How to Convert OST to MBOX? Comprehensive Guide

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Updated on July 4th, 2024

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Summary: Outlook saves mailbox data for offline access in OST file format. To access the files online, you need to convert OST files to any other file format. Most userswant to convert OST to MBOX, especially if they are Thunderbird users. So, in this comprehensive guide, you will get a detailed description of the manual methods and a professional OST to PST Converter. Furthermore, we will also provide you with the difference between OST and MBOX for better understanding

Table of Contents

How do OST and MBOX Differ?

Let us help you understand OST and MBOX better by differentiating them. Both file formats OST and MBOX are linked to different email clients. OST files save mailbox data of Outlook, whereas MBOX is supported by many such as Thunderbird and Apple Mail. Basically, OST is an offline copy of your Outlook mailbox data and this file can be accessed only through Outlook. Additionally, it keeps your complete mailbox data structured and secure

On the other hand, MBOX can be considered as a collection of email messages, in plain text. You can open and view MBOX file data in Apple Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, or any other MBOX-supported email client. Moreover, unlike the OST file, the MBOX file has no practical size limitations. Hope, you can better understand now why users find solutions for OST to MBOX conversion.

Why Do Users Want to Convert OST to MBOX?

There are multiple reasons why users wish to convert OST files to MBOX, let’s figure them out one by one:

Users convert the OST file to MBOX if they are switching from Outlook to Thunderbird.
Another reason could be to create a backup of OST files or emails to MBOX
By conversion, you also keep the data of OST files safe and intact in MBOX format.
Also, users convert OST files to MBOX if they are switching their job profiles
MBOX file format is widely accessible across various email clients and platforms

How Do I Convert Outlook Data to MBOX?

You can use a manual method and a professional tool to easily and effectively convert OST files to MBOX. If you are a tech user, then go for a manual method. Choose a professional tool if you don’t have much technology knowledge. Let’s get started with a manual method first

Convert OST to MBOX Free- Manual Method

You can’t directly convert OST files to MBOX For free. First, you need to convert OST file to PST and then import the PST file to Thunderbird. Later you need to convert the imported PST file to MBOX

#1. Convert OST to PST Format

Below are the steps mentioned to convert the OST file to a PST file:

Initially, install Microsoft Outlook on your system.
Now, open MS Outlook, click the File tab and select the Open & Export option.
Later, choose the Import/Export option.
Further, in the Import/Export wizard, select Export to a file and select Next.
Afterward, opt for Outlook Data File (.pst) and hit the Next button.
Now, choose the folders you wish to export and choose Next.
Then, choose a path to save the PST file. After that, hit the Finish button.

#2. Import PST File to Thunderbird

Once you have converted your OST file to PST, now it’s time to import your PST file to Thunderbird:

First of all launch MS Outlook.
Now, make MS Outlook a default program for email.
Later, install and open Mozilla Thunderbird
After that, go to Tools and choose Import.
Now, in the import window, choose the Mail option and hit the Next button.
Afterward, choose Outlook and select Next to begin the import process.
Once the import process is done then all the imported mails will be displayed.
Finally, hit the Finish button and you’re done
Also, all your emails will be stored in the import folder of Outlook in the local folders directory.

#3. Convert Imported PST File to MBOX File

Now for OST to MBOX conversion you need to convert your imported PST file to MBOX.

Begin with opening Mozilla Thunderbird.
Now, install the ImportExportToolsNG extension.
Then, click on Tools and then go to Import Export Tools.
After that, choose Export all the Folders.
Now, set the location to save the output file and choose the option Select Folders.
Ultimately, you will get your MBOX file.

Disadvantages of Using the Manual Method

Let’s see all the issues that users face to convert OST to MBOX:

The steps of this method are quite time-consuming and lengthy.
There are high chances of data theft.
You need to have a good technical knowledge.
It is complicated to understand as well as use this method.

Use a Professional Tool to Convert OST Emails to MBOX format

With the help of DRS Softech Convert OST to PST Tool you can directly convert Outlook OST to MBOX file format. Other than MBOX files, this tool also converts the OST file to PST, PDF, EML, and so on. It enables the user to select multiple OST files at once. You can also display your OST files before exporting them to other file formats. With this tool, you can also remove duplicate emails. Furthermore, you can download the conversion report once the conversion process is completed

Top-notch Features of the Tool

Let’s dive into the top-notch features of the tool:

Direct migration of OST files to various email clients and file formats.
Allows to convert OST to MBOX files with attachments or exclude them.
It offers you a Mail Filter for converting emails of a particular data range
Also, allows you to save the resultant file to the desired file location.
This tool offers wide compatibility with all the versions of Windows OS
Moreover, it also provides a simple and interactive graphical user interface.

Conclusion

Most users want to access their OST files in online mode, thus to access them they convert OST to MBOX file format. Therefore, in this guide, we have thoroughly explained all the possible methods that will further assist in the conversion process. If you want to convert OST files to MBOX for free, then you can go for a manual method. Whereas if you want to convert OST files directly to the MBOX files and without any tech knowledge, then you can opt for a professional tool.