Moving data between different platforms is a common part of email management. A lot of people who use Microsoft Outlook for a long time end up having to convert to email clients that can read MBOX files, including Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, or Postbox. There are several reasons why this change could happen, such as getting a new job, switching to a new operating system, or just wanting a different email environment.
But moving emails from Outlook's PST format to MBOX isn't as easy as it seems. PST files are where Outlook keeps its mailbox data. MBOX files are a whole separate type of file. There are two major ways to make the move go smoothly and quickly: by hand or with automatic software.

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This post will show you both alternatives and explain how utilizing the appropriate tool can help you save time and keep your data safe.

Why change PST to MBOX

Before we talk about the method, it's crucial to know why so many people do this.

• Many common email applications on Windows, macOS, and Linux can open MBOX files.
• MBOX is a common format for open-source and free email clients, which makes it easy to transport data between systems.
• A lot of people desire to abandon Microsoft Outlook because they don't want to pay for a subscription.
• For personal or legal reasons, MBOX can be easier to use for long-term email storage space.

How to Change PST to MBOX manually

If you don't want to use software and only have a small amount of data, you can try doing it once. Keep in mind that these steps can take a long time and might not preserve all the metadata completely.

Method 1: Using Outlook with Thunderbird

• Set up Thunderbird on your computer after you install it. 

• Enable Outlook integration: If you have both Outlook and Thunderbird installed on your Windows computer, Thunderbird can sometimes import emails

  from Outlook directly. 

• To do this, open Thunderbird and click on Tools > Import.
• Choose Mail and then pick Outlook as the source.
• Thunderbird will automatically move the chosen folders from Outlook to its MBOX structure.

Limitations

• It only works if you have both Outlook and Thunderbird on the same computer.
• Not always able to handle big PST files
• Can not keep the folder hierarchy quite right

Method 2: Use Gmail as an intermediary

• Use IMAP to link your Gmail account to Outlook.
• Put the Outlook emails you need into the Gmail folders.
• Set up Gmail in Thunderbird or any MBOX-based client after your emails sync to Gmail.
• Download emails to your computer – By default, Thunderbird saves them as MBOX files.

Limitations

• Needs a stable internet connection for large data transfers
• Possible delays in synchronization
• It depends on how much room Gmail has and how your Google account is set up.

The Disadvantages of Manual Conversion

• There are big problems with using manual methods for work, even when they don't cost anything.
• Takes a long time, especially for big mailboxes
• There is a chance that attachments will be lost or data will be damaged.
• No guarantee that metadata like read/unread status, custom folders, and embedded images will be kept
• It includes a lot of tools and technical techniques that could be hard for anyone who isn't tech-savvy to understand.

Trustworthy Solution to Migrate Outlook Emails to MBOX Format

If you work for a business or are dealing with a lot of PST files, specialist conversion software is the best option. TrustVare PST to MBOX Converter is designed to work this task quickly and safely without the risks of manual methods.

Important Features

• Turns PST files into MBOX files without needing to install Outlook
• You can convert more than one PST file at a time, which saves you a lot of time.
• It keeps the same email layout, attachments, folder structure, and metadata as the original PST.
• You can choose certain folders or date ranges to convert instead of exporting the whole PST file.
• Lets you see emails before they are converted to make sure they are correct.
• It works with all kinds of Microsoft Outlook PST files, even those in ANSI and Unicode formats.
• You can import MBOX files into Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, SeaMonkey, and other applications.

How to Quickly Move Outlook Emails to MBOX

• Even for people who have never used it before, the process is easy.
• Download and install the TrustVare PST to MBOX Converter on the machine.
• Start the tool and pick the option to add PST files.
• Find the PST file you wish to convert and click on it.
• Use the built-in viewer to see what your emails will look like.
• From the export options, select MBOX as the output format.
• Choose the folder where the MBOX file will be kept.
• Click on "Convert" and let the application finish the job.

Depending on the size of the file and the speed of your computer, the conversion normally only takes a few minutes.

Why TrustVare is Better Than Doing It Yourself

• Changes in minutes instead of hours
• Keeps track of all information, including inline images and attachments.
• Doesn't crash while working with big PST files
• Works without having Outlook installed
• Works for both technical and non-technical people

In conclusion

You can move Outlook emails to MBOX format yourself using applications like Thunderbird or by using Gmail as an intermediary account. However, these methods are sluggish and can result in data loss, particularly when dealing with large or complex PST files.

If you want to do the migration right away and without any problems, the PST to MBOX Converter is a professional and trustworthy way to do so. It is the best solution for moving both personal and business email because it can convert directly, keep data safe, and handle large amounts of data at once.

It doesn't have to be hard to switch from Outlook to an MBOX-based email client. You can move your emails fast, safely, and without losing crucial information if you have the correct technology.