Users can export MBOX data to PST file format and for this migration, various methods are available. However, one technique is not suitable for another. So to explore the best solution for you, read this article. Here, you will learn reasons and methods to export MBOX files into Outlook PST.
MBOX is a email message file that stores complete details of a multiple messages. It includes email content, sender information, recipient information, message date, subject, etc. The size of MBOX files is small as they store a multiple messages.
Personal Storage Table (PST) is Outlook data file that stores complete mailbox details. PST file has an advantage over MBOX file that it can save details equal to hundreds of MBOX files. It is one of the reasons for exporting MBOX database into PST format. But there are various reasons, let us know them.
Why Arise Need for migration of MBOX files into PST Format?
A user wants to export MBOX data items into PST format for Outlook due to many reasons. However here are some common reasons that led to migration of MBOX files. Also, it is important to know why users want to migrate email messages to Outlook files.
- MBOX files are prone to corruption. They can corrupt easily than other file formats. So, exporting them into PST file format is an effective way to save your valuable information from corruption.
- To open MBOX files, one needs an email client that supports this file format. On the other hand, PST files can be easily opened in MS Outlook.
- MBOX files store multiple mail. When you save the entire mailbox as MBOX files. It takes more space. On the other hand, Outlook PST file stores entire emails with attachments.
There are many reasons for MBOX migration but the above reasons are most prominent. Now, let us learn practices to import MBOX data files into Outlook data files.
How to export MBOX data to PST for Outlook?
You can export MBOX files into Outlook PST with various techniques. You can perform the migration either using third-party Softaken MBOX to Outlook Converter application or using manual methods. To use manual methods, one needs technical knowledge. There are two methods to export MBOX database to PST file for Outlook.
- Manual Method
- Professional or Automatic Method
Manual Approaches to Export MBOX data files into Outlook PST format
1. By Using Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook
In this method, you need Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook both. By using their inbuilt features, one can export MBOX to Outlook.
Given below are the steps:
- Run Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird application as administrator.
- In Thunderbird, click on File menu.
- Select Export Email option and select Email messages.
- Choose Microsoft Exchange in export option and click next.
- This will open a pop-up that states to export emails into Microsoft Outlook. Click OK.
- Select required emails from mailbox folder to migrate and then press OK.
- Hit OK button and this will start the migration. After finishing, an export wizard will appear. Click on Finish button.
2. Drag and Drop MBOX files
It is a simple method that needs Microsoft Outlook installation in your system. This method is suitable when you have limited MBOX files because you need to save MBOX files at separate location in your system. Also, drag & drop method is the best option when you don’t have any email client to open MBOX files.
Here are the steps:
- Open MS Outlook on your system.
- Go to the directory where your MBOX data files are saved.
- Select desired MBOX files to migrate.
- Move the pointer and place it in Inbox of MS Outlook and release it.
- This will move MBOX files into Outlook by converting them into PST format.
3. Export MBOX files using Outlook Express
Using Outlook Express, one can export MBOX data items into PST file. Drag MBOX files in Outlook Express.
It configures MBOX files with Outlook Express. Follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Run MS Outlook as administrator on your system.
- Go to first tab i.e. File tab in Outlook and then click on Open & Export.
- Choose Import/Export option from the list.
- Now, choose Import Internal Mail and Addresses and then Outlook Express.
- Select Next button and click on Finish button.
These are most effective manual steps to migrate MBOX data items to Outlook file. These methods are useful in few cases. Also, manual procedures have drawbacks.
Limitations of Manual Methods
The manual method is best suited for those users who have technical skills. But users who are not familiar with technical terms are unable to follow the above steps. So, this manual method is not considered an ideal solution to use in every situation to export MBOX email messages into PST format.
It has some drawbacks –
- It is complicated and difficult for novice users.
- The manual steps are time-consuming and you can migrate a limited number of emails at once.
- There is risk of file corruption and data loss with manual methods.
- The above procedure gets changed with update of MS Outlook.
Professional or Automatic Solution
Using the professional solution, one can easily export MBOX database file to PST file for Outlook. It is a fast and effective tool to migrate MBOX data files. Also, due to its simplicity, the application is ideal for both technical and non-technical users. Bulk migration is supported by the application and you don’t need installation of any email client in the system for the migration process.
Final Thoughts
This article explains all reasons and various solutions to export MBOX database into Outlook PST file format. Two ways for the migration i.e. manual and automated is discussed in this post. With manual method, users without technical skills find it complicated. Hence, they can go for third-party application which is suitable for technical & non-technical users. You can check out the application for free before its purchase.
