Free Methods to Export MBOX to PST file for Outlook

Updated On - February 19, 2025 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 9 minutes

Summary: Whether you are an individual or professional user, the requirement to export MBOX files to Outlook is a basic necessity, and it arises to anyone. If you are also looking for a solution for how to export MBOX to PST manually, then this write-up is for you. Here, we will discuss the best and most relevant methods that allow you to convert MBOX to PST file in a hassle-free manner. However, you can also opt for the reliable and safest Regain MBOX Converter Software, which allows you to convert single and multiple MBOX files to PST format in one go.

Let’s first discuss about MBOX and PST files

MBOX is a standard file format used to store collections of email messages and their attachment files. The message stored in the MBOX files is separated by a text block and marked by a particular marker. It stores all of the email messages in a single database file, and new messages will be added to the end of the file. It is commonly used by multiple email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, and some versions of Microsoft Outlook.

PST file is an Outlook Data file of Microsoft Outlook, created in all the different versions of Outlook. It can store all the email messages, contacts, calendars, tasks, journals, and other essential mailbox items. It is commonly used by individuals and organizations that use Microsoft Outlook as their email client.

What is the Difference Between MBOX and PST Files?

Here, we will explain the basic difference between the MBOX files and PST files, which will give you a particular overview of how a PST file is better than an MBOX file.

In the above section, we discussed the major differences between the MBOX and PST file formats. Now, we will look at the methods you can use to export MBOX to Outlook PST formats.

Top 3 Ways to Convert MBOX to PST file

We here summarize Three methods, two manual methods and one professional tool through which you can Export your important data from MBOX to PST file format:

1. Two Free Manual Method: The manual method to convert MBOX to PST is free; you do not need to spend a penny on the conversion.
2. Using Professional Tool: Regain MBOX to PST Converter provides the best results while converting your MBOX files to various other email formats and Cloud Email server without taking much time.

1st Method: Convert MBOX to PST Manually Using Multiple Email Client

Step1: Move mailbox data to Apple mail

1. First, Download Apple Mail and Run it on your system
2. Now, Open Apple Mail and Click the file >> import mailboxes option.
3. Now, you have to choose the option from where you want to import the data in MBOX format.
4. Click on the Continue button and select the MBOX file location where you have to save the MBOX file.
5. From the location, Select the MBOX files which you want to import and click on Choose and click Continue
6. Once the import process is completed, click on “finish.”

Step2: Create a mailbox using Eudora

1. You can add an MBOX file extension to the imported data file. You can rename the filename ABCMBOX to abcMBOX.mbx
2. Move this renamed file to the Eudora directory, where Eudora stores its files. The default location of the file : (C: Documents and Settings user >> Application Data\Qualcomm\Eudora)
3. Now you need to Open Eudora, double-click on ABCMBOX.mbx, and Close the application.

Step3: Import mailbox using Outlook Express

1. First, you need to launch Outlook Express.
2. Now, go to File Option and then the Import Messages
3. Choose Eudora from the list of email applications and then click next for further Process.
4. Now, you must browse the location to select the ‘.mbox’ file and click OK. Then click Next, then Next again >>Finish.

In Outlook Express, the imported data can be found in the Local Folders section.

Step4: Import Mailbox from Outlook Express to MS Outlook

1. First, you need to Open MS Outlook to export files.
2. Now, move to the File option and then go to Import and export
3. After that, from the list, choose Import Internet Mail and Addresses and click on Next
4. Now you can select “Outlook Express 4.x, 5.x, 6.x or window mail”. And then Click next
5. Select the file to import and export from the browser option and click next
6. Click finish after the Process gets completed.

Now, you can get your imported mailbox in your Outlook client. It may be located in the Personal Folder of Outlook.

You can select a manual or automatic solution to export from your MBOX to PST format. Although, before you can conclude, you should know the drawbacks of  manual methods in advance that the users face while using them.

2nd Method: Using Thunderbird and Outlook Email Client

This one also the Free method, You need only two email clients: Outlook and Thunderbird. Follow the below-given steps for MBOX to PST Conversion.

Step 1: Saving MBOX emails to .eml file format

• Open the Thunderbird, make right-click on the folder, and select the New Folder.
• Name it and create.
• Now make the selection of required emails and move to the newly created folder.
• Using the Save As option, save the selected emails in the EML file format.
• Finally, open the folder where .eml files are saved, and after that by drag and drop move them to Outlook.

