversion with MacSonik MSG to PST Converter. Manual methods, however, can be inefficient, particularly with large volumes of MSG files. On the other hand, automated methods provide the user with the ability to convert files quickly and with increased accuracy, having no file size constraints. The program is designed to work with all versions of Windows and even provides reliability during the automated conversion.