Emails are an important element in any sort of investigations, cybercrime, business disputes, high-profile cases, etc. As we know, EML files are not a universal format and do not open easily everywhere on every device, which makes it difficult for the investigators to open, share, or present them in court.
This blog explains how investigators convert EML files into a readable format for case evidence. We will learn all the steps to make EML files readable, the various methods, and their benefits and limitations.
Quick Answer on How to Preserve EML in a Universal Format
When we talk about converting Emails into PDF format for presenting in court, there are two ways to export: the first is to convert using the manual method via the “print to PDF” option, in which you will have to save EML files into PDF one by one and another way is to use an automated tool for a bulk conversion without any limitations. Let’s throw some light on both approaches to know which one is the better one to go for.
Manual Steps to Make EML Files Readable for Investigators
I will tell you how you can convert EML files into PDF format as an investigator using MS Outlook and Thunderbird.
#Using Outlook:
- Install/open New Outlook on your system.
- Go to your local folder > browse your EML file > right-click > open with > new Outlook.
- Then, click on the three dots in the top right corner and hit the Print option.
- Now select the printer option as Microsoft Print to PDF and Print.
# Using Thunderbird
- Open Thunderbird on one side and your local folders on the other side.
- Now, first create or open the folder in Thunderbird that you want your files to be dropped into.
- Then, you can select all your EML files and drag & drop them into your desired folder.
- Press Ctrl+A to select all the EML files and save them as a PDF.
- Afterwards, right-click > Print > Microsoft Print to PDF.
- And now you will have to save the EML as a PDF one by one in your system.
Note: The major drawback of this approach is that you will have to export the EML files one by one. This is a time-consuming and very risky process when you have crucial data files to convert in bulk. Let’s see the key limitations of the manual method below.
Why You Should Not Opt for the Manual Way as an Investigator?
- The manual way is a time-consuming process for the investigators to convert EML Files into a readable format for Case Evidence. It takes a lot of time to drag and drop each file and save them when you have hundreds and thousands of EML files to convert.
- It is prone to human errors and corruption, as exporting a large number of data files to preserve EML in a universal format manually, one by one, is risky. Most of the time, the files get corrupted when transferring large files.
- This way, you may lose the attachments, inline images, Cc, Subject, links, etc, while converting EML into PDF format.
- The manual way does not guarantee that it converts EML files with the complete original structure and hierarchy of the files. It often disturbs the original data structure and formatting while converting them.
- There is also a risk of metadata loss and corruption during the conversion process. It may lose the important properties, elements, and metadata of the files.
Steps to Make EML Files Readable - Smart Solution
After analyzing the manual approaches, we can clearly say that it is not advisable for investigators to convert EML to PDF using Outlook, Thunderbird, or any other application. The best and safest way to preserve EML in a universal format is by using the RecoveryTools Automated EML converter.
This professional utility allows users to convert EML in bulk without any data loss, limitations, corruption, or lost formatting. Let’s learn specifically how investigators convert EML Files into a readable format for Case Evidence using the expert EML to PDF converter, and see the 5 easy steps of converting EML using this amazing EML converter wizard below:
- Download and open the software on your system.
- Opt for the “select folders” or “select files” option to add your EML files, then select or deselect the files as per the requirement.
- Now, select your file saving format as PDF, desired destination path, and file naming options for better organization.
- Then you may also select advanced filter settings like from to, subject, date range, etc, to organize the data more effectively.
- Lastly, hit the convert button and complete the steps to make EML files readable for the investigators and court cases.
Key Features of the EML to PDF Converter
- Provides bulk conversion of hundreds or thousands of EML files into PDF in one go.
- Preserves metadata, properties, and original data structure while converting.
- It keeps the attachments, email body, inline images, links, etc intact without data loss. The professional tool allows users to keep their important elements preserved while converting.
- The expert software allows investigators to export safer and unedited converted PDF files quickly for presenting in court.
- It gives 100% data security as the tool does not allow any virus to enter its environment, and also does not change or edit the original data files.
- The user-friendly interface allows even non-technical users to easily convert EML files in bulk.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we learned how Investigators convert EML Files into a readable format for case evidence using the best tools and approaches.
And after seeing the different ways we can say that the best and suggested way is to use an automated EML converter software for legal cases, investigations, and many more. Its quick, effective, and safe features help investigators perform effectively without delays.
FAQs
- Why do investigators and lawyers prefer PDF over EML?
PDF format is preferred as it is a readable format preferred in legal work. - How investigators convert EML files into a readable format for case evidence in bulk with attachments and formatting?
The advisable method is to convert via EML to a PDF bulk converter, which exports quickly with 100% data security and integrity. - Does the manual method preserve EML in a universal format with metadata and important elements?
No, the manual way does not preserve the metadata and properties. The professional converter tool can convert EML with all the elements and data preserved. - What is the fastest way of converting EML into PDF?
The fastest way to convert EML files to PDF is by using the automated converter, which will export hundreds or thousands of EML files in bulk without limitations.
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