Best Ways to Convert MBOX to PST Files Without Hassle

Email is at the heart of modern communication, but transitioning between email clients can be challenging. Many users utilize various email clients to manage their emails, and two popular options are Thunderbird and Apple Mail. Both email clients use the MBOX file format for storing email data. However, there are instances when you may need to convert MBOX to PST. The following page will discuss the conversion process using the MBOX Migrator Tool.

MBOX is a widely used, standardized file format for storing email messages. It is text-based and can contain multiple email messages within a single file. On the other hand, PST, or Personal Storage Table, is a proprietary file format developed by Microsoft primarily for Microsoft Outlook, a popular email client. Unlike MBOX, PST files use a hierarchical structure, allowing for the data organization into folders and subfolders.

Challenges of Manual MBOX to PST Conversion:

If you’ve ever attempted to convert MBOX emails to PST format manually, you might have encountered some roadblocks. Here are the limitations associated with manual conversion methods:

1. Manual conversion often involves installing and using multiple email clients, which can be quite a hassle. You need to set up and configure these software tools.
2. The manual process demands technical knowledge. 
3. Manually converting MBOX to PST can be time-consuming and lengthy. It requires careful attention to each step of the process.
4. Manual methods typically don’t allow you to skip any steps. You must follow a specific sequence of actions, and any deviation can lead to errors.

If you do not want to waste your valuable time by performing a manual method that has no guarantee of success, Jump to the Best Solution to Convert MBOX into PST.

Why do Users Want to Convert MBOX into PST? 

Basis	MBOX	PST
Definition	MBOX is a standardized file format used by various email clients, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and many open-source email applications.	PST (Personal Storage Table) is a proprietary file format primarily associated with Microsoft Outlook, the popular email client.
Hierarchical Structure	MBOX files typically store multiple email messages in a single file, organized by individual email folders within the file.	PST files use a hierarchical structure, where data is organized into folders and subfolders, making it easier to manage and access email data.
Platform Independence	These files are platform-independent, making them accessible on various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.	These files are native to Microsoft Windows and are primarily intended for use with Microsoft Outlook on Windows operating systems.
Type of format	MBOX files are typically text-based, making them relatively easy to manipulate and view with a text editor.	PST files use a binary format, which can make them more challenging to work with directly compared to the text-based nature of MBOX files.
Containing Metadata	MBOX files may have limited support for metadata, such as contact details, calendar entries, and other non-email data.	PST files can store a wide range of metadata, including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and other Outlook-specific data.

Here is the difference between MBOX and PST files. Now, we will learn how to export MBOX to PST. 

How to Convert MBOX to PST?

Are you looking to convert your MBOX emails to PST format for smoother email management or transitioning between email clients? It might sound complicated, but we’ve broken down the process into straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. Let’s get started:

#1. Move MBOX to PST Manually 

The following section will discuss the manual conversion, which has been distributed into sub-sections. 

Step 1: Saving MBOX Emails as EML Files:

• First, open your MBOX email client (e.g., Thunderbird).
• Then, right-click on a folder and create a new folder for your EML files.
• Further, select the EML messages you want to save, then move them to the newly created folder.
• Choose “Save as” to save them as EML files to your preferred location.

Step 2: Exporting Emails to an External Folder:

• After that, install the “ImportExportTools NG” add-on for Thunderbird.
• Then, restart the Thunderbird application.
• Now, right-click on a folder, go to “ImportExportTools NG,” and select “Export all messages in the folder” in EML format.
• Choose a destination folder to save the EML files.

Step 3: Transferring EML Files to Outlook:

• Open the folder where your EML emails are saved.
• Select the EML files, then drag and drop them into any folder in Outlook.

Step 4: Converting Emails Using MS Outlook:

• In Outlook, go to “File” > “Open & Export” > “Import/Export.”
• Select “Export to a file” in the Import/Export wizard and click “Next.”
• Choose “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
• Locate the folder where the EML files are saved and click “Next.”
• Set the destination location for the newly created PST file and finish the process.

A new PST file will be created at the chosen location. You can also add a password to this file if you want to keep it secure. The above solution will help users to convert MBOX to PST for Outlook. You can also opt for the other techniques.

Also Read: Import MBOX File To Gmail Account

#2. Converting MBOX to PST Using Email Clients:

The upcoming paragraph will discuss a few steps to perform the conversion. 

Step 1: Import Mailbox Data into Apple Mail

• Open the Apple Mail email client on your local screen.
• Afterwards, go to “File” > “Import mailbox.”
• Then, select the source of the MBOX file and click “Continue.”
• Browse for the MBOX file and click “Continue.”
• Once the import is complete, click “Done.”

Step 2: Create a Mailbox Using Eudora

• Then, add the MBOX file extension to the imported file (e.g., ABCMBOX becomes abcMBOX.mbx).
• Further, move this file to the Eudora directory (default location: “C: Documents and Settings user >> Application Data\Qualcomm\Eudora”).
• Open Eudora and double-click on ABCMBOX.mbx, then close the application.

Step 3: Import Mailbox Using Outlook Express

• Launch Outlook Express on your screen.
• Then, go to “File” > “Import” > “Messages.”
• Next, choose Eudora from the list and click “Next.”
• Browse for the ‘.mbox‘ file and click “Next,” and complete the process. The imported data will be in Local Folders.

Step 4: Import Mailbox from Outlook Express to MS Outlook

• Ensure that MS Outlook is installed.
• Afterwards, open the MS Outlook application on your system.
• Then, go to “File” > “Import and Export.”
• Further, select “Import from another file and folder” and click “Next.”
• Choose “Import Internet Mail and Addresses” and click “Next.”
• Select “Outlook Express 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, or Windows Mail” and click “Next.”
• Choose the file to import from the browser option and click “Next.”
• Click “Finish” after the process is completed. You’ll find the imported mailbox in your Outlook client.

#3. Best MBOX to PST Converter Tool

MBOX Converter is the top-notch utility to convert MBOX to PST files. Moreover, users just need to add the files to the software. This wizard will maintain data integrity and a hierarchical folder. In order to do this, users can effortlessly see their files in a preview panel. In addition, you can simply perform the bulk conversion without losing a single piece of data. Now, we will learn the conversion process in depth. 

Steps to Move MBOX to PST:

•  First, Download, Install, and Run MBOX to PST Converter Tool.
• After that, choose between converting a single or multiple files/folders and click “Next.”
• Select the MBOX files from your system and proceed by clicking “Next.”
• The software displays a detailed preview of the MBOX files.
• Select the folders you want to convert and click “Next.”
• Choose Outlook PST as the saving format from the available options.
• Customize the conversion process by selecting the features that suit your preferences.
• Lastly, pick the destination folder where you want to save the PST file and click “Convert.”

Author’s Suggestion

Converting MBOX to PST is a straightforward process. Moreover, it’s a valuable skill to have, especially if you’re transitioning between email clients or need to maintain a backup of your important email data. With the right MBOX to PST converter, you can ensure a seamless transition to convert MBOX to PST. In fact, you can continue to manage your emails efficiently.