Outlook is a very powerful email client used by so many organizations and for personal use, which uses PST files for storage. Mac OS or Linux operating systems do not have any capability to open this format, even on the rest of the platforms, it opens only with the Outlook client. On other platforms, access to the data within PST is restricted. It is very easy for one to export PST File in MBOX format, which easily can be used in the popular email clients such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Eudora .Additionally, you can easily migrate OST files into Thunderbird by converting them into MBOX format, ensuring easy access across platforms.
It is quite difficult to transfer the OST files that are in use with Outlook into Thunderbird. Because of different formats and file structures, the OST files that are used by Outlook in its offline mode for Exchange Server syncing have to be converted to MBOX files that could be used with Thunderbird. Thunderbird relies on MBOX for the storage of email. With the help of this blog, you can find the best and most secure ways to migrate OST files to Thunderbird manually and by using direct method.
Process 1: Manually Transfer OST Files to Thunderbird
You can access OST files in Thunderbird only after converting them into compatible MBOX format. Since there is no way to import OST directly into Thunderbird, the conversion method includes two steps:
- Exporting OST Files to PST
Open Microsoft Outlook and export the OST file as a PST. Outlook allows you to export your OST data in PST file format using its inbuilt export option compatible with the next step. - Convert PST to MBOX
After having the PST file, it needs to be converted into MBOX format, which can either be done manually or with the help of some other third-party utility .
1. Steps to import OST File to PST
- The following steps can guide on how to convert OST into PST:
- Open the MS Outlook on your system. Go to File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.
- Then, choose an Export to a file option and hit the Next button
- After that, choose Outlook Data File(.pst) and tap Next.
- Tap on selecting the folder(s) you want to export from the mailbox. Tap on Next.
- At last, Browse and select the path where your PST folder will be saved and click on the Finish button to start the saving process.
2. Steps to Import PST file to Thunderbird
- First of all, make a default setting for sending and receiving email in Outlook by clicking on the Default Programs >> Set your default programs, then select Outlook.
- Now, Launch Thunderbird, then select the Thunderbird Menu option.
- Click on the Tools menu and select Import.
- Here, click on the Mail option and hit the Next Button.
- Select Outlook as your saving folder and hit Next.
- Finally, hit the Finish button to end the import process.
By following the steps provided, you will be able to import an OST file into Thunderbird. However, this method is quite lengthy and time-consuming, and it also has several drawbacks.
Limitations of manual method
Below are some of the drawbacks that have been mentioned.
- Lengthy Process: The manual process involves two conversions: OST to PST and then PST to MBOX. It is, therefore, a time-consuming process with many complications.
- No direct process: As there is no direct way to import the OST files into Thunderbird, you have to use some extra steps, making the process complicated.
- Data Loss: It is very sure that among these steps of conversion, considerable data will be lost, especially if not done correctly.
- Needs Many Tools: This procedure mostly requires additional tools for PST to MBOX conversion since there are very limited options of performing this step manually.
- Technical Knowledge: Mentioned steps require some technical understanding by the user to perform correctly, since incorrect
- performance could result in file damage or loss of data.
- Large Files May Be Difficult: Large OST files are too difficult to handle manually. Moreover, the manual methods may not support bulk conversion; hence, the files have to be handled individually.
To avoid these issues, we are suggesting you take the professional approach to import OST File to thunderbird. This method is 100% reliable and strongly recommended by professionals. So continue to know more about the expert ways that can migrate OST Files into Thunderbird in one go.
Process 2: Import/Migrate OST File into Thunderbird using an Expert Solution
WebbyAcad OST Migrator Software is a supportive utility through which you can easily migrate OST files into Thunderbird. This software can convert OST files into various formats like MBOX, PST, DBX, MSG, and EML, providing you with choices for email migration.
This tool serves to import OST files into Outlook, Thunderbird, Office 365, IMAP, Gmail, and other email clients. It can also share the compatibility of even encrypted OST files by maintaining the security of your data while converting it. Additionally, it is supported by all versions of Windows OS for easy access.
Easy Ways to Import OST Files into Thunderbird:
- Install and Launch the Software: Download the WebbyAcad OST Converter Tool and install it on your system.
- Add OST File: “Choose” and “add” the OST file you want to convert.
- Select Output Format: Choose MBOX as the output format for Thunderbird.
- Convert OST to MBOX: Initiate the conversion process and wait for it to be completed.
- Import into Thunderbird: Once converted, open Thunderbird and import the MBOX file.
This automated solution makes the whole process easier, faster, and less prone to data loss than compared to manual methods.
