Simple Method to Convert Outlook PST Emails to MBOX Format

Why Move PST Files to MBOX?

There are multiple reasons users tend to migrate from Outlook PST. The significant one is that Mac supports the MBOX format. Some other causes are: 

• MBOX format is highly compatible with different email clients.
• Files in MBOX format are easily accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Also, it is needed to prevent the corruption of PST files leading to data loss.
• Moreover, managing MBOX files is easy, simple, and safe because of its flexibility. 

How do I convert PST files to MBOX?

It is clear from above, that it is necessary to convert PST files into MBOX format. There are two different manual methods and a professional tool to complete this task. The manual methods are cost free, but have limited features and are not very efficient. Therefore, using the tool will be a better option for more convenience. Further, the complete step-by-step guide for these methods is discussed below.

Method 1: Convert PST to MBOX Using Thunderbird Application

Follow the steps given below to execute the conversion process.

For Windows:

1. Open Thunderbird on your system. Select your mail and click Import.
2. The Import window appears. Select Import from Outlook and hit Continue.
   
3. Next, choose the items to import and click Continue.
   
4. Further, click the Start Import button to import your PST files. Once done, click Finish.
5. Now, go to Account Settings, click Add-ons and Themes, and select Add ImportExportTools NG. 
6. Afterward, choose Outlook, right-click, and select ImportExportTools NG. Click Folder Export (mbox) > As MBOX file.
   
7. Subsequently, browse and select the destination to save and hit the Select Folder button to complete the process.

Method 2: Import PST to MBOX Using Google Takeout

This method involves two stages to convert PST files to MBOX. These are as follows:

Stage 1: Adding PST Files to Gmail

To do so, follow these steps below:

1) Enabling IMAP in the Gmail

1. Log in to your Gmail account > Settings > See all settings.
2. Navigate to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab and Enable IMAP in the IMAP Access section.
   
3. Click Save Changes.

2) Importing PST by Setting Gmail in Outlook

1. Open Microsoft Outlook. Navigate to File > click Add Account.
2. Next, input your Gmail email and password and click Connect. Further, after configuration process completes, click Done.
3. Now, click File again, select Open & Export, and choose Import/Export.
4. Afterward, select Import from another program or file. Click Next.
   
5. Furthermore, select Outlook Data File(.pst). Click Next.
6. Subsequently, select the PST file for conversion and click Next.
7. At last, select your Gmail account as the destination and click Finish.

Stage 2: Exporting Emails to MBOX with Google Takeout

1. Launch Google Takeout on your system.
2. Next, scroll down until you find Mail, and check the box beside it to select. In addition, scroll down till last and click Next.
3. Further, set Export once as frequency, and choose the file type and size.
4. At last, hit Create Export button.

You will get a link on your Gmail. Download the zip file from link and extract its content to receive the MBOX file. 

Limitations of the Manual Method

• It is a tedious, and time-consuming process and requires technical expertise.
• Many errors occur while connecting and exchanging between multiple accounts.
• There is a high-risk of file getting infected, damaged, or corrupted.
• Manual methods are not very compatible with all versions of the system.

Method 3: Using Automated Tool

If you want to convert your files directly and worry-free, use the SysInfo PST to MBOX Converter. The tool converts files in seconds and keeps data intact without alterations or modifications. It is reliable and has other advanced features, such as:

• It allows users to Backup Contacts from Gmail and supports bulk conversion of other items too.
• Allows to convert files in different file formats and email clients with attachments.
• It is highly compatible and flexible with different Windows operating systems.

Steps to Convert PST to MBOX

1. Download the tool on your system and run it as an administrator.
2. Choose any one option: Select Single/Multiple File or Select Folder and click Next.
3. Afterward, click Select Files, browse and locate PST file, and click Open. Click Next.
4. Further, expand the tree structure, select files to preview, check attachments, and click Next.
5. Subsequently, choose MBOX as saving format. Apply additional filters if needed.
   
6. Next, specify the destination to save the resultant file.
7. Finally, hit the Convert button to complete the conversion process.

Conclusion

Overall, the process to convert PST to MBOX is not too complex. We have discussed both manual and professional methods in this blog. Though the manual method is free, it is difficult to implement. Therefore, using the expert tool is a better option. It is time-saving, user friendly, secure, and maintains folder hierarchy and data integrity. You can easily complete your task and continue with your work hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About The Author:

Edwin Stark

Edwin Stark is a Technical Content Writer who specializes in writing about databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He loves researching and developing content that helps database administrators, organizations and novices to fix multiple problems.

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