How to Export MBOX File from Thunderbird? Complete Information

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: October 26th, 2023 • 6 Min Read
There are times when we may want to export MBOX file from Thunderbird email client, or we may be moving our data from one email client to another. Similarly, many users of Thunderbird email client find multiple ways to convert their mailbox data. If you are also among them then you have come to the right article, here you will get multiple methods to complete this task.

In this article, we will explain both manual and automatic solutions, if you are one of those users who are not familiar with Thunderbird features then using the manual method will become a difficult task for you. Don’t worry, here I will show you the complete process of how to convert Thunderbird emails to MBOX even using professional solutions.

But going to the main point, let us first understand why any user got the idea to find the solution to this query.

Why Do Users Want to Export MBOX File from Thunderbird?

  • Users may export MBOX files to easily move their email data when they switch email clients.
  • Important emails can be archived and kept apart from the active mailbox with the aid of MBOX exports.
  • MBOX files can be shared by users with coworkers or collaborators in order to share certain email threads or data.
  • MBOX files are a flexible option for data storage because they are extensively supported by a variety of email clients and systems.
  • To handle and arrange emails external to Thunderbird, or to arrange emails according to a certain sender, date, or set of criteria.
  • Emails may be accessed offline using MBOX files, which is especially helpful in places with spotty or inconsistent internet access.

Best Two Ways to Convert MBOX to Thunderbird

There are two methods discussed in this article to export MBOX file from Thunderbird, which are manual and professional methods. If you have some technical knowledge and are familiar with the features of the Thunderbird email client, you can also use the manual solution. If you do not have any technical knowledge and you do not have any special knowledge about the features of Thunderbird, then you can use our second solution.

Method 1: Using ImportExportTools NG to Export Thunderbird to MBOX

  1. Run the Thunderbird email client on your System.
  2. After that, choose the Add-ons option on the 3 dot icons.
    Add-ons option
  3. In the search bar, search the ImportExportTools plugin, and after that add it to Thunderbird.
    ImportExportTools
  4. After that, choose an email folder, and right-click it.
  5. Choose ImportExportTools << Export Folder option.
    Export Folder
  6. Now select a folder to save emails from Thunderbird and press the Select Folder button.
    select a folder
  7. At last, open the destination folder and check all the data.

Limitations of Manual Technique

  • Using the manual method to export MBOX file from Thunderbird may have the possibility of causing data loss issues.
  • This method does not guarantee that you will get all the files attached to MBOX documents.
  • You may see some broken inline images and missing emails in the output.
  • It has been seen many times that there is a risk of data corruption with this method.
  • The original folder will not be maintained.

Method 2: Export MBOX File from Thunderbird Use Automatic Tool

Here we will show you one of the best and most direct solutions BitRecover Thunderbird Converter to export MBOX file from Thunderbird. The tool has many advanced features and capabilities like bulk and selected email conversion. Also, no need to download any third-party tool. Users can install the tool in any Windows OS including the latest versions etc. Advanced features and working steps of the tool are mentioned below.

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Step-by-Step for How to Use Professional Tool

  1. First of all, download and install the product set up on your Windows Machine.

    tool to Export MBOX File from Thunderbird

  2. Now upload the data manually or automatically.

    upload the data

  3. Next, all the folders and subfolders will appear on the screen, and choose the needed data from here.

    all the folders

  4. After that, select the “MBOX” format from the saving list.

    saving list

  5. And then, browse the saving location as per your requirements.

    location

  6. Lastly, hit the “Next” icon to Export MBOX File from Thunderbird.

    Export MBOX File from Thunderbird

Benefits of Professional Solution

  • The manual technique allows to export MBOX file from Thunderbird folders one by one but the professional method allows to saving whole Thunderbird profile data at once.
  • If your Thunderbird email client got corrupted then the manual technique will not work while the pro method permits to archive emails from corrupt Thunderbird profiles.
  • The mentioned software is also compatible with Thunderbird SBD, MSF, MOZMSGS, WDSEML, etc. files while this functionality is not available in the manual technique.
  • The Software also allows to backup of Thunderbird exported CSV contacts to vCard and PST (Personal Storage Tables) formats.

FAQs to Export MBOX File from Thunderbird

Ques. In Thunderbird, what is an MBOX file?
Ans. Email messages and attachments can be stored in Thunderbird mailbox files or MBOX files. It is Thunderbird’s default format for storing email data.

Ques. Can I export more than one MBOX file at once?
Ans. Certainly, you are able to export many MBOX files at once. Multiple mailboxes or folders can be selected and exported simultaneously with Thunderbird.

Ques. Is there any professional tool available for Thunderbird users to export MBOX files?
Ans. Indeed, the finest professional tool has already been discussed in this post. This tool is suitable for use since it has been endorsed by experts in the field.

Ques. Can MBOX files be exported from Thunderbird to other operating systems?
Ans. Indeed, Thunderbird allows you to export MBOX files for use on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Generally, the procedure is the same across all platforms.

Ques. How should I proceed if there are any problems with the MBOX export process?
Ans. You can use Thunderbird’s support resources or internet forums to get help if you run into problems when exporting MBOX files. Professional tools could also provide customer help to handle any issues.

Ques. Can I export MBOX files larger than a certain size from Thunderbird?
Ans. The largest MBOX file size that you can export from Thunderbird is not limited. It’s a good idea to divide bigger files into smaller, more manageable portions if necessary, as they may take longer to export and be more difficult to handle.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed both manual and professional approaches to export MBOX file from Thunderbird email clients above. Manual approaches are often free and simple, however, this is not always the case. As is usual with manual approaches, there are some restrictions. Use the professional solutions offered for resolution without any limitations.