A popular email client for Windows, Mac, and Unix-like computers is Mozilla Thunderbird. It specifically keeps emails in MBOX files without an extension. Therefore, you must identify and copy these MBOX files if you want to back up your Thunderbird email messages. Additionally, a top-notch utility like MBOX to Outlook Converter is needed if PST (for Outlook) rather than MBOX is the desired export format.
Why do users move their Thunderbird emails to Outlook?
Users of Thunderbird must essentially move their emails from Thunderbird to Outlook if they wish to stop using Thunderbird and begin using Microsoft Outlook. MBOX file format is supported by Thunderbird, although MS Outlook does not. This is because Outlook only accepts PST files; other file types, such as MBOX, are not supported in Outlook. As a result, converting MBOX files to PST files is the first step in migrating to Outlook.
Manual Process for Outlook to Thunderbird Migration
For non-technical users, the manual steps might be a little challenging, but if you still want to process it, you can utilize the approach described below. I also want to caution you that you cannot use a more recent version of MS Outlook with the instructions below.
- Set up the Eudora email client initially using a fake account.
- Copy the MBOX file to the Mozilla Thunderbird default directory (keep in mind that Thunderbird hides the MBOX data mail extension).
- Paste Thunderbird email data into the Eudora mailbox location, then change the file extension to the filename.mbox == filename. mix.
- Open Microsoft Outlook and choose the Import-Export tool from the File menu.
- Click the Next button after selecting “Import Internet mail and address”.
- Press the Next button once more and choose “Eudora (Pro and Lite) 2x, 3x, 4x”.
- Click the Browse button and go to the location of the Eudora mailbox to add a Thunderbird mailbox.
- Save the location to a folder in Outlook and then click the Finish button.
Keep a backup of the mailbox in advance to prevent mailbox damage and to ensure that this operation is error-free. Also, keep in mind that corrupted Thunderbird mailboxes cannot be used with the aforementioned techniques.
Adding Outlook to Thunderbird’s manual export of emails
The user will require a reliable internet connection and an online email Client, such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc., to complete the process. If you are acquainted with Gmail, we advise using it here because it will be simpler for you.
Phase 1: Log in to your Gmail account and choose “View All Settings” from the gear icon.
Enable the IMAP protocol under IMAP access by selecting “Forward and POP/IMAP” from the menu.
Find “Less Secure App” in the new tab and select it by clicking the More button.
Phase 2 Run Mozilla Thunderbird and set up a new account using the same Gmail ID.
Create a new folder in Thunderbird under the Gmail-Thunderbird account after the configuration is complete, and then drag all emails into it.
Phase 3 Run Microsoft Outlook and set up a Gmail account to access Thunderbird email in Outlook during the third phase.
The majority of people avoid this manual approach for Outlook from Thunderbird mailbox since it takes longer than the previous one. Additionally, it does not permit a guarantee that the folder hierarchy in the PST file is the same.
MBOX Files from Thunderbird to a PST Email File Using Automation
You need a reliable application like Mailvita MBOX to PST Converter if you want to access the Thunderbird MBOX file to PST. This utility enables bulk Thunderbird MBOX to PST exports without sacrificing the integrity or quality of the email. Additionally, you can display the preview before conversion. All email clients that use MBOX files, such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Eudora, Sec Monkey, Apple Mail, Postbox, Entourage, and Poco Mail, are supported by this program. All Mac and Windows OS versions are supported by this software.
To convert MBOX files from Thunderbird to a PST email file, follow these steps:-
- Download and set up the Move MBOX Files from Thunderbird to PST Email Software.
- Launch the utility. Select between “Directory Mode” and “File Mode” and Pick Explore from the menu.
- Show the MBOX Preview items.
- Choose either an Individual PST file with a separate folder for each MBOX file or Multiple PST files for each MBOX file from the Output Options menu.
- After choosing the Destination path, click the Browse button.
- Click the “Convert” button to begin the conversion process.
Final Words
The manual process for accomplishing the same thing is time-consuming and not entirely accurate, thus using Thunderbird to Outlook Converter is the ideal option. On Mac and Windows, the utility will easily move MBOX files from Thunderbird to PST emails.
