Convert MBOX to PST & Import Into Outlook 2019/2016/2013

Every email client user has heard (if not know) about the MBOX file format. After all, it is the most common format used by 30 email applications across Linux, Windows, and Mac. Even many webmail services provide its users with their mailbox data in MBOX format. Here, the term ‘Mailbox data’ signifies emails and attachments of the associated email application.

Sometimes, for reasons both professional and personal, users look to import MBOX files in Outlook. Generally, it leads the users to convert MBOX to PST and then import it in Outlook 2019/2016 or other versions.

Two Mailbox Formats – MBOX & PST

MBOX & PST – Two mailbox formats which are same in terms of storing emails and attachments of the associated email clients. But still different in framework and usage.

• While MBOX only stores emails, attachments, PST can save emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, tasks, etc.
• While MBOX is easily accessible to almost 30 different emails clients- both old and new, PST is the sole property of Microsoft and accessible to only the Outlook email client.

It is clear that MBOX and PST differs a lot in framework, and therefore, it is not a surprise that MS Outlook does not have the option to import MBOX file. With no direct solution available, the user needs to convert MBOX to PST and then use the built-in option of Outlook 2019/2016 to import the PST files.

How to Convert MBOX to PST Files?

It entirely depends on the situation of the user. Every factor counts, be it the number of MBOX files, size of MBOX files, the origin and associated email client of MBOX file, even the installation of certain applications count.

Manual solution does exist but it only works if the MBOX files are of Thunderbird and Mozilla Thunderbird and MS Outlook are installed on the same system. If this fits your criteria, go ahead and follow the steps given below:

1. Launch the MBOX email client and create a new folder.
2. Select all the emails that you wish to import in Outlook and move them into the new folder.
3. Now, select the folder and save all its emails in EML format.
4. Open Microsoft Outlook and import the Eml files into it. You can also use drag and drop option to import MBOX emails in Outlook 2019/2016.

The problem with this method is the loss of structure and in many cases, issues with the formatting and inner attributes of MBOX emails. It is also clear that this method is only suitable for small number of emails. Else there are chances of hanging issues and email corruption.

That’s why you will see most experts recommending the use of “trusted” third-party software applications. Among the MBOX to PST converter tools, the one that stands out is SysTools MBOX Converter.

Why Use MBOX to PST Converter to Import MBOX Emails in Outlook?

In the previous section, we recommended SysTools MBOX to PST converter for the task of importing MBOX emails in Outlook 2019/2016. There are various practical reasons behind this.

First of all, from a general perspective, there are so many phony and incompetent tools in the market that choosing the best one among them is a task next to impossible. And from the few trusted names, not all have powerful features to fulfill certain user requirements. We have also seen many tools that bargain features for performance and accuracy. But this SysTools product is not the same as them.

With this software, you get easy to understand interface packed with powerful features without compromising the accuracy and performance of the tool. Due to its flexibility and ease, hundreds of users join its client-base each month. Having a 24x7 technical support team to help is an added benefit.

Steps to Convert MBOX to PST using software

Note: The steps given below are strictly for Windows users. If you wish to convert MBOX to PST on Mac system, opt for Mac MBOX Converter.

1. Start the SysTools MBOX to PST Converter program on your Windows system. The user interface looks like the below screenshot.

2. Hitting on the Add file button will open a new window. Here, simply click on the Next button and import all the MBOX files into the software.

Note: If you have Thunderbird, Eudora, Netscape, Spicebird, PocoMail, SeaMonkey, or Spicebird installed, you can choose the email client and software will automatically import its entire database.

3. The software will now preview all the emails along with their attachments, header information, RTF view, etc. Here, you can either select the emails and right-click to export them into PST. Or, you can simply hit the Export button on the top menu and proceed with batch conversion.

4. Now select the options given in the screenshot as per preference. Make sure to choose PST as the Export type.

5. Start converting MBOX files into PST with the Export button. The software will generate a confirmation message at the process completion.

Finally, locate and import the converted PST files into Microsoft Outlook 2019/2016. There you have it. All MBOX emails successfully imported in Outlook without the loss of formatting, header, and other metadata properties.

The MBOX to PST converter freely converts 25 emails from each MBOX folder into PST format. You can preview all the emails to ensure that the information is correctly shown. With the full version, every user can easily convert MBOX to PST and import MBOX in Outlook 2019/2016 without compromising the accuracy and email properties.