You've switched from a Windows PC to a Mac, and your old mail is sitting in a folder of .EML files that Apple Mail won't open as a mailbox. Retyping or forwarding thousands of messages isn't realistic. SoftLay Windows Live Mail to Mac Converter is built for exactly this: it turns those EML files into MBOX files that Mac Mail can import.
Quick facts
- Version: 4.7
- Runs on: Windows 7, Vista, 2003, XP, 2000 and 98 (32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7)
- Price: $49.00 listed
- Trial: free demo that converts only 10 emails
- Download size: about 1.33 MB
Key features
Turn Windows Live Mail, Windows Mail and Outlook Express EML files into MBOX
The tool reads the EML files from Windows Live Mail, Windows Vista Mail and Outlook Express and writes them out in a format Mac Mail understands.
Convert many messages in one batch
You select all the EML files at once and click Convert, rather than handling messages one at a time.
Import into other Mac and cross-platform mail clients
The vendor says the resulting MBOX output also works with Thunderbird, Entourage, Eudora and Evolution, not only Apple Mail.
Try it on 10 emails before paying
The free demo converts 10 emails, enough to check that the output imports properly into your Mac Mail.
Who it's for
It suits anyone moving from Windows Live Mail, Windows Mail or Outlook Express to a Mac who already has the mail saved as EML files. The converter itself is a Windows program, so you run the conversion on the PC and then bring the MBOX file over to the Mac.
Pros and cons
- Pro: small download and a simple select-and-convert workflow.
- Pro: a free trial lets you test before buying.
- Con: the demo is limited to 10 emails.
- Con: it runs on Windows only, and its supported-platform list stops at Windows 7.
- Con: it is focused on EML-to-MBOX conversion and does not handle contacts; contacts need a separate vendor tool.
What users say
From the SoftLay website: "all the software works really well."
FAQs
Does it convert contacts?
No. The vendor says the converter handles emails only, and Windows contacts need its separate Windows Contacts Converter.
How many emails can I convert for free?
The demo converts 10 emails. Buying the full version removes that limit.
Which email programs can it read?
Windows Live Mail, Windows Mail, Windows Vista Mail and Outlook Express, via their EML files.
Does it work on 64-bit Windows 7?
Yes. The vendor says it works with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 as well as Vista, XP, 2000 and 98.
System requirements
- Pentium II 400 MHz processor
- 64 MB RAM
- 10 MB free disk space
- Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 or 98