Troubleshooting MailsMagic OLM to PST Conversions: Common Issues & Fixes

How to Use MailsMagic OLM to PST: Step-by-Step TutorialConverting OLM files (Outlook for Mac) to PST (Outlook for Windows) is a common task when migrating from macOS to Windows or consolidating email accounts. MailsMagic OLM to PST is a dedicated tool designed to make that conversion faster and less error-prone. This tutorial walks you through preparation, installation, conversion steps, verification, and common troubleshooting to ensure a smooth migration.


Why convert OLM to PST?

Converting is necessary when:

  • You move from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows.
  • You need to import Mac mail archives into Windows-based backup systems.
  • You want to ensure cross-platform compatibility for corporate or personal email.

Key result: PST is the Windows Outlook format; OLM is the macOS Outlook format. Converting preserves messages, attachments, folders, and metadata when done correctly.


Before you begin

  1. System requirements:

    • A Windows PC (conversion runs on Windows).
    • Sufficient free disk space to hold the converted PST files (PST can be as large as the sum of source OLM files).
    • Administrative privileges for installation.
  2. Preparations on the Mac side (if you still have access to the source):

    • Export mailboxes from Outlook for Mac into one or more OLM files (File → Export or Export to OLM).
    • Verify OLM files open correctly on the Mac before transferring.
  3. Transfer:

    • Move the OLM files to the Windows machine (external drive, network share, or cloud storage).
    • Keep a backup copy of original OLM files in case you need to retry.

Installing MailsMagic OLM to PST

  1. Download the official installer from MailsMagic’s site or the distributor you trust.
  2. Run the installer as an administrator and follow the on-screen prompts.
  3. If prompted by Windows Defender or other antivirus software, allow the installation if you trust the source.
  4. Launch the application once installation completes.

Step-by-step conversion

1. Launch the application

Open MailsMagic OLM to PST on your Windows PC. The interface typically presents options to load source files and specify output settings.

2. Add OLM files

  • Click “Add File” or “Open” (label may vary).
  • Browse to the folder where you transferred OLM files and select one or multiple OLM files.
  • The tool should list the loaded files with size and path details.

3. Preview (optional)

  • Many versions provide a preview pane showing folder structure, messages, and attachments.
  • Use preview to confirm the OLM file is intact and you’re selecting the right items.

4. Choose conversion items

  • Select entire mailboxes or pick specific folders/messages to convert (Inbox, Sent, Contacts, Calendar, etc.).
  • If you only need certain folders, uncheck the rest to reduce output size and conversion time.

5. Configure output settings

  • Choose “PST” as the output format.
  • Specify whether you want a single PST for all selected mailboxes or separate PST files per mailbox.
  • Set an output folder where the PST file(s) will be saved.
  • Some options to consider:
    • Split PST by size (useful if PST must stay under a size limit).
    • Maintain folder hierarchy.
    • Include/exclude deleted items or junk folders.
    • Preserve read/unread status and message timestamps.

6. Apply filters (optional)

  • Use date range filters to convert messages within specific periods.
  • Filter by sender, subject, or other properties if available.

7. Start conversion

  • Click “Convert,” “Export,” or equivalent to begin.
  • A progress bar will show current status, converted item count, and estimated remaining time.
  • Conversion time depends on OLM file size, system performance, and number of attachments.

8. Completion and logs

  • After completion, the software will show a success message and the location of the created PST file(s).
  • Save or review any conversion log file to confirm there were no errors or skipped items.

Importing PST into Outlook for Windows

  1. Open Outlook on Windows.
  2. Go to File → Open & Export → Open Outlook Data File (or Import/Export → Import from another program or file → Outlook Data File (.pst)).
  3. Browse to the PST file produced by MailsMagic and select it.
  4. Choose the import or open option:
    • To view PST alongside your current mailbox, use “Open Outlook Data File.”
    • To import items into your current mailbox, use the Import wizard and select appropriate options.
  5. Verify folders, messages, attachments, calendar items, and contacts have been imported correctly.

Verifying conversion integrity

Check the following after import:

  • Folder hierarchy matches the original OLM.
  • Email counts in major folders (Inbox, Sent) are comparable.
  • Message headers (sender, date, recipients) and timestamps are preserved.
  • Attachments open without corruption.
  • Contacts and calendar entries show expected fields.

If discrepancies appear, consult the conversion logs and re-run conversion for affected folders or messages.


Common issues and fixes

  • Conversion fails or hangs:

    • Ensure OLM file is not corrupted—try opening it on Mac or re-export from Outlook for Mac.
    • Run MailsMagic as administrator.
    • Disable antivirus temporarily if it interferes.
  • PST file too large:

    • Use the split PST option during conversion.
    • Create multiple PSTs by mailbox or date range.
  • Missing attachments or truncated messages:

    • Re-run conversion with full mailbox selection rather than filtered selection.
    • Check conversion logs for skipped items and retry those specific folders.
  • Encoding issues for non-Latin text:

    • Ensure MailsMagic has language/charset support; try alternate export settings or update the application.

Best practices

  • Always keep a backup copy of original OLM files.
  • Test with a small OLM file first to confirm settings before converting large archives.
  • Use filters to break big conversions into smaller chunks for reliability.
  • Keep conversion logs for troubleshooting and future reference.
  • Update MailsMagic to the latest version before converting to benefit from bug fixes and improved compatibility.

Alternative workflows

  • If you still have access to both Macs and Windows, consider using IMAP sync:

    • Create an IMAP account (Gmail or company server).
    • Add that account to Outlook for Mac and Windows, copy messages to the IMAP mailbox from Mac Outlook, then let Windows Outlook sync and download them.
    • Useful for selective migrations or when avoiding third-party converters.
  • Manual export/import for contacts/calendars:

    • Export contacts as vCard (.vcf) and calendars as .ics from Mac Outlook, then import in Windows Outlook if converter doesn’t reliably handle these items.

Troubleshooting checklist

  1. Confirm OLM file integrity by opening on the source Mac.
  2. Ensure enough disk space on the Windows machine.
  3. Update MailsMagic to latest build.
  4. Run conversion with admin privileges.
  5. Use logs to isolate failed items and retry selectively.
  6. If persistent errors occur, contact MailsMagic support with reproducible steps and log files.

Conversion from OLM to PST is straightforward with the right tool and preparation. Following the steps above will minimize data loss and reduce time spent troubleshooting.

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