Complete Guide to Convert PST File to MBOX- Verified Solution

Summary: Migrating from a Windows environment to macOS necessitates Windows Outlook emails to be accessible in Apple Mail. Since Apple Mail doesn’t support PST files, converting your PST file to MBOX becomes important. In this weblog, we’ll walk through the process to convert PST file to MBOX format. We’ll first show you a manual method that helps users with basic technical knowledge perform the PST conversion. After that, for a faster and more reliable solution, we will introduce an advanced PST Converter Tool. It offers a quick and safe way to handle the entire conversion process without data loss.

Reasons to Convert PST to MBOX File Format

Generally, users have their reasons to convert their PST file, whether it’s related to email backup, migration, or sharing. So, below are some typical scenarios that lead users to convert PST files into MBOX: 

1. Users convert their PST files because it’s easier to share emails with other email clients in MBOX format.
2. They convert Outlook PST files to MBOX when moving from Windows to Mac or Linux.
3. MBOX is a simple text file that makes it easier to save and store emails.

Methods to Convert PST File to MBOX

To make Outlook PST files easier to open in other email clients, users may need to convert them into MBOX format. In this section, we’ll describe easy ways to achieve that. First, we will see how to use Outlook and Thunderbird to manually convert PST files to MBOX. For users who prefer a quick and simple solution, we will introduce a specialized PST tool that efficiently completes the task without requiring Outlook.

Method 1: Export PST to MBOX Manually

In this method, we will utilize an IMAP account as a bridge between Outlook and Thunderbird. We will first transfer our emails to an IMAP folder and load the PST file into Outlook. Then, allow Thunderbird to sync them. After syncing, emails will automatically be saved in MBOX format when you drag them into a local Thunderbird folder.

Let’s see these steps clearly in detail:

Step 1: Configure Outlook and Set Up Thunderbird with an IMAP Email Account

1. First, open Microsoft Outlook on your Windows.
2. Then, click on File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File.
3. Now, browse your desired PST file and select it.
4. After that, launch Thunderbird and go through the setup to add an IMAP-based email account. (Thunderbird will sync and display your email account folders.)

Step 2: Transfer Emails to IMAP Account and Sync IMAP Emails in Thunderbird

1. In Outlook, find the emails or folders inside your PST file.
2. Drag and drop these selected emails into the IMAP account’s appropriate folder. (Outlook will sync them to the server automatically.)
3. Now, in Thunderbird, allow it to fully sync and download emails locally.

Step 3: Move Emails to Local Folders in Thunderbird (Create MBOX)

1. In Thunderbird, create a New Folder: Right-click on Local Folders > Select New Folder > name it.
2. Open your synced IMAP folder.
3. Select the emails you want to move, and drag them into the Local Folder you just created.
4. Thunderbird automatically saves emails in MBOX format inside its profile directory.

Drawbacks of Using the Manual Method

In this segment, look at the reasons why users must avoid this manual approach to convert Outlook PST to MBOX:

1. Manually transferring large inboxes takes too much time, especially during IMAP Syncing.
2. This approach requires multiple steps to follow and many applications to complete the process.
3. There is a high chance that some emails, attachments, or formatting may not get transferred properly.
4. Converting multiple PST files at once is not possible using the manual method.

Method 2: Automated Tool to Convert PST File to MBOX

PST Converter is a trusted and dependable tool that effectively converts PST format to MBOX. This tool supports bulk file conversion, which expedites the conversion process and saves time. In contrast to manual methods, the software is also effective and requires little work. Because of this, the converter tool is perfect for novices and non-technical people. Additionally, managing duplicate emails, attachments is simple; they protect and preserve your data.

Simple steps to use the converter tool:

1. First, install and load the converter tool on your system.
2. Then, click Select File or Select Folder.
3. Once you’ve found your PST file, click Open, and then click Next to proceed.
4. After that, extend the tree hierarchy, select your emails/folder, and click Next.
5. Now, select MBOX as your preferred output format from the drop-down list.
6. You can apply any necessary advanced filters or settings (optional).
7. At last, to start conversion, click the Convert button.

Read More: Convert PST File to PDF

Conclusion:

The ability to convert PST file to MBOX facilitates smoother email migration and improves data shareability. Therefore, we have discussed a feasible manual method in this blog post. But many users may find it to be slow and a little too complicated. Hence, we prefer users to use a professional PST converter tool. It facilitates batch conversion, speeds up the process, and preserves the structure of your emails. Moreover, the tool even allows you to filter individual emails for export. It’s a dependable option for both personal and professional needs.

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