How to Convert Thunderbird to PST? Free & Pro Methods
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What is a PST file?
PST (Personal Storage Table) is an Outlook data file used to store emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and other mailbox data. It is commonly used to archive Outlook data, move mailbox information between Outlook profiles or keep a local copy of email data. PST files are stored locally and can be opened or imported into supported versions of Microsoft Outlook.
Why Convert Thunderbird to PST?
Converting Thunderbird to PST can be beneficial for several reasons such as when you need to move email data in Outlook, requiring an Outlook-compatible archive to organize Thunderbird emails in an Outlook compatible format. Some of the common reasons are listed below:
- Switch to Outlook: Convert Thunderbird emails to PST when moving from Thunderbird to Microsoft Outlook.
- Create an Outlook Archive: Store Thunderbird emails in PST format for easier access and organization in Outlook.
- Maintain folder organization: Preserve the existing email folder structure when transferring messages through a supported conversion workflow.
- Centralize email data: To access Thunderbird data in an Outlook environment when Outlook is the preferred email client for managing existing messages.
- Keep a separate copy: To create a duplicate copy of Thunderbird emails in PST format to easily access in Outlook.
Before you Convert Thunderbird to PST
Before performing conversion, check your Thunderbird profile, create a backup and confirm that all messages appeared properly. If you are performing manually, then also make sure you have access to supported versions of Outlook Classic for Windows.
Find Your Thunderbird Profile
Thunderbird stores your account settings, emails, address books and other user data in a profile folder. To locate the active profile, open Thunderbird and go to Help and select Troubleshooting information. Under Application Basics, find the profile folder and click the Open folder to access it.
The default profile location varies by operating system:
- Windows:
%APPDATA%\Thunderbird\Profiles\ - macOS:
~/Library/Thunderbird/Profiles/
The actual profile folder may differ if Thunderbird was configured to use a custom location.
Back Up the Profile and Download Required Messages
Before starting the conversion, create a backup copy of Thunderbird profile. Close Thunderbird before copying the profile folder to avoid changes while the files are being backed up. If your account uses IMAP, make sure that all messages are available locally. Check the account configuration and download the required message before starting the conversion.
Check your Outlook Version and Access
If you choose the manual method, you need a supported Classic Outlook for Windows installation to import the EML messages and export the Outlook data in PST. Thunderbird to PST Converter doesn’t require Thunderbird or any other application installation. Check the software edition and operating system requirements before proceeding, particularly if you are working on macOS or using a newer Outlook version.
How to Export Thunderbird to PST?
There are two main ways to convert Thunderbird emails to PST files. The manual approach uses Thunderbird, EML files and Classic Outlook to create the PST file. The professional method uses a dedicated Thunderbird to PST Converter to process supported Thunderbird mailbox data directly. Choose the approach based on your Outlook access, mailbox size and folder handling requirements.
Manual Method vs Thunderbird to PST Converter
| Comparison | Manual Method | Thunderbird to PST Converter |
|---|---|---|
| Required applications | Thunderbird, ImportExportTools NG, and Classic Outlook for Windows | Dedicated Thunderbird to PST Converter |
| Outlook required | Yes, for importing EML and creating the PST | No |
| Input handling | Export Thunderbird emails to EML | Select supported Thunderbird mailbox data directly |
| Folder handling | Requires manual export and import of folders/subfolders | Select required folders within the applications |
| Email conversion | Email-focused workflow | Supports Thunderbird email conversions to PST |
| Contacts and calendars | Require separate handling | Supports Thunderbird contacts and calendar conversion |
| Manual efforts | Multiple steps and application switching | More streamlined workflow |
| Cost | May require access to a supported Outlook installation | Free trial available with conversion limits, licensed version for unrestricted conversion |
| Best suited for | Users who already have Classic Outlook and need a small or manageable conversion | Users who want to process Thunderbird data with fewer manual steps or without Outlook |
Method 1: Convert Thunderbird to PST Using Outlook
If you want to export Thunderbird emails to PST then this approach has multiple phases and the user must follow them accurately to successfully save Thunderbird to PST format. Follow the detailed phases and their steps to easily convert Thunderbird to PST.
Phase 1: Export Thunderbird Emails to Local
- First, run Thunderbird on your device.
- Install ImportExportTools NG if its not already installed.
- Now, right-click on the Thunderbird folder and choose ImportExportTools NG.
