How to Export PST to MBOX Format?
If you switch from Microsoft Outlook to another email client such as Thunderbird or Apple Mail, we recommend exporting the PST file to a format compatible with these email clients. One such format is MBOX, used by popular email clients such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Eudora. This article explains how to export PST to MBOX file format.
PST and MBOX are two file formats used to store email data. PST is a proprietary file format used by Microsoft Outlook and MBOX is an open source file format used by multiple email clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird.
One of the major differences between PST and MBOX is compatibility with various email clients. PST files can only be used with Microsoft Outlook, while MBOX files can be used with several email applications. This makes MBOX a more versatile file format and allows users to switch between email clients more easily.
Another difference is the file size limit. The maximum PST file size is limited to 2 GB in older versions of Outlook and 50 GB in newer versions. In contrast, MBOX files have no size limit, making them ideal for storing large amounts of email data.
Finally, PST and MBOX file structures are also different. PST files store email data in a hierarchical structure containing folders and subfolders. MBOX files, on the other hand, store email data in a single file that contains all email messages.
In summary, PST is a proprietary file format compatible only with Microsoft Outlook, while MBOX is an open source file format compatible with multiple email clients. Additionally, MBOX has no file size limit and stores email data in a single file, making it a more versatile and flexible file format.
Method 1: Export PST to MBOX Using Email Conversion Tool
The easiest and most direct way to convert Outlook PST file to MBOX format is to use an conversion tool. There are some third-party tools that can convert PST to MBOX, such as Yota PST Converter Wizard. It is able to handle large PST files and export them to MBOX format quickly and easily.
This is powerful enough to repair corrupted PST file. Moreover, it works with both ANSI and UNICODE type file without any trouble. Users can also open PST file without password in an accurate manner. It also allows you to import PST to Thunderbird without Outlook app.
Follow these steps to export PST files to MBOX format using this software:.
Step 1. Download and install the tool and select Outlook PST file. Step 2. Then click Export and select MBOX format from the list. Step 3. Now, pick a destination to store MBOX file and click Save.
Once the conversion process is complete, you can import the MBOX file into your desired email client.
Method 2: Use Mozilla Thunderbird
Another way to export PST to MBOX format is to use Mozilla Thunderbird. Mozilla Thunderbird has a built-in import/export feature that can convert Outlook PST file to MBOX format. Method is as follows.
Download and install Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer. If you haven't created an account yet, launch Thunderbird and create a new account. Select Tools > Import > Mail from the menu bar. Select Outlook from the list of options and click Next. Choose the PST file to export and click Next. Select the items you want to export, such as emails, contacts, and calendar events. Select “EML” as the export format and select a destination folder to save the exported files. Click Finish to start the export process.
Once the export process is complete, you can use a third-party tool to convert the exported EML file to MBOX format, or you can import the EML file into Thunderbird and use the built-in export functionality to export the data to MBOX format.
Method 3: Use an IMAP Server
If you have access to an IMAP server, you can use it to export PST to MBOX format. Method is as follows.
Set up an IMAP account in Outlook. Copy the items you want to export to your IMAP account. Set up the same IMAP account in your preferred email client, such as Thunderbird or Apple Mail. Sync your IMAP account with your email client to download the items you copied in step 2. Use your email client's built-in export functionality to export the item in MBOX format.
This method requires an IMAP server and can be slow, especially if you have a lot of data to export. However, it is a free and easy way to convert Outlook PST file to MBOX format.
Conclusion
Exporting a PST file to MBOX format is a simple process that can be done using several methods such as using PST file converter tool, Mozilla Thunderbird, or an IMAP server. You can choose the method according to your needs and export PST to MBOX file format.