adminManaging email data across different platforms can be challenging, especially when switching from Outlook to other email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail or Eudora. Most common problems users demand to solve is the need to convert PST to MBOX, as PST files are native to Microsoft Outlook, while MBOX is the preferred format for many other email programs. Whether you’re migrating to a new platform or simply looking to access your emails more flexibly, finding a reliable and free method is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore several easy and effective ways for PST to MBOX conversion on Windows without spending a dime. From manual techniques to using free tools, we’ll cover the steps that ensure your email data is transferred safe and sound. So, if you’re searching for solutions to export PST to MBOX seamlessly, you’re in the right place!
Some Popular Email Platforms using MBOX
Some very popular Email platforms use MBOX files for storing and organizing emails and other data like contacts, calendars, tasks, schedules, notes etc. MBOX’s simple format, easy adaptation with many different email clients, efficiency and compatibility with open source email systems make it a versatile format. It is also a good option for backing up or achieving data. It groups emails into a single file for each mailbox or folder, making it convenient for storage and backup. Below are some email clients that extensively use MBOX format most often.
- Mozilla Thunderbird – Thunderbird is the biggest user of .mbx format. Apart from the fact that it is an email client, it is used as a tool to convert other files to mbox such is its dependency on MBOX. It organizes emails into MBOX files, making it easy to store, back up, and transfer data.
- Apple Mail – Also known as Mac Mail or iCloud, it also use MBOX to store email messages. This allows its users to easily manage and archive emails efficiently on mac OS.
- Eudora – This classic email client use .mbx format for providing its users a smooth experience in terms of data management and sorting. It is one of the oldest user of MBOX format.
- Postbox – It is a premium email client which supports MBOX to enhance its email management functionality. This leverages its compatibility with other platforms.
Using Mozilla Thunderbird as a free way
Mozilla Thunderbird is, as mentioned above, the biggest client to use .mbx format most extensively. It can therefore be used as a tool for converting Outlook PST files to MBOX format with ease. If summarized in least words, we’ve to first import PST files to Thunderbird and then export the same as MBOX.
This first step involves moving our PST files to Thunderbird email client. We can further do it by two different methods,
A. Using an IMAP account for Migration
This method involves syncing your PST emails to Thunderbird via an IMAP account, such as Gmail.
I. Set up Gmail in Thunderbird
- Enable IMAP in your Gmail account settings.
- Add your Gmail account to Thunderbird by entering your credentials and following the setup wizard.
II. Import PST to Outlook
- Open Microsoft Outlook and add the PST file if it isn’t already.
- Move or copy the emails from the PST file to a folder in your Gmail account (IMAP syncs this to the cloud).
III. Sync Gmail with Thunderbird
- Once the emails are synced with Gmail, Thunderbird will automatically download them locally.
IV. Export PST as MBOX
- The emails downloaded in Thunderbird are automatically stored in the MBOX format.
B. Using “ImportExportTools NG” add-on of Thunderbird
This is rather more direct approach then using an IMAP account. It involves directly importin PST files to Thunderbird without relying on any third party.
I. Download the Add-On
Install “ImportExportTools NG” add-on in Thunderbird. To do this, navigate to Add-on Manager (Menu > Add-ons > Extensions). Search ‘importexporttools NG” and enter. Install it after you find it.
II. Export Email from Outlook
Use Outlook to export the emails in EML format (drag and drop emails to a local folder on your computer).
III. Import PST file into Thunderbird
Use the “ImportExportTools NG” add-on in Thunderbird to import the EML files into Thunderbird. Thunderbird will save these emails in MBOX format automatically.
Until here, we are using Thunderbird which is all manually done by user, has to import, configure and export files on his own. Above method if summarized, user first has to convert PST to EML, then import to thunderbird and then to export the saved file as MBOX. The next method involves automated approaches that only requires PST files, nothing like another email client or converting to other format.
Automated Approach to Convert PST to MBOX
Using PST to MBOX Converter Software: Fast and Efficient Approach
Use WebbyAcad PST file Converter for converting PST to MBOX. This software is the tool which quickly and effectively converts PST file to MBOX. The tool is specialized in converting PST tile in bulk without even lagging. For doing this, the steps involved are:
1. Add PST file to convert PST to MBOX
User first has to ensure where his PST file is located. Open the Software, and “Add PST File” by browsing to the location.
2. Preview the Emails
As the PST file is added, software starts reading it. Its contents starts to display. The left pane shows the items like Inbox, Outbox, Deleted items, Achieve etc. The right pane shows all the emails in the folder selected in the left pane. To view the whole email, double click on it and mail will be displayed on a separate window.
3. (a) Select MBOX as Export Option
As you select to export the emails of your choice, the next step involves setting “MBOX” as export option. Select it from the drop-down list.
(b) Filter Emails (Optional) & Set Path
If you want to further sort out emails specifically on the basis of dates, select start and end date in the box. If you want to save your MBOX file to a particular location of your choice, mention it in “Custom Root Folder”.
4. Start the export Process
Click on the Export button to start the export process. Check the size of your PST file. If the size is significant, the export process will take time accordingly.
Conclusion
All summed up, to convert PST to MBOX for windows, you can either use manual or automated approach. Manual approach utilizes Mozilla Thunderbird for the conversion process while the other uses its advanced algorithms for directly changing the format from .pst (PST) to .mbx (MBOX). Though, both are effective and accurate, the manual approach takes more time and more efforts to do the job. Whereas, the converter software does the same task in less time and less efforts. Whatever the way you choose, take proper information beforehand and after that apply the knowledge practically.