The purpose of the above steps was to create EML files out of MBOX emails and move them to Outlook Application. Now, we will convert EML to PST file format.

Step 2: Convert EML to PST file format

• Open the Outlook, File tab>>Open & Export >>Import/Export.
• Now make a selection for the Export to a file option and click Next.
• Select the option Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
• Now move to the folder where we have saved the EML files and click on Next.
• Select the destination location for the .pst files.
• Finally, click on the Finish button.
• The EML files will convert to the PST file format.

So, this is how we can convert MBOX to PST using Thunderbird and Outlook email clients.

Drawbacks of the Manual Processes:

In the manual Process to convert MBOX to PST, there are some shortcomings, which I have mentioned below; check it out once.

• The manual process cannot handle all data and attachments structurally however data alteration can occur while performing this task.
• Undoubtedly, the manual process takes lots of time to export MBOX to Outlook format.
• The manual process does not support multiple conversions of MBOX files.
• The manual process requires higher expertise and good technical knowledge because it consists of three or four long tricky conversion steps.

To avoid all these situations, you can use a third-party tool that is very simple and user-friendly; it does not take lots of time to export MBOX to PST file.

Use Professional tool to Convert MBOX to PST file for Outlook

Users can easily open their MBOX files/folders in Outlook using this Regain MBOX to PST Converter software. It is reliable and does not let you lose any of your data. You can export single and bulk emails from the MBOX folder to PST format in one Process without any issue. This is the prominent method that does not have any kind of limitations as the manual Process has. The software is very simple and user-friendly, which makes the process easy.

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 Following are the steps to convert MBOX to PST file:

• Download and Install the Regain MBOX File Converter software on your system.
• After installation, run the software and click on the Open option from the ribbon bar.
• Now you can browse the folder or paste the folder location into the textbox and click on the Next button.
• Now, the software will preview added MBOX files data. You can choose desired data to move.
• In the following wizard, choose whether to move into PST, EML, MSG, EMLX, HTML) and save in the desired file format.
• At last, the software will export your MBOX files into a selected file format and display a live log report to you.
• Once the saving process gets completed, you need to save the report and end the Process.

Final Verdict:

In this blog, we have discussed the way to export MBOX to PST manually as well as professionally. Now, the Manual and third-party methods are in front of you. So, now you can choose one of them, which is better for you to import MBOX files to Outlook. After reading this blog, we believe you will not have any problem choosing the best tool. Must download the free demo version to explore this utility developed by Regain Software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques1. Why do User Convert MBOX files to PST format manually?

Ans. MBOX to PST Converter can be useful when you want more control over the process or when third-party tool are not feasible due to specific requirements or security concerns. And it is up to you, What you prefer – Manual Method or Professional tool.

Ques2. What are the prerequisites for manual conversion?

Ans. Before you start the manual conversion process, ensure you have access to the MBOX files you want to convert, a compatible email client, and Microsoft Outlook installed on your system.

Ques3. Is there a risk of data loss during manual MBOX file conversion?

Ans. When performed correctly, manual conversion carries minimal risk of data loss. However, it’s crucial. Follow the steps carefully and creates backup copies of your MBOX files before starting the conversion process.

Ques4. What are the major steps involved When manually Convert MBOX to Outlook PST file?

Ans. Manual MBOX to PST Conversion typically involves:

1. Steps like configuring an email client for MBOX import.
2. Creating folders for organizing emails.
3. Using Microsoft Outlook’s import/export features.

Ques5. Can I convert attachments and metadata during manual conversion?

Ans. No, manual conversion not allows you to retain attachments, metadata, and other email attributes during the Process, ensuring a comprehensive migration.

Ques6. Is manual conversion suitable for large-scale migrations?

Ans. No, manual conversion can become time-consuming and less practical for large-scale migrations. In such cases, third-party tool or professional services might be more efficient.

Ques7. How do I ensure data integrity after conversion?

Ans. After conversion, thoroughly review your emails, attachments, and other elements to ensure nothing is missing or corrupted. Besides this, you can use Regain MBOX Converter tool to get 100% accurate results without data loss and alteration risk.