MBOX is a popular file format, used by many email clients, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Opera, Entourage, and Pocomail for storing an offline copy of mailbox items, such as emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, and more. However, many users are moving to Microsoft Outlook as it offers a wide range of impressive features. Since Outlook doesn’t support MBOX format, there is a need convert the MBOX file to Outlook importable PST format. Below, we will discuss how to convert MBOX to Outlook PST for free.
Methods to Convert MBOX File to PST for Free
Here are some free workarounds that can help you convert your MBOX file data to Outlook PST.
Tip: Create a copy of the MBOX file before using the methods explained below. This way, you will have a copy of your mailbox data to go back to, if any issue arises during the mailbox data transfer.
Method 1: Save MBOX Emails in EML Format and Transfer them in Outlook
As a workaround, you can save the emails from MBOX file in EML format, and then drag and drop them in an Outlook account. Once you move the emails in Outlook, you can export them to a PST file.
Note: For opening the MBOX file, you will need an MBOX-compatible email application. For demonstration purpose, we will be using Mozilla Thunderbird.
First, open the MBOX file in Mozilla Thunderbird and then proceed with the steps mentioned below:
- Once you open Mozilla Thunderbird, select the emails you want to open in Outlook. Right-click on them and click on Save As.
- Choose the destination folder and click on Select Folder. It will save the emails in .eml format in the selected folder.
- Now, launch the Outlook desktop app.
- Right-click on the left pane and create a new folder. You can give a name to the folder.
- Select the .eml files, and drag and drop them into the newly created folder in Outlook.
- You will see all your MBOX emails in Outlook.
- Now, you can use the Outlook’s built-in Import/Export wizard to export the folder containing MBOX emails to PST file.
Method 2: Move Emails from MBOX File to Outlook via Gmail
Another way to convert MBOX to Outlook PST for free is by configuring an IMAP-enabled Gmail account in an MBOX-supported email client (for example, Thunderbird) and in Outlook. This will help you to move emails from the MBOX file to the Outlook account. Let’s see how:
Note: We will be using Mozilla Thunderbird for demonstration purpose.
Part 1: Enable IMAP Settings in Gmail Account
First, enable the IMAP settings in your Gmail account. You can follow the below steps:
- Sign in to Gmail.
- Click on the Gear icon > See all settings.
- Click on the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
- Scroll down to IMAP access. Select the Enable IMAP option.
- It may show you a prompt to enter your Gmail password to verify your account. Enter the Gmail password.
Note: You may also need to enable the 2-step verification. You can do this by going to Account settings > Security > 2-step verification. The 2-step verification is required if you are configuring Gmail in another email client.
Part 2: Configure your Gmail Account in Thunderbird
The next step is to configure your Gmail account in Thunderbird. Here are the steps to do this:
- Launch the Thunderbird application. If you don’t have Mozilla Thunderbird installed on your Windows PC, install it.
Note: If you have already configured an email ID in Thunderbird, click on Local Folders in the left pane and then click on Email under the Set up Another Account section.
- You will see the Set Up Your Existing Email Address screen.
- Enter your Gmail username, Email ID, and Password.
- Click on Continue.
- Select IMAP under the Available configurations and click Done.
Part 3: Move MBOX File Items to the Configured Gmail Account
Once you have signed into Thunderbird using your Gmail account, you can move the MBOX file items to Gmail account. Follow the below steps:
- Right click on the newly added Gmail account in Thunderbird and select New Subfolder.
- Provide a name to the newly created folder and click on Create.
- Now, use the ImportExportTools NG to import the MBOX file into Thunderbird.
- Now, drag and drop the emails from the imported MBOX file into the newly created folder.
- Wait for the Thunderbird to sync the MBOX file emails to Gmail.
Part 4: Configure the Gmail Account in Outlook
Now, you can configure the same Gmail account in Outlook using the steps below:
- Launch your Outlook desktop client. Click on File.
- In the Account Information window, click on Add Account.
- In the Auto Account Setup window, enter your name, Gmail address, and password in the respective fields. Click Next.
- You will see a dialog box asking for IMAP password. Enter it and click OK.
- Wait for the wizard to configure your Gmail account in Outlook.
- Once completed, click Finish.
Outlook will sync all the emails of your Gmail account, including the newly created folder containing emails from the MBOX file. Now, you can use the Outlook’s built-in Import/Export wizard to export the folder containing MBOX emails to PST file.
Limitations of the Free Methods:
- Lengthy and time-consuming processes
- Installation of multiple software is required
- Chances of missing mailbox items
- Not suitable for converting large number of emails
Easiest Way to Convert MBOX to PST
To overcome the limitations of above methods and to easily convert MBOX file to PST, you can opt for a specialized MBOX to PST converter software. Stellar Converter for MBOX is one such advanced MBOX to PST converter software that is specifically designed to convert MBOX files into PST file format. Using this software, you can easily convert MBOX file to PST file in just three simple steps: Select > Convert > Save.
This software supports conversion of MBOX files created in all the popular MBOX-based email clients, like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Google Takeout, Entourage, and more. The free version of Stellar Converter for MBOX allows you to convert the MBOX file and preview the items. However, if you want to save the converted MBOX file to PST, you need to activate the software.
Conclusion
For converting MBOX file to PST for free, you can follow the workarounds mentioned above. However, these methods are complex and time consuming. To avoid the hassle of going through the lengthy processes of manual methods, you can use Stellar Converter for MBOX – a specialized MBOX to Outlook PST converter software that facilitates safe and quick MBOX to PST conversion.
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