How to Convert PST to MBOX | Easy & Safe Methods

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Email customers often need flexibility when it comes to managing their mailbox data. Microsoft Outlook stores emails in PST files, and it is not supported by any non-Microsoft email platforms. Many users often switch to such email services that support the MBOX format, and accessing PST outside of Outlook is challenging. In this blog, we will discuss reasons as well as manual and professional methods to convert PST to MBOX so that users can easily transfer their data without any data loss.

Reasons Why We Need to Export PST File to MBOX

  1. Supports Multiple-Email Clients–  MBOX files are supported by multiple email clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, Entourage, and many more. Thus, by converting PST, users can access their emails in other email platforms.
  2. Email Migration Becomes Easy– Many organizations migrate from Outlook to open-source or email clients. Convert Outlook PST file to MBOX will simplify the migration process to other devices and reduce Outlook dependency.
  3. Long-Term Data Accessibility– PST file is mainly supported by Microsoft. If Outlook becomes unavailable and unsupported in the near future, accessing PST data would become difficult. So, by converting PST to MBOX, it would be easier for users to access emails without depending on a single provider.  
  4. Reduction of Cost Expenses – MBOX files are usually free email application tools, and they also save users software license costs without losing access to the email data. Usually, PST files requires paid license, and for many large organizations, the cost is very high.
  5. Supports all Operating Systems– PST files are less flexible outside Windows and Mac, but MBOX files work smoothly on all operating systems, whether it is Windows, Mac, or Linux. By converting to MBOX, users can access all email data regardless of the operating system used. 

Manual Methods to Convert PST to MBOX

You can easily save an MBOX file as a PST using Thunderbird directly. The steps for it are provided below, but ensure you have both Outlook and Thunderbird active profiles for this conversion. The steps are:

  1. Install Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
  2. Select the Mail, and click on the Import button. 
  3. After that, when the import window opens, choose the Import from Outlook option and click Continue.
  4. Then, select the items to import and click on Continue.
  5. In the fifth step, click on the Start Import button and import the PST files. Click Finish to continue.
  6. Go to Account Settings, click on the Add-ons and Themes section, and choose Add ImportExportTools NG.
  7. Next, drop the PST files into the Local Folder by dragging. Later, right-click and select ImportExportTools NG.
  8. Finally, choose Export MBOX files for the Local folder data, pick a location, and click Select Folder. 

That’s how you save PST to MBOX for free. But of course, it is not that easy and has its cons. 

Disadvantage of a Manual Migration 

  • The process of manual migration is very lengthy and takes enough time.
  • It exports without attachments, and there is a higher chance of getting inappropriate results.
  • The method is not suitable for all versions of the system.
  • Handling various PST files is difficult, and it increases the risk of data loss.
  • The application lacks advanced features like modification, sorting, and optimization.

Professional Method to Convert PST to MBOX

The safest and most secure way for PST to MBOX conversion is by using the SysInfo PST Converter. The manual methods are not so secure and risky at times, but this professional tool provides perfection and data protection. It supports both technical and non-technical users. The utility is compatible with all versions of Windows OS, and it works without Outlook. Moreover, it has many advanced features, and you can open the resultant MBOX on any email client. 

Steps to Convert PST File to MBOX on Windows/Mac

  1. Install the SysInfo PST converter software on the system.
  2. Select and browse the PST files and click on the Open button. Tap Next.
  3. In the third step, check the preview section and select the folder from the tree hierarchy, and then click Next.
  4.  In the drop-down area, click on the MBOX format, and then apply filters to get the desired results.
  5. Finally, select the saving destination and click on the Convert button to save it. 

Conclusion

To conclude, you can convert PST files to MBOX with Outlook and Thunderbird or smart solutions. The manual methods consume enough time and require various steps to perform this process. Hence, for a faster, safer, and more secure way, professional methods are the most recommended way to easily convert PST to MBOX. Moreover, it guarantee 100% data accuracy and no data loss. It also maintains data integrity and supports folder hierarchy, by which users can continue their work without any disturbance.