How to Batch Convert MBOX Files to PST

Summary: You are, no doubt, on the lookout for the best solutions to convert multiple MBOX files to PST format. We will explain both professional and manual methods for the MBOX migration process to PST for your help. Let us start by explaining the MBOX and PST file formats, then we will move towards the methods. This will help you fathom the process of conversion more clearly. After you get an idea of the various file formats, we will discuss the numerous techniques that can be utilized for saving MBOX files in PST format. In this section, both professional techniques and manual methods will be discussed. By the end of this essay, you will know precisely how to proceed in the best possible way.

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Understanding MBOX Files to PST File Formats

1. Email Programs: Programs like Eudora, Apple Mail, and Mozilla Thunderbird all use MBOX files. Microsoft Outlook, however, uses PST files to store its data; this is where the emails are kept. You can then convert an MBOX file to PST format in case you want to switch over from an MBOX client to Outlook.
2. File Structure: All the emails are stored in a single plain text file called MBOX. On the other hand, PST is a proprietary binary file storing varied data like calendars, contacts, and emails.
3. Compatibility: MBOX is highly compatible with various email clients. While, PST format’s primary application is Microsoft Outlook.
4. Data Management: All the emails are stored in a single file; hence it becomes more difficult to organize with MBOX format. PST allows folders and subfolders for data organization and management easily.
5. File Size Limits: There exists no hard limit on the size of MBOX files. For PST files, there exists a hard limit of 2 GB or 20 GB.
6. Search and Indexing: MBOX may need external tools to be more efficient in search. PST, on the other hand, works with Outlook indexing and search features.

These differences may have an impact on the user’s demands and choice of email clients because of the different MBOX and PST file formats in regard to email data management and user-friendliness. Let’s go on further to discover the best ways to convert MBOX files to PST files.

Top 3 Best Practices-Based Methods for MBOX to PST Conversion

In this section, we will cover some manual and advanced methods to convert MBOX files to PST format. By now, you have already known that there is no direct method to convert MBOX to PST using manual methods. However, we will still provide step-by-step procedures for the available manual methods. We will also provide details on how to use a more advanced method to perform the MBOX to PST conversion in bulk at one time. Let us talk about each methodology in detail:

Method 1 – How Can Thunderbird Be Used to Convert MBOX to Outlook PST?

The section below will guide you through the process of moving your MBOX file into PST file format using the email client called Thunderbird. Your free MBOX to PST file conversion online is only a few steps ahead for:

Step 1 – Save MBOX as EML First

1. First, run the Thunderbird email application and log into whichever account you want to.
2. Thereafter, create a new folder.
3. Now select all the emails that you want to transfer to this new folder.
4. To export all the emails to EML files, choose “Save as” for each of them from the newly created folder.

Step 2 – Run MS Outlook and Import EML Data

1. This will directly drag and drop the EML files into an Outlook folder.

Step 3 – PST to EML File Export

1. Use Microsoft Outlook and select File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
2. Now, select “Export to a file” and then click Next.
3. Now, select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and then click Next.
4. Now, select Next after pointing to the folder containing the EML files.
5. Now, click Finish after selecting a location for the new PST file.

In case you are not familiar with Thunderbird and the above method is not suitable for you, then you can opt for any other manual method listed below.

Method 2 – How Can Apple Mail Be Used to Convert MBOX Files to PST?

Now, we will instruct you on how to convert MBOX files to PST using Eudora and Apple Mail. To transform an MBOX file into PST, there are four major steps that must be followed properly.

Step 1 – Importing MBOX File into Apple Mail

1. Run the application Apple Mail.
2. Go to File > Import Mailbox, and then choose the MBOX file.
3. Choose the location where you want to import the MBOX file.

Step 2 – Convert MBOX to MBX Using Eudora

1. Copy the MBOX file into the Eudora directory.
2. Open Eudora and double-click on the MBX file.

Step 3 – Import MBOX in Outlook Express

1. Open Outlook Express and click on File > Import > Messages.
2. Here, select “Eudora” and open the MBX file.

Step 4 – Import Outlook Express to Microsoft Outlook

1. Click next on File > Open & Export > Import/Export in Outlook.
2. Select “Import from another program or file” and then click the Next button.
3. Now select “Import Internet Mail and Addresses” and click Next.
4. Now click on “Outlook Express 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, or Windows Mail” and then Next.
5. Now select the Outlook Express file to finish the import.

The steps above are a free method that can be used to manually convert MBOX to Outlook. However, there are a few limitations to the steps.

Disadvantages of Above Solutions

The manual method is quite helpful and effective to export MBOX files to PST format for free. Below list consists of various manuals instructions:

• MBOX files cannot be exported to PST in bulk; it supports single file conversion at a time.
• There are chances of loss or wiping of data if you mistakenly use any of the manual techniques.
• Also, there are no additional features available to make the process easier, and technical knowledge is required to save MBOX to PST.
• This method requires installation and use of many email programs, which becomes a hassle.
• Plus, if you have too much data, this process may take a lot of time and it’s pretty lengthy.

The drawbacks mentioned above make it obvious that these manual methods are neither the best nor the most convenient way to convert an MBOX file to PST. Consider using an automated solution that will handle the translation much more adeptly and safely. Now, in the section below, you will be guided through the step-by-step details of the direct method.

Method 3 – How to Convert MBOX files to PST with an Easy Way?

You can export one or more MBOX files to PST format with the help of our ToolsGround MBOX to PST Converter Tool in bulk at once. You don’t require any technical experience in using this program due to the user-friendly interface provided by the software. With this software, conversion is possible to PST and other formats like MSG, PDF, EML, TXT, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, IMAP, etc., from MBOX files. It has an added date range filter option that can even help you export emails for the desired date range chosen by filtering the emails accordingly by start and finish dates. This MBOX Migrator software can be installed and accessed on both Mac and Windows operating systems. It can be downloaded.

How to Batch Convert MBOX Files to PST File Format

1. Run your machine’s MBOX file converter and click “Continue”.
2. Click “Add File” or “Add Folder” to select the MBOX files, and then select “Next”.
3. All files will be listed in tree view. View them and select the Files to be converted by clicking “Next”.
4. Select the output format as “PST” from the dropdown list.
5. Select any other feature as per your need.
6. Click the “Path to Save” option to mention the location you want to save the generated file.
7. Click the “Convert” button at the very end to start the procedure of MBOX to PST conversion.
   

   

In Review

This post has provided you with an enhanced understanding of the different ways to convert MBOX files into PST format. Manual methods can be used to transfer some data from MBOX to PST, but you must be aware of their limitations. So, applying these solutions is solely at your risk. But in the automated approach to MBOX to PST bulk conversion, there are no such limitations. Moreover, this system is embedded with advanced features that enable and help in converting MBOX files to PST in bulk. This, according to the article, is an automated way that forms the recommended method for conversion of your MBOX files into PST format.