How to Import MBOX Files to Outlook – A Comprehensive Guide

Updated On - January 11, 2024 by Armaan | Reading Time: 8 minutes

Emailing is an integral part of our personal/professional lives and there are many email platforms for communication. Various email clients use different formats to store emails. Multiple email clients use MBOX as one of the most popular file formats to store email data. More than 20 email clients (like Gmail, Thunderbird, Spicebird, Eudora, Apple Mail, SeaMonkey, etc.) use this file format. Emails are saved in text format, while attachments are saved in an encoded file type.

Because of its text-based structure, the MBOX format offers several advantages, including widespread adoption and simple message navigation. It is, however, a platform-dependent type. However, if you want to import Mbox files to MS Outlook, you’ll need to convert MBOX files to Outlook PST file format.

Why Do Users Import MBOX Files to Outlook?

Users often import MBOX files into Outlook for various reasons, primarily related to email management and data migration. Here are some common reasons why users might import MBOX files into Outlook:

• Migrating Email: When users switch from one email client to another, they often need to migrate their email data. MBOX is a common format used by email clients like Thunderbird and Apple Mail. Outlook, on the other hand, typically uses PST (Personal Storage Table) files. Converting MBOX to PST allows users to move their email data from one client to another seamlessly.
• Using Multiple Email Clients: Some users use multiple email clients for different purposes or on different devices. For instance, they might use Thunderbird on their home computer and Outlook at work. Importing MBOX files into Outlook allows them to consolidate their email data in one place.
• Data Backup: Users may want to create a backup of their email data, and converting MBOX to PST is a way to do this. PST files can be easily backed up, archived, or transferred to another computer, ensuring the safety and accessibility of email data.
• Business or Workplace Requirements: In a business or workplace environment, Outlook is a common email client. All credit goes to its integration with Microsoft Exchange and other collaboration tools. When employees switch roles or join a new organization, they may need to import their email data from MBOX files into Outlook to comply with company policies and workflows.
• Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, MBOX files may not be fully compatible with certain Outlook features or requirements, so converting them to PST format ensures better compatibility and functionality within the Outlook ecosystem.

4 Verified Methods to Import MBOX Files to Outlook

There are some manual and automated methods to import MBOX into Outlook. This article will walk you through the best three manual methods for importing MBOX to Outlook PST and one automated method using Regain MBOX Converter tool. Keep reading; the processes are given below.

Method 1. Using Multiple Email Clients

It is a little bit complicated way as it involves multiple email clients and applications. As it is a completely manual process, it is divided into four steps so that you can easily apply and perform the conversion. But remember, you need to install multiple email clients on your device.

Follow the below-given steps for the error-less processing:

Step1: Import MBOX Emails to Apple Mail

1. Open Apple Mail, click on the File tab, and then Import Mailboxes.
2. Go with the option “Files in MBOX Format” and then continue.
3. Make a selection for the MBOX files that you want to import using the Choose button.
4. Select the file items to import >> Continue >> Done.
5. Move toward the “Import MBOX File” section and replace the file extension to. mbx.

Step2: Open the Imported Files in Eudora

1. In this stage, we have to shift these imported MBOX files whose extension has been changed to the .mbx files. For this, use the Eudora application and save these files to the path below:
   “C: Documents and Settings\Application Data\Qualcomm\Eudora
2. Now, open the Eudora application and open the. mbx files that are pasted at the above location. After opening, close the Eudora.

Step3: Import Emails from Eudora to Outlook Express

1. Open and launch the Outlook Express.
2. Click on the File tab, then Import >> Messages.
3. Choose the Eudora application from the list >> Next.
4. Now, add the MBOX files by browsing them.
5. Move ahead by clicking Next.
6. At the end, click on the Finish.

Step4: Import Outlook Express to Outlook

1. Open the Outlook application.
2. Click on the File tab, then Open and Export >> Import/Export.
3. From the next wizard, select Import Internet Mail and Addresses.
4. Click on the Next.
5. Here, choose for the Outlook Express.
6. Now, check the Import mail check box.
7. Click on the Next and finally on the Finish

Method 2. Just Drag and Drop method

1. To begin with, install and use Outlook in order to view the MBOX file.
2. Afterwards, select the email location in Thunderbird to store them in the EML format.
3. Create a new folder in Outlook for importing these selected emails.
4. Drag and drop the EML file types from your local disk into Outlook.

Method 3. Set up Gmail IMAP to Import Huge MBOX Files into MS Outlook

Before starting the process, you need to remember that it is necessary to install Thunderbird and Outlook on your device.

1. Sign in to your Gmail.
2. Press the gear symbol, then go to the Gmail homepage, enter Gmail settings, and select “Forwarding and POP/IMAP”.
3. Select the IMAP feature to activate it.
4. Set up the IMAP account and click the “Save Changes” button.

