Free Methods for MBOX to PST Conversion- 100% Accuracy

Do you struggle to convert MBOX files into PST file format? Let us read the free methods to convert MBOX emails to PST format through this post.

MBOX is a flexible format that carries a lot of email messages in a single file. A lot of open-source email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, Entourage, etc. depend on MBOX files to store the mailbox data.

On the other hand, Microsoft Outlook is another email client which is highly demanded for personal as well as professional use. This email client effectively manages emails along with attachments, notes, contacts, calendars, tasks, etc.

So, when users need an email client which is more than email communication platform, then they look forward to MS Outlook. When users need to take advantage of all features of Outlook, they need to convert MBOX files into Outlook importable PST file format.

Let us first figure out the reasons for opting Outlook over MBOX email clients. Then, we will move ahead to the free solutions to convert MBOX to PST file format.

Table of Contents

Reasons to Prefer MS Outlook over MBOX-supported email clients

Let us here understand the advantages of Outlook over MBOX email clients:

PST holds multiple types of data: In Outlook PST file, you can easily save a lot of data items such as email messages, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, etc. On the other hand, MBOX file format only carries emails and attachments.

Offline data accessibility: In Outlook, you can get the advantage of offline data accessibility whereas there is no such facility available in MBOX email clients.

Mailbox archiving: In Outlook, users have the option of auto-archiving of emails. But in Thunderbird, you need to create a folder & then need to move emails to it.

Data safety and management: In Outlook, you will get smart security features to safeguard your data. Also, Outlook is well-known for managing users’ data in an organized manner.

Outlook supports MS Exchange accounts: Outlook smoothly connects with Exchange Server while other email clients can’t. Outlook smartly connects with all Exchange versions like 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, & others.

How to Convert MBOX to Outlook PST using Free solutions?

To convert MBOX to PST Outlook file format, first we will be discussing the free methods to convert .mbox files into .pst file format.

Method 1: Using Thunderbird and MS Outlook

This method has three different steps:

Save MBOX email items as EML files
Drag and drop these EML files in Outlook
Export MBOX email items into PST file

Step 1. Save MBOX email messages as EML files

In this step, you need to use the Thunderbird email client to save Thunderbird mailboxes into EML file.

Start by opening the Thunderbird application. Now, right-click on any folder and create a ‘new folder’

Name this new folder and hit on Create folder button.

Choose all emails that you want to move to this new folder.

After this, selected emails are moved into this new folder.
Now, right-click on those emails and save them.

You will these files as EML files on your desktop folder.

Step 2. Drag and drop moved EML files into MS Outlook

In this step, you need proper installation of Microsoft Outlook email client on your system.

Open the folder where you have saved the moved EML files.
Pick all and drag & drop them into Microsoft Outlook.
Now, you can see EML files into Microsoft Outlook application.

Step 3. Export MBOX email into PST file

Now, in Outlook, open the Import/Export option.

After this, choose the option ‘Export to file’ and press ‘Next’

Go for the Outlook .pst file option.

Pick the folder where EML files are saved.

Set the location for the new Outlook PST file. Press the ‘Finish’ button.

Finally, your MBOX files are converted into PST file format with the above steps.

Method 2. Using Multiple Email Clients

In this method, you have to make use of multiple email clients for exporting MBOX to PST file format.

Step 1. Use Apple Mail

Open the Apple Mail email client.
Go to File and then Import mailboxes
Pick the files you want to import and press the Continue button.
Go to the location where you have saved MBOX files. Press the Continue button.
Once the process gets completed, hit the Done button.

Step 2. Use Eudora

Here, rename MBOX files as MBX files.
Now, move the renamed .mbx files into the directory location where Eudora saves its data. (C:\Documents and Settings\Application Data\Qualcomm\Eudora)
Launch the Eudora application and double-click on .mbx files.

Step 3. Use Outlook Express

Launch the Outlook Express program. Then, go to Messages followed by File-Import.
Pick Eudora from the list and press Next.
Go to the location where you have .mbx files and click OK.

Step 4. Use Outlook

Launch MS Outlook program and tap on the File option.
Pick the Import option from Import/Export wizard.
Now, go through the steps to move data from Outlook Express to Outlook.
Pick Import from another file & folder option.
In the next page, pick Import Internet Mail and Addresses.

Pick Outlook Express or Windows mail option.
Finally Choose the DBX file to import into Outlook application.

Note: This method is quite tough & not feasible as some of the email clients used in this method are discontinued.

Problems faced while implementing Free (Manual) solutions

While using free solutions, users need to install multiple email clients. Without these email clients, conversion can’t be achieved.
While moving data from one email client to another, there is high risk of data loss & corruption.
As some email clients are outdated so these solutions are of no use for users.
Due to the involvement of many email clients, this process becomes lengthy and time-taking.
Fully preserve MBOX database structure and formatting while exporting MBOX into PST file format.

Professional MBOX to PST Converter to Export MBOX to PST file

You have noticed that the free methods are complicated and need multiple email clients for conversion. Hence, most users find these methods tough to implement. Thus, to get rid of all these issues, we suggest users to go for professionally tested third-party programs like WholeClear MBOX to PST Converter. This is one of the quickest solutions to comfortably convert multiple MBOX files with attachments into Outlook PST file format.

This utility does not require the support of other email clients to perform the conversion. Also, users can easily handle the conversion process with this software.

Without facing any data loss and data alteration, the MBOX to PST Conversion is comfortably executed by this application. It is fully suitable to use by all users – technical and non-technical. In just 4-5 easy steps, the conversion task is accomplished with the help of this application.

Steps to Convert MBOX to PST files in bulk

Install the MBOX to PST Converter on your system and select mbox file format

Then add the mbox files/folders to software

Show complete view of mbox files, then select PST

Choose location for resultant pst file

Finally, hit on the Convert Now tab to start the conversion procedure.

Benefits of using Third-party software to Convert MBOX to PST:

Complete support to all MBOX-supported email clients
Direct and 100% safe conversion process without any complications
Smooth conversion of MBOX to PST for Outlook version – 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc.
No requirement for any email client to convert MBOX to PST format.
Freeware mode is available to evaluate the software before paying for it.

Conclusion

So, through this post, you have come to know the reasons to choose Outlook over MBOX-based email clients with free solutions to perform the conversion. This post clearly explained manual methods and an automated tool. With manual solutions, you may face some issues like data loss, lengthy, not suitable for beginners, etc. However, the third-party software convert mbox files with attachments in bulk, it’s is free from such issues. So, by analyzing all the methods, you can find out the best one for you. However, we highly recommend the professional MBOX to PST Converter tool for instant & secure results. Also, a free testing mode is available with the software to convert/expor mbox to pst files only the first 25 items per folder.