Easy Technique to Convert Emails from Outlook PST to MBOX

In recent years, Apple has shown significant growth in its user base. Nowadays, Macs are more popular than Windows. However, the problem with Macs is that not all email clients are supported, but MBOX is the file format that it uses and can be supported on both Windows and Mac. So, in the following section, we will detail the methods to export PST to MBOX. But before that, understand why MBOX is the preferable format for PST.

Why do Users Want to Convert Outlook PST to MBOX

MBOX has a number of advantages over PST. Here is a list of a select few.

• PST is supported by Outlook and Office 365 only. MBOX, on the other hand, is supported by more programs, including, Thunderbird, and Gmail.
• Outlook PST files are prone to corruption. MBOX, however, does not experience any such problems.
• MBOX is widely compatible with both Windows and Mac.
• MBOX files are easily accessible whereas, PST is confined to Outlook only.

The aforementioned are just a few factors that make the MBOX file format user-friendly. As a result, many users are looking for PST to MBOX conversion methods. Let’s proceed with the exploration of the techniques available for this conversion.

Convert PST to MBOX Using a Conventional Method

There are two scenarios for this method, and for each, an intermediary program like Thunderbird or Apple Mail is required. Let’s go over each case in more detail.

Method 1: Change PST to MBOX, when you have Outlook.

This approach can be used if Outlook already has your PST files and can run in two stages. The method is explained in more detail below.

Stage 1: Import Outlook Profile in Thunderbird.

Stage 2: Export Outlook PST Messages in MBOX Format.

Prerequisite: You must have the Thunderbird application and have set up your email account.

Once you’ve met the requirements, follow the steps below to convert the PST file to an MBOX.

Stage 1: Import Outlook Profile in Thunderbird.

• Go to the Thunderbird application and install ImportExportNG Tools.
• Move to the Import option under the Tools menu.
• In the new wizard, select the option Import from Outlook from the list of choices.
  
• Now choose the things, you want to import from Outlook.
  
• Once you manage all the settings, click the Start Import button.
  

Once the Outlook profile has been successfully imported into Thunderbird, move on to the next step and convert PST to MBOX.

Stage 2: Export Outlook Messages in MBOX Format.

• Select the PST folder and right-click on it.
• Choose “ImportExportToolsNG” > “Export Folder.”
  
• Select the destination for the output file.
• It will show you the files present in your Outlook profile with a different extension.
  
• Rename the file with the. MBOX extension and your added PST file will change to MBOX format.

This method works for both Windows and MacOS. If you don’t want to use the Thunderbird application, then you can use Outlook as an intermediary application. Take the next method, to convert PST to MBOX.

Method 2: Change Outlook PST to MBOX via Gmail

To use this method, you need a desktop-based Outlook application in which your email account must be configured. For instance, we are taking Gmail here. This method is also executed in two stages. After that, follow the below steps.

Stage 1: Transfer PST Messages to Gmail

Stage 2: Convert these PST Messages into MBOX via Google TakeOut

Let’s elaborate on each stage in detail.

Stage 1: Transfer PST Messages to Gmail

You must have a Gmail account set up in Outlook before you can proceed to this stage.

• Open the Outlook application and choose the PST files, you want to change in MBOX.
• Create a new folder under your Gmail account by aliasing it PST.

(Note: This step is completely optional, but you can use this step to make your search easier)

• Put these files into the Gmail Folder.
• Then close your Outlook application.

Once PST files were successfully added to Gmail. Run the next stage to convert PST to MBOX.

Stage 2: Convert these PST Messages into MBOX via Google TakeOut

• Open your Gmail account and move to the name icon.
• Under the name icon, select the Manage Your Google Account link.
• On the new Gmail account page, click Data and Privacy > Download Your Data.
• The last step will take you to the Google Takeout page.
• On this page, select the Gmail option from the list of Google applications.
  
• Then select the frequency, destination, file type, and size for your Gmail mailbox.
  
• Once you manage all the settings, click the Create Export option.

Following the above steps will start converting your Gmail-added PST files to MBOX. It is possible to export PST to MBOX by using these methods. However, these approaches have some drawbacks, some of which are listed below.

Constraints of the Manual Method

• You cannot select a PST file of your choice to convert using this method.
• Choosing these techniques will convert your entire mailbox.
• It is difficult to find the selected email from the resultant data after conversion from the entire mailbox.
• A huge space in the machine will be occupied by the converted mailboxes.
• Often these MBOX files were corrupted during the process.
• You need to possess high technical skills to run this method.

These are the issues that the user faces while running these methods. Additionally, in most cases, these methods are not successful. However, using the automated tool can solve all your issues and permit you to change PST to MBOX without an intermediary application. Let’s briefly discuss that advanced solution.

Convert PST to MBOX Without a Mediator

Sysinfo PST Converter is a feature-rich tool, that allows you to convert single or multiple PST files to MBOX in a snap and without any intermediary applications like Gmail or Outlook. In addition, you have 14 other options besides MBOX for saving your Outlook PST file, including PDF, MSG, EML, EMLX, CSV, HTML, and more. Moreover, you can take advantage of its advanced features, which include deleting duplicate files, transferring PST files to the cloud, splitting PST files if they are large, selecting the precise PST file data to change, and many more.

Conclusion

This write-up explains the methods to convert PST to MBOX in detail. You can opt for any of the methods accordingly. But choose the process that can ease your conversion task without any data loss. Furthermore, that can save you time and provide you with a number of cutting-edge features.

Also, check another blog to backup contacts in Gmail.