Convert EML to MSB

Understanding EML and MSB file formats

EML files are email message files created by email clients such as Microsoft Outlook Express, Windows Mail, and Mozilla Thunderbird. They store the content of an email, including attachments, headers, and formatting, in a plain text format following the MIME RFC 822 standard.

MSB files, on the other hand, are typically associated with Mail Summary Database files used by older email clients like MS Mail or Microsoft Mail for PC Networks. These files store summaries or indexes of email messages, not the full content, and are used for managing and organizing mailboxes within the client.

Why convert EML to MSB?

Converting EML to MSB may be necessary if you are migrating emails from a modern email client to a legacy system that uses the MSB format, or if you need to import individual email messages into an older mail database for archival or compatibility reasons.

How to convert EML to MSB

There is no direct, mainstream tool that converts EML files to MSB format due to the age and rarity of the MSB format. However, you can use a two-step process:

1. Import EML files into an email client that supports both EML import and export to a format compatible with MSB (such as Outlook Express or Windows Live Mail).
2. Use the email client to export or migrate the mailbox to the legacy system, which will generate the MSB file as part of its database structure.

For example, you can:

• Open Outlook Express and drag-and-drop EML files into a folder.
• Let Outlook Express create or update its mailbox, which includes the MSB file.
• Copy the resulting MSB file from the mail store directory.

Recommended software for EML to MSB conversion

The best approach is to use Outlook Express or Windows Live Mail for this process. These clients can import EML files and manage mailboxes in a way compatible with legacy MSB files. For advanced users, SysTools EML Converter or Aid4Mail can help automate parts of the migration, but manual steps are still required to obtain the MSB file.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Install Outlook Express on a compatible Windows system.
2. Open the program and create a new mail folder.
3. Drag and drop your EML files into the new folder.
4. Close Outlook Express. Navigate to the mail store directory (usually C:\Documents and Settings\[User]\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express).
5. Locate the corresponding MSB file for your folder.
6. Copy the MSB file for use in your legacy system.

Conclusion

While direct EML to MSB conversion tools are not available, using Outlook Express or Windows Live Mail as an intermediary allows you to migrate emails and generate MSB files for legacy systems. Always back up your data before starting the conversion process.