- Select Export All Messages and EML format and navigate to the saving location
- Once done, click on Save to convert Thunderbird to EML.
Menu labels can vary by add-on version. Keep exported messages in separate local folders if you need to recreate the Thunderbird folder structure in Outlook.
Phase 2: Import EML Data to Outlook
- Run Classic Outlook and create a New folder in it.
- Open the location where the EML file is saved and right-click on it.
- Select on open with and choose Outlook Classic.
- Once the file opens, click on Move to Folder and select the newly created folder for import.
- Check a few emails to identify that the subject, message body, sender, recipients, date and attachments are available as expected.
- Repeat the process for the remaining EML files and corresponding Thunderbird folders.
Just opening the EML file doesn’t import it. Confirm that the message appears in the destination Outlook folder. If the Move to folder command is unavailable or doesn’t save the message, use a supported import route or the converter method below.
Phase 3: Export Outlook Files as PST
Once the Thunderbird emails have been imported into the required folder in Classic Outlook, export that Outlook data in a PST file.
- Open Classic Outlook and click on File.
- Go to open and export and select Import/Export.
- Choose Export to a file and tap on Next.
- Select Outlook data file(.PST) and tap on next.
- Choose an account or folder containing the imported Thunderbird data. Select Include subfolders if required.
- Click on Next and choose the location where you want to save the PST file.
- Click on finish to start creating the PST file.
Limitations of Manual Method
- This manual approach depends on an Outlook version that supports importing the EML messages and exporting the resulting mailbox in a PST file.
- You must first export Thunderbird emails to EML, import them into Outlook and then export the Outlook folder to PST.
- Thunderbird folder/subfolder may require separate selection or handling during EML export/import.
- After importing and exporting, users should check messages, folder structure and attachments to confirm the PST contains the actual data.
- This approach is only reliable to convert Thunderbird emails to PST, you require a separate solution for contacts and calendars.
Method 2. How to Batch Convert Thunderbird Emails to PST?
If you want to convert batch Thunderbird profiles or large mailbox data then BitRecover Thunderbird Converter allows you to export Thunderbird data in a PST file without requiring Thunderbird. This software allows you to select specific folders or subfolders as you want to convert. To use this software you just need to click on download and follow the steps as we have stated below:
The free trial is limited to 25 emails per folder.
- Download and run Thunderbird to PST Converter on your PC.
- First, select Convert emails, contacts and calendars, then choose Auto-configured Thunderbird data, or select the data manually.
- Choose Thunderbird folders or subfolders as you want to export.
- Choose PST in the list of saving options and select PST filters.
- Browse destination and click on Convert button to start converting Thunderbird to PST.
Special Benefits with Thunderbird to PST Converter
- Automatically detects the Thunderbird profile to help locate mailbox data for conversion.
- Allows you to select specific Thunderbird mailboxes or folders instead of converting all available data.
- Supports conversion of supported Thunderbird mailbox data, including MBOX and SBD folder structures.
- Converts selected Thunderbird email data directly into PST format without requiring an intermediate EML export.
- Maintains the available mailbox folder hierarchy during the conversion process.
- It converts emails along with their associated attachments to the PST output.
Additional Suggestion:
If you have already exported Thunderbird data in MBOX format or have an orphan MBOX backup file from Thunderbird email clients that you want to restore, use BitRecover MBOX to PST converter to convert it to PST before importing the data into Outlook.
FAQs
Can Thunderbird export emails directly to PST?
No, Thunderbird doesn’t provide a native PST export option.
How can I convert Thunderbird Emails to PST for free?
Use the manual Thunderbird and select EML then choose Classic Outlook and use PST workflow. It requires Outlook and involves multiple steps.
Can I Convert Thunderbird to PST without Outlook?
Yes, Thunderbird to PST Converter can create PST without installing Outlook for the conversion process.
Can I Batch Convert Thunderbird Emails to PST?
Yes, you can use Thunderbird to PST Converter to convert all Thunderbird data including emails, contacts, calendars and more.
Conclusion
Let’s conclude this blog, now clear that a Thunderbird to PST Converter can help you to convert Thunderbird data into a PST file. However, the manual approach is also an option if you have access to Classic Outlook and can complete each export and import step. The best thing is that is Thunderbird to PST Converter also offer a free demo version / free trial version, and lets users examine the software functionality before the licensed version.
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