After doing the above process, you need to run Thunderbird on your device:

1. The “Mail Account Setup” pop-up window now appears. Put in the vital details and press the “Continue” button.
2. Select the “Manual configuration procedure” option and activate the IMAP tick-box.
3. Put all the details for incoming and outgoing, like in the picture below, and click on the retest button.
4. Tasks will be completed after submitting the proper information. Select “Create a new account” instantly.
5. Next, after opening any email message, validate your Gmail account from Thunderbird.
6. To import MBOX files to Outlook, drag and drop them into your Gmail inbox.

Things You Should Be Aware of Before Using the Manual Ways:

• You will need multiple email clients to import MBOX files to Outlook.
• You may also lose the folder hierarchy and data integrity, which increases the chances of data alteration.
• As you can see, these manual methods are very technically enriched and hence need sound technical hands.
• If you are not a technical person, then a single mistake can ruin your complete process. Chances of human error are always there that may lead to data loss.
• If you have large-sized data, then this method is not preferred for you. It may take a lot of time that no professional can afford.

Method 4. An Atlernative Approch to open MBOX files to Outlook

As you can see, the above-described manual processes are too lengthy and stressful to perform, so an inexperienced user can’t do them so easily. Therefore, Regain Software has developed an effective professional utility for this purpose. It has a completely automated process.

You don’t need to install multiple email clients, and you don’t need to follow the lengthy process. Just install the Regain MBOX to PST Converter software. Convert your single or multiple MBOX files in a few clicks and use them in MS Outlook without fear of data loss. Regain MBOX Converter tool allow the user to import MBOX files to Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, PST, EML, MSG, and many more email format. To check software features, Go through the free version.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $29

What You Will Get with this Professional Utility?

• This professional utility is developed by keeping use-friendliness at the centre of the development process. It has a number of user-centric advanced features to help the user by facilitating the import of MBOX files in Outlook. Some of its highlighted offerings are:
• You can add multiple MBOX files and convert them to PST, and in this way, you can import MBOX files to Outlook.
• Along with converting to PST, you also get options to convert into MSG, EML, PDF, HTML, and other file formats.
• Software facilitates you to directly migrate emails from MBOX to Office 365, MBOX to Gmail, and Yahoo Mail-like prominent platforms.
• It comes with a very user-friendly GUI; any non-technical user can easily convert to PST.
• Its advanced algorithm keeps the data originality intact and keeps all attributes as it is even after conversion.
• This utility is compatible with all Windows versions; hence, there is no need to worry about the versions.

How to use Regain Software to open MBOX files to Outlook?

The conversion steps are so easy, and it’s just a matter of a few single clicks. Keep reading; you will get the step-by-step process below.

1. Install and launch the Regain MBOX to PST Converter.
2. Browse and add the MBOX files that you want to convert.
3. After that, you will get a preview of the scanned MBOX files.
4. Select your required file format (for now, PST) and save the location.
5. Lastly, wait a while for the conversion process to complete. You will get a message “ Process has been completed”.

Over to YOU!

In this step-by-step guide, we’ve walked you through the process of importing MBOX files into Microsoft Outlook, a task that can greatly simplify email management and data migration. MBOX is a commonly used email data format, favored by over 20 email clients such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Eudora. However, when transitioning to Microsoft Outlook, which utilizes the PST (Personal Storage Table) file format, it becomes essential to convert MBOX files to PST.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the primary reasons users opt to import MBOX files into Outlook. Additionally, we’ve presented four distinct methods for achieving this objective, encompassing both manual techniques and an automated solution. Must download and try the free demo version of Regain MBOX Converter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is it necessary to convert MBOX files to PST when importing them into Outlook?
Ans: PST (Personal Storage Table) is Outlook’s native email data format. Converting MBOX to PST ensures compatibility and a seamless transition of email data into the Outlook platform.

Q2: Can I perform the MBOX to Outlook import manually?
Ans: Yes, there are manual methods available, such as using multiple email clients or configuring Gmail IMAP. However, these approaches can be complex and time-consuming. An automated tool like the Regain MBOX Converter offers a more straightforward and user-friendly solution.

Q3: Is the Regain MBOX Converter tool safe to use?
Ans: Yes, the Regain MBOX Converter is a reputable and secure software designed for converting MBOX files to various formats, including PST. Always download it from a trusted source and follow the provided instructions.

Q4: Can I use the Regain MBOX Converter for email services other than Outlook?
Ans: Absolutely, the Regain MBOX Converter supports multiple email formats and services, including Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, EML, MSG, and more. Its versatility makes it suitable for various email management needs.

Q5: Are there any free options for converting MBOX to PST?
Ans: While there are free tools available for this purpose, they may come with limitations or be less user-friendly than paid solutions like the Regain MBOX Converter. Free options might also lack support and updates, potentially posing data security risks.