Easily Open MSG File In Thunderbird Program – Step-by-Step

Thunderbird, an open-source email client by Mozilla, is known for its flexibility and customization features. However, one common issue faced by users is opening MSG files in Thunderbird, as it doesn’t natively support this file format. MSG files are generally generated by Microsoft Outlook. 

If you’re moving from Outlook to Thunderbird or need to access Outlook emails in Thunderbird, you’ll need to follow a series of steps to open and manage MSG files easily. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process with DRS Softech MSG Converter to easily open MSG files in Thunderbird.

Overview of the MSG Files

MSG files are email files created by Microsoft Outlook or Exchange. These files are used to store individual emails, including attachments, headers, and message content. MSG files are not directly supported by Thunderbird, which is why converting or using third-party methods is necessary to open them.

Distinct Methods to Open MSG Files in Thunderbird

Outlook provides native support for MSG files, users of alternative email clients like Thunderbird may find it challenging to access these files directly, as Thunderbird does not natively support the MSG format. There are a few methods you can use to open MSG files in Thunderbird. Let’s look at them in detail:

Method 01: Use an Add-On or Extension to Open MSG File in Mozilla Thunderbird,

One of the most reliable ways to open MSG files in Thunderbird is by converting them to the EML file format. EML is a standard format supported by Thunderbird and can be opened directly within the client. Follow the steps below to convert and open MSG files in Thunderbird.

Step 01: Convert the MSG File to EML 

The manual way to convert MSG to EML files can be difficult for the user. However, you can convert MSG to EML files either manually or professionally. The MSG Converter can do it at once. Upload your MSG file, it will convert it to EML format. The process is typically quick and simple. After conversion, you’ll have an EML file that can be opened in Thunderbird.

Step 02: Open the EML File in Thunderbird

1. Open Thunderbird on your computer.
2. Navigate to the folder where the converted EML file is saved.
3. Simply drag and drop the EML file into the Thunderbird interface or right-click on it and select Open With >> Thunderbird.
4. Your MSG content will now be visible in Thunderbird, and you can interact with it as you would with any other email.

Step 03: Install the “ImportExportTools NG” Add-On

Thunderbird supports a variety of add-ons and extensions that can help you enhance its functionality. Some add-ons can help you open MSG files directly, without needing to convert them to EML format.

1. Now, open Thunderbird on your system.
2. After that, go to Tools >> Add-ons.
3. Search for ImportExportTools NG in the search bar.
4. Click on Install to add the extension to Thunderbird.
5. After installation, restart Thunderbird to activate the add-on.

Step 04: Import the EML File into Thunderbird

1. After installing the add-on, go to Tools > ImportExportTools NG > Import EML file.
2. Browse for your converted EML file and select it.
3. The file will be imported and will appear in your Thunderbird inbox or folder.

Now, you can view and manage your MSG emails in Thunderbird.

Method 02: Open MSG File in Thunderbird Using Outlook

If you have access to Microsoft Outlook, you can manually convert MSG files into EML format.

Step 01: Open the MSG File in Outlook

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Drag and drop the MSG file into your Outlook mailbox or open it directly.
3. Once the MSG file is opened, click on File > Save As.

Step 02: Save the File as EML

1. Choose a destination folder.
2. In the “Save as type” dropdown, select Text Only (.txt).
3. Save the file, then rename the extension from .txt to .eml.

Step 03: Open EML in Thunderbird

Once the file is saved as EML, you can now open it directly in Thunderbird by following the steps from Method 1.

Drawback of Using the Manual Method

Manually opening MSG files in Thunderbird has several drawbacks. Here are the key limitations which you should be aware of:

• The manual method involves multiple steps, which can be tedious for non-technical users.
• Opening multiple MSG files manually takes significant time.
• Improper execution may lead to partial or incomplete data migration.
• Lacks advanced options like bulk conversion or preserving metadata.
• Non-technical users may struggle with the process.
• A higher chance of errors during manual file handling.
• MSG files may not convert seamlessly to Thunderbird’s MBOX format.
• The method does not support automated file import.

For these reasons, automated tools are often recommended for seamless MSG-to-Thunderbird conversion, as they can save time, ensure accuracy, and minimize the risk of errors.

Method 03: Use MSG Converter to Open MSG Files in Thunderbird with Attachments

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of converting files manually, you can use a DRS MSG Converter Tool which supports both MSG and EML files. This software will allow you to import and view MSG files easily. This software provides a direct way to convert MSG files into Thunderbird. 

Key Features of the DRS Softech MSG Converter Tool

1. Batch Conversion: Convert multiple MSG files at once, saving time and effort when working with a large number of emails.
2. Format Compatibility: The tool supports exporting MSG files to MBOX, EML, PST, and other widely-used email formats.
3. Preserves Data Integrity: Maintains the original formatting, folder hierarchy, attachments, and metadata (such as subject, sender, and timestamps) during the conversion process.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying technical expertise.
5. Filter Options: Allows filtering emails by date, subject, or sender to selectively convert specific files.

Steps to Open MSG Files in Thunderbird Using the Tool

• Download and install the DRS Softech MSG Converter software on your system.
• After that, Select either the “Single File” or “Multiple Files/Select Folder” option >> Next.
• Next, click the “Select  File(s)” or “Select Folder” button to import the MSG files you want to convert.
• It lets you preview the MSG file contents, including email details like subject, sender, recipient, date, attachments, etc.
• From the output options, select Thunderbird as the email client then it is required to provide login credentials for that email client as well.
• Along with that, you can proceed with the additional features of the software, like Date range filters, Removing duplicate emails, Maintaining folder hierarchy, and more. 
• Click the “Convert” button to initiate the process. Now you can open MSG files in Thunderbird with attachments.

Conclusion

While Thunderbird doesn’t support MSG files natively, it’s still easy to open and view them with a little help from converters or add-ons. Whether you choose to convert MSG files to EML, use an add-on, or utilize Microsoft Outlook, several solutions can help you seamlessly integrate MSG files into your Thunderbird email workflow. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to access your Outlook emails in Thunderbird without any hassle. Remember, converting to EML is often the most reliable method for managing MSG files in Thunderbird, but feel free to experiment with the other methods to find what works best for your needs.