How Do I Import EML to Kerio Connect?

Admin | Email Conversion email migration file conversion Kerio Connect Software Technology | 6 minutes read | Modified on: 16-05-2026

Are you facing difficulty transferring EML files to Kerio Connect? perhaps, you want to organize your EML files and access them efficiently? Or maybe you want to migrate data from a different EML client to Kerio Connect with losing your crucial data? Or perhaps your top most requisite is robust security feature? Whatever your reason maybe, importing EML files to Kerio Connect has become a very common requisites for users who want to handle their email messages in a centralized server.

In this blog, we’ll answer the question that is nagging you “how do I import EML to Kerio Connect?” with manual steps and with an automated tool, the requisites to import the .eml files, shortcomings of following the manual methods, and the cons of using an automated software.

What is an EML File?

An EML file is a standard email file type used to store individual email messages. It stores the entire email data, such as message body, subject, sender/receiver details, etc. EML files are broadly supported by different email clients such as Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Thunderbird, and others, making them a preferred choice for email storage and migration.

What is Kerio Connect?                          

Kerio Connect is a robust email and collaboration server designed for enterprises to manage emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks in a centralized server. It offers features like safe messaging, shared folders, mobile synchronization, and simple administration. Kerio Connect is often used as a replacement to larger email servers, providing a user-friendly interface along with strong performance and reliability.

Incredible Causes of Importing EML Files to Kerio Connect

  1. Importing EML files into Kerio Connect helps users to store all their emails in a single place, making it simple to access, organize, and manage data effectively.
  2. Users can migrate emails from various email clients (such as Firefox Thunderbird or Windows Mail) to Kerio Connect without losing crucial data.
  3. Once imported, emails can be accessed anytime and from anywhere with multiple devices, including desktops, mobiles, and web browsers.
  4. Kerio Connect provides stronger security features, ensuring users’ imported emails are secured from data loss, unapproved access, and threats.
  5. Upon transferring emails to Kerio Connect, teams can collaborate better by sharing folders, calendars, and contacts in a single platform.
  6. Kerio Connect maintains folder hierarchy, helping users to maintain their emails well-structured and easy to search as they were originally.

These are just some of the many benefits of importing EML files to Kerio Connect. But, now let’s answer your question “how do I import EML to Kerio Connect?”

Some of the Manual Methods to Import EML to Kerio Connect

For those who don’t want to spend on any third-party app, then following the manual method is the best option to go for. However, manual methodologies have their own challenges which we will discuss in the next pointer.

Method 1: Import EML Files to Kerio Connect Using Firefox Thunderbird

In this steps, user have to have Firefox Thunderbird pre-installed in their system.

Step1: Set-Up Kerio Connect in Firefox Thunderbird

  • Start, Firefox Thunderbird on your device.
  • Select Menu option > New Account > Email.
  • Enter your “name”, “email address”, and “password”.
  • Select “IMAP” and authenticate using “OAuth” authentication.
  • Once finished, your Kerio account will be successfully configured in Firefox Thunderbird.

Step2:  Install ImportExportTools NG Add-on

  • Open Menu > Add-ons and Themes in Thunderbird.
  • In the search box, type “ImportExportTools” NG.
  • Tap on Add to Thunderbird and restart the application.

Step3: Import EML Files into Kerio

  • Right-click on any folder in your Kerio mailbox to import emails.
  • To create a new folder: Right-click > New Folder > Enter a name.
  • Again, right-click on the chosen folder.
  • Select “ImportExportTools NG” > “Import EML Files” > All EML messages from a directory (and subdirectories).
  • Choose the folder containing the EML files.

Method 2:  Client-Side Native Drag and Drop EML 

For small number of EML files to import and you have the Kerio Connect credentials and access, then follow these steps:

  • Open, the Kerio Connect Client on a web server of your choice. 
  • Next, “Sign in” with your “Admin credentials” to the account. 
  • Now, generate a “new folder” in the account to store EML separately. 
  • Lastly, “Drag and Drop Files” from your computer into the folder and check the data. 

Method 3: Create Server-Level Copy in Kerio of EML Files

It is one of the easiest solutions to follow, but user must have access to the server file system, which is usually possible if you are a system administrator. Ensure to take a backup of your Kerio store directory before following this method. The steps to follow are:

  • Consolidate your .eml files and store them altogether, even the ones from other email clients.
  • Then, at the /mailserver/store/mail/<domainaddress>/<username>/<foldername>/#msgs, find the Kerio Connect store directory.
  • “Copy EML” files in the proper “#msgs folder” using file transfer tools like “rsync”, “scp”, or “file explorer”. 
  • After your files are copied, for each folder, new emails must be reindexed. 
  • Go to folder “#msgs directory” and look for “index.fld”. Rename it to “index.bad”.
  • Lastly, restart your Kerio Connect server. Once it’s online, it will detect reindexed files and incorporate new EML. 
  • Log in to your Kerio Connect Webmail for final authentication of the imported files. 

Challenges Associated with the Manual Approach

  • Lengthy and Confusing: Importing EML files in bulk can take a substantial amount of time and can be confusing at times.
  • Performance Malfunction: Import EML files manually one-by-one your computer or the applications (like Firefox Thunderbird or Kiero Connect) may face some system or software malfunction.
  • Distorted Folder Hierarchy: The original folder hierarchy may get distorted after the migration is done.
  • Mandatory Internet Connection: An unstable internet connection may disrupt the conversion process and lead to data loss.
  • Technical Background Needed: The steps can be complex for non-technical users and may lead to errors if not done correctly.

How Do I Import EML to Kerio Connect with a Professionally Recommended Automated Software?

The CubexSoft EML Converter is an automated tool recommended by many users. The tool supports bulk conversion without any size restriction. The software provides top-notch security while converting the EML files. Also, the application offers data integrity at all cost during the conversion process. The software comes with advanced filter options to migrate selective files. Compatible with every Mac OS like Catalina, Mojave, Big Sur, etc. and Windows OS like 10, 8.1, 8, 7, etc. For those, who find the manual methods confusing to manoeuvre, this software’s easy user-interface can be easily handled navigated.

Steps to Import EML to Kerio Connect

  1. Open the EML to IMAP Software.
  2. Click on Add File(s)/Folder(s).
  3. All your EML files will be on the left panel of the software.
  4. Check all the EML files that you want to transfer into Kerio Connect.
  5. Click on “Export”.
  6. Then, choose “IMAP Server” from the “Select Saving Option” drop-down.
  7. Select your preferred “Destination Path”.
  8. Click “Convert”.

Conclusion

In this blog, we discuss the manual methods and an automated software on “how do I import EML to Kerio Connect?” However, users must keep in mind about the challenges and risks associated with the manual process, such as data corruption or data loss, computer malfunction, distorted file layout, etc. Thus, it is always recommended to go for a professional EML to Kerio Converter tool that would not only help with the challenges related with manual process but also make the process faster.