How to Import MBOX to Outlook – An Ultimate Tutorial

Summary: In this blog, we will discuss the conversion of MBOX to Outlook. First of all, we will know about the MBOX file format, and which email client it supports. Then we will understand some reasons why we should import the MBOX file into Outlook. After that, we will talk about three methods to import MBOX to Outlook PST of which two are manuals and one is a professional method. Also, we will discuss a utility named SysInfo MBOX Converter Tool in the professional method to easily transfer MBOX to Outlook. Let’s start by knowing the MBOX and Outlook PST file formats in the introduction.

To organize and store their mailbox data, different email clients use MBOX format files. But if we look at the PST file, this file format is supported by Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft Outlook has better security features than its competitors. Furthermore, it offers more features and is more cost-effective than other email clients that support MBOX files. Many times users send queries like – can Outlook open MBOX files? Unfortunately, MS Outlook doesn’t support the MBOX file format. MBOX file format is commonly used by many email clients including Mozilla Thunderbird, IncrediMail, Apple Mail, Spicebird, Opera Mail, SeaMonkey, etc. If users want to migrate from Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or any MBOX-supported email clients to MS Outlook, they need to convert the MBOX file to PST format. We will discuss the methods all the methods here. But before that, let’s start by discussing the reasons why we need this conversion.

Causes to Import MBOX File to Outlook

• Outlook cannot use MBOX directly since it consists of a simple text message. To import MBOX files into Outlook, it is necessary to Import file MBOX to Outlook.
• Using Outlook, users can read all incoming and outgoing notes, even if they are offline.
• The MBOX format contains email messages and attachments, while the MS Outlook format includes contact information, calendars, tasks, files, and other programs.
• A PST file is portable and allows for data storage on the local drive for future reference. It considers one of the reasons to import MBOX to Outlook.

In the above, we have discussed the causes. Next, we will understand the methods for converting Thunderbird MBOX to Outlook PST. Three methods are described below. Let’s discuss the first method.

How to add MBOX in Outlook Manually and Professionally

Now we will learn the best methods to perform conversion from MBOX to Outlook. There are three main methods given below. Let’s start understanding the first method.

Method 1- Drag and Drop Method to Open MBOX File in Outlook

It is a very easy method to use MBOX file in Outlook. This method contains only four steps. Let’s see how to open MBOX file in Outlook. Following are the steps for the conversion of the MBOX file to PST  format.

1. Install and open the MS Outlook software for accessing the MBOX file.
2. Next, run the Thunderbird application and pick the email folder and save them in EML file format.
3. Then, import those chosen emails into Outlook by creating a new folder.
4. In MS Outlook, drag and drop the EML files that are locally stored.

By using the above method, you can easily import the MBOX file to MS Outlook. If you find this method not helpful then you should follow the second method. Let’s start knowing the second method to import the MBOX file to Outlook PST format.

Method 2: Import MBOX to Outlook via Email Client

Maybe this method is a little bit longer, so we are dividing this method into three parts. Let’s start discussing the steps in each part to import MBOX file to Outlook PST.

Part 1: Exporting MBOX to Eudora

In this part, we will use Eudora to perform this conversion from MBOX to Outlook PST format.

1. Install and run Eudora, Ensure MS Outlook should be installed in the same system.
2. Now, Copy and paste the MBOX file into the Eudora default location.
3. Then change the file format from Dot MBOX to Dot MBX.

Part 2: Converting Eudora to Outlook Express

Now we will export the file from Eudora to Outlook Express.

1. Run Outlook Express and Select the File in the menu.
2. Now, Go to Import and then Import Messages. 
3. Pick Eudora in the list of email clients and choose the Next button.
4. Now, browse the default location of Eudora and choose the “.MBOX” file and select OK select the Next and Next, and lastly Finish.   

Part 3:  Import Outlook Express to Outlook

Finally, we will finish the conversion in which our file will be converted to Outlook PST.

1. Run MS Outlook, go to the File, and choose the Import and Export option.
2. Select Import Internet Mail and Addresses in the Import-Export wizard and click Next.
3. Now, Select Outlook Express 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, or window mail from the list and click the Next button.
4. Then, browse the Outlook Express and enable the option  Do not import duplicate items, and then click the Next button.
5. Now, choose the location to import the MBOX file and Finish the process.

In the above section, we learned the two manual approaches to use MBOX file in Outlook. But there are some drawbacks to the manual process. Let’s discuss them to convert MBOX files to PST format.

Drawbacks of the Manual Ways

• There is the possibility that data will be lost or corrupt while converting Thunderbird MBOX to Outlook PST.
• There is a chance that any step is skipped because the manual process is lengthy.
• It doesn’t work if the MBOX file is large or exporting multiple MBOX files
• It takes more than enough time and is very risky to import MBOX to Outlook.
• In some cases, our emails may lose their properties, hierarchy, and integrity.

We have discussed the limitations of the manual approaches. Due to the limitations of the manual method, we must know the professional method. Let’s proceed to the professional method.

Method 3: Automated Way to Import MBOX File to Outlook

Due to the above drawbacks, users want a method that is not risky and takes less time. So they can go with this professional method. In this method, we will use a utility named SysInfo MBOX Converter Tool to transfer MBOX to Outlook. With the help of this utility, user can easily convert their MBOX file to Outlook PST as well as in different file formats like EML, RTF, HTML & MSG. Even non-technical users can also use this utility to import MBOX to Outlook. It gives the facility to take snapshots of scanning MBOX files at any location. The original folder hierarchy is retained even after MBOX files have been converted to Outlook PST or other formats. Using this utility, users can able to repair corrupt or damaged MBOX files and saves their data in different file formats.

Conclusion

Now, It’s time to wrap up the blog with some lines. So we have learned about the MBOX files and the reasons to import MBOX to Outlook. Also, we have discussed the two manual and one professional method. All the methods are best but I suggest you use the professional method because it completes the task in a very short time and performs the conversion in a very easy way. Also if you want to know the solution to convert OST to PST, you can check this blog.