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Import EML files to Outlook while retaining folder structure

I have a user with two DVDs full of EML files arranged in folders. I need to import these into a .PST while retaining the folder structure. From what I've researched so far, I need to do this in Outlook Express first, then export to PST. But I cannot figure out how to keep the folders intact. I'm aware that I can manually create each folder in OE, then export them once populated with the .EML files, but I'd love to avoid that.

jcimarron

RLLSTech--This is a bit complicated.
First of all, two DVD's of .eml files sound like an awful lot of emails for either OE or Outlook to handle. Anything more than around 2GB will corrupt the files in either email program.
Having said that, there are shareware programs that claim to do the transfer. They offer free trials
http://bitdaddys.com/outlookfiller.html?import_eml_into_outlook
http://3d2f.com/pcgi/search.cgi?text=emlbridge+&ll=1
I think you will have to put the .eml files back on to the hard drive, but you can try to do from the DVD.
It should also be possible to use Outlook's File|Import, but then you will have to put the .eml files back into the OE Store Folder (see OE Tools|Options|Maintenance tab|Store Folder for location). This should change the files back to .dbx folders, which as mentioned should be transferable to Outlook using the latter's File|Import. One of the keys here is that you need the folders.dbx file in the Store Folder.
Another possiblity is to Forward the .eml files to Outlook. This of course will be lengthy and also all the emails in Outlook will have your name in the "From" line regardless of who originally sent them. But the content will be there.

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jcimarron

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jcimarron

RLLSTech--If you have the time, let us know what you did. Thanks.

RLLSTech

ASKER

I'm manually creating folders in a PST. Then I'm dragging the .EML files to the respective folder in the PST. A very painstaking task. I would have never handed someone a large amount of e-mails in this format and can't imagine why our client did this to us. It's ok. I'm billable.

Thanks for the attempted help, but I'm doing what I feared I'd have to do in the first place.

jcimarron

RLLSTech--Thanks for the feedback. I am sorry to hear the suggestions I made did not work. I really thought they would. :)
Regrettably, MS has made transfer of email files (especially .eml files) to Outlook quite difficult. I guess that provides a market for the third party programs.