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    Export Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 Mailbox to Thunderbird (MBOX)


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      Summary: This tutorial describes how to Export Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 Mailbox to Thunderbird (MBOX). It speaks about both manual and software approaches to execute migration process. However, it also recommends one of the most dependable software application for easy, quick and secure Outlook PST to MBOX conversion.

      Emailing an Ultimate Source for Connectivity and Convenience

      The decision of switching from one email client application to another is not at all an easy task, especially for the business owners. When individual plans to move, they have a fear of hindering their day-to-day operation associated with them as migration can result in losing saved messages and contacts. However, still, for great versatility and effectiveness, migration process occurs.

      Evolution Demands Upgradation

      Picture this. Imagine a scenario where previously your organization used to work only on MS Outlook, the most sophisticated email environment. However, now with evolution in demands and needs, they are switching from Outlook to another platform Thunderbird, the most renowned Mozilla family email-client. It implies that you need to convert Outlook data to Thunderbird format.

      Now, the big question here is how to migrate without compromise?

      Different Email-Client, Different Supporting File Format

      The reason being File Format for both the platform are different. Outlook stores data into proprietary file format PST and Thunderbird does not support this file format; its File format is MBOX.

      Therefore, whatever be the reason for migration be it message grouping option, saved search folders option, advanced message filtering option or easy-to-setup and customize facility, to migrate a user needs to convert its PST Files into MBOX format.

      With Thunderbird import feature, the user can automatically export Outlook data into Thunderbird. Indeed, right but the user can execute this operation only on that system that has Outlook as a default program.

      What is Next?

      Let us delve into the complete guide to Export Outlook Mailbox to Thunderbird.

      Comprehensive Guide for Outlook to Thunderbird Data Export

      Two Approaches for Outlook to Thunderbird Migration are as follows:

      • Manual Approach
      • Software Approach

      Manual Approach

      Using the below-stated migration steps, you can convert PST Files into MBOX.

      Scenario 1: In case of Single Machine

      Steps are as follows:

      • Go to Start
      • Click on to Default Programs
      • Select Set your default program
      • Choose Outlook option
      • Click on Set this Program as default option
      • Now, launch Thunderbird program
      • Click on Tools tab
      • Select Import
      • Go to Mail tab, click on radio button next to it
      • Click Next
      • From the provided options, choose Outlook
      • Click Next
      • Click Finish( It will import data)
      • Now, follow same steps again, click on Address Books or any other data item which you want to import
      • Again click on Default Programs window to open it
      • Select Thunderbird
      • Choose option— Set this program as default

      Scenario 2: In case of Migration from One Machine to Multiple Machine

      Steps are as follows:

      • Install Thunderbird on the system having running Outlook
      • Exit Thunderbird
      • Go to Start button
      • Go to Search box
      • Type %APPDATA%
      • Choose folder named as “Roaming
      • Now, to the system’s USB port attach an external device
      • Under Roaming window, right-click on Thunderbird folder
      • Click on Send To option
      • Choose Externally Connected Device to import data
      • Now, connect external device and open it
      • Right-click on Thunderbird folder
      • Click on Copy option
      • Again, click on Start
      • Under search box, type %APPDATA%
      • Select Roaming folder
      • Remove Thunderbird folder
      • Now, Paste chosen copy to Roaming folder

      The Import process of Outlook Data to the Thunderbird program has been successfully executed.

      Pros:

      • Absolutely Free

      Cons:

      • Lengthy Process
      • Slow and complex
      • Includes Risk of Data Loss
      • Outlook Contacts Transfer not possible

      Software Solution

      It involves the use of third-party conversion tool. Being software-oriented, it is free from manual intervention hence have an almost negligible risk of data compromise.

      Pros:

      • Easy and fast
      • Free from Risk
      • Simple and straightforward

      Cons:

      • It request for purchase to avail complete benefit

      To find the best-fit option, you do not need to move here and there and explore the online stores. Here is recommendation too among the large heap of several options for added ease.

      One such remarkable application that suffice requirements is Stellar Converter for PST. This dependable software has tried, tested, and approved by the leading experts in the league having years of niche experience.

      Stellar Converter for PST Overview

      An advanced data conversion tool to enable Outlook mailboxes bulk mail migration to MBOX files without compromise. This smart application has provisioned to work safely with any size PST File with utmost ease. This do-it-yourself dedicated solution is a perfect amalgam of reliability and user-friendliness. With hands on this software, you can expediently migrate all PST file data into MBOX format effortlessly. You can also use it to convert password-protected files.  Once converted, these files can easily be imported as well as opened in Thunderbird.

      Prominent Features of  PST to MBOX Converter

      • Facilitates Preview Service for Converted Mail Items
      • Facilitates MBOX Saving at User-specified Location
      • Include option to Select Outlook PST File
      • Supports Thunderbird, Spicebird, SeaMonkey, and Netscape
      • Compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP
      • Compatible with Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003

      Conclusion

      Export Outlook 2016, 2013, and 2010 Mailbox to Thunderbird (MBOX) is not at all an easy task though a bit cumbersome. Now, you must be familiarized with both manual and software approaches to cater to it. Further, you must also be clear about its pros and cons. Thus, based on the associated information and self-assessment, you can easily decide which one to use.

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      About The Author

      Eric Simson linkdin

      Eric Simson is an Email Platform Consultant and is associated with Stellar Data Recovery from last 6 years. He writes about the latest technology tips and provides custom solutions related to MS Outlook, MS Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.

      15 comments

      1. Is it possible to use the “PST to MBOX Converter” to convert also Folders (this computer only) into Thunderbird’s IMAP Folders?

        1. Hello Rene,
          I would like to suggest please try our demo version first. After that, If you face any problem then let me know.

      2. But, I don’t wish to leave Outlook 2016. Please suggest any method to recover lost or deleted emails from Outlook 2016 PST file.

      3. I am not interested to move on Thunderbird. In my opinion, MS Outlook is the best solution for corporate and personal users.

        1. Yes!

          MS Outlook is the best choice but Thunderbird is also gaining popularity for its open source tag.

      4. Eric,

        Just changing from Outlook 2016 to Thunderbird 52.6.0 on home computer. When I got to the point where I clicked on the MAIL button, the choices were the top one Nancy’s mailbox( or whatever) it was and Outlook Express. “Outlook” appeared to be grayed out and not available to use. Therefore nothing got transferred.

        Also unable to transfer any of the emails.. This is on Windows 10.

        Any ideas why it isn’t working

      5. I can’t leave Outlook because its support & GUI is fully compatible with a corporate environment. Of course, it shows some annoying issues like hanging, damage in PST file but you handle easily using a third party solution like Stellar Outlook PST Repair.

        1. Yes!

          Don’t concern about the version of archive PST file. Our tool automatically makes a compatibility with any version of Outlook PST file during the scan process.

      6. I am using Outlook 2010 for last five years. Of course, I am planning to leave this Outlook version but confused between two choices (MS Outlook 2016 & Thunderbird).

        Let me know which one is the best suitable for me?

        1. Hi Moore,

          I can say that it depends on your requirement. If you are looking for a free email client, then choose Thunderbird. However, MS Outlook is a paid option, but it has many features like contact manager, social integration, 24*7 tech support, and easy deployment in a corporate environment.

      7. Can I move around 14,345+ emails from Outlook 2016 to Thunderbird without losing a single email?

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