With the release of Outlook 2011 for Mac series of computers, users got excited as they are going to get the experience of Windows Outlook over Mac system. Trying to establish parity with Windows version of Outlook, Microsoft really did emerge out successfully acclaimed in providing users with a better option in Mac progressions. However, recently it has been observed that many users are flocking from Mac 2011 to Windows version of Outlook. Let us analyze what are the reasons behind such migrations and how can it be technically achieved.
Figuring out the Reasons for Migration to Windows Outlook
Outlook 2011 for Mac which was considered as the clone of Outlook for windows version is not technically correct. Reasonbeing there were numbers of features which were lacking in the Outlook 2011. A complete list of all those attributes is given below.
- Users were not able to customize ribbon
- No option for assigning tasks to a contact
- Option for Format painter not available
- Doesn’t replace signature with another automatically
- Categorization of folders is not available
- Better search options for locating messages is not available
Besides this OLM files of Outlook 2011 are prone to corruption, they get corrupted very frequently. To avoid such kind of consequences, users often resort to switch over Microsoft Windows Outlook as it helps in enriching the emailing experience for users ultimately.
Switching From Mac to Windows Outlook
While switching to Windows, users have to migrate data from Outlook 2011 for Mac to Outlook for Windows.In order to perform the migration,when user try to import OLM files of Outlook 2011to Windows Outlook, they come across the following errorin Windows version of Outlook.
This is because the Windows version of Outlook does not have compatibility with OLM files. However, a work around few methods can help a user export OLM files to Outlook. One such method is making use of Exchange server services.
Method 1:Transfer OLM Files through Exchange Web Services
Outlook 2011 for Mac employs Exchange Web Services (EWS) protocolfor communicating or synchronizing data with the Exchange server. After configuring the Outlook 2011 Mac data with Exchange server, we can easily connect with Outlook. As we now that if the mailbox of server contains data then outlook can access data. This is done by configuring the Outlook profile with enabled Cached Exchange Mode.
However, while using this method, the user needs to have in-depth technical knowledge for synchronizing the mailbox with Exchange server.
Note: It must be clearly taken into consideration that users should make it sure to activate the add-on for Exchange web services before synchronizing their mailbox using EWS.
If users don’t have the environment of Exchange server then they can try out an alternative way around.
Method 2: Setting up IMAP Account for Transferring Data to PST Format
In order to execute this method, users are required to first setup an IMAP account like Gmail on the system. Then they can configure the Mac Outlook 2011 email account with that of the Gmail IMAP account. Once users have configured Outlook with IMAP account then they can make Gmail labels for synchronizing the IMAP with Outlook 2011.Then transfer all the emails from the Outlook 2011 to Gmail mailbox and then users can move this contents from mailbox to Outlook for windows.
With this method, you won’t be able to transfer contacts.Moreover, this method is not suitable when users have bulk of data to move. One of the condition that needs to be fulfilled in this approach is that both the accounts of Outlook 2011 and Outlook for Windows should be IMAP configured.
Another method which users can possible try out is by using drag and drop feature.
Method 3: Drop and Drag Feature to Convert OLM FILES into PST File Format
To start with this method, a user needs to carry out the following steps
- Create a folder on the desktop of Mac and then use the drop and drag feature to move emails from Outlook 2011 to the newly created folder
- Then move the folders to Windows XP operating system, launch Outlook Express. Use again the drop and drag feature again to move out emails from the folder to Outlook Express folder.
- Then from Outlook Express users can export data to Outlook
Third-Party Solution
All the methods discussed above generally involve a lot of complexities and requires a person to be technically competent for carrying out the conversion process. If a user is interested for hassle free migration of data from Mac outlook 2011 to Outlook PST file format then they should opt for third-party tools. On such tool is OLM to PST Converter which facilitates the conversion of Mac Outlook 2011 files to Outlook for Windows version.
