How to Convert OST Emails to MBOX Format with Attachments?
Are you searching for the best solution to convert OST to MBOX format? If yes, then this blog is a treat for you. In this write-up, we will discuss the complete step-by-step procedure to convert your Outlook / Exchange OST files to MBOX format. So keep reading the article to know the perfect and easiest solution to accomplish this task. As it can be done manually also but it required lots of technical expertise for configuration, add-ons installation and the user must be familiar with both platforms. Therefore, we discussed it last.
In this digital era, several users are willing to perform the conversion from OST to MBOX. And the biggest reason behind the conversion is that the MBOX files are compatible with large number of email client like Thunderbird, Apple mail, Eudora, PocoMail, The BAT! etc. In contrast, the OST file is compatible only with MS Outlook and it is highly prone to corruption.
Understanding About OST and MBOX File
OST stands for offline storage table and it’s created by Microsoft Outlook. It stores a duplicate copy of Outlook mailbox data when configure Exchange, Microsoft 365 or IMAP server. It allows users to access mailbox items without an internet connection. Any changes made offline are automatically updated on the server once connectivity is back.
MBOX stands for mailbox is a standard file format used to store a collection of emails in a single file. It supported various email applications like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Postbox, Eudora, Claws Mail and many more. MBOX is specially known for its simplicity and portability.
When Needs to Convert OST to MBOX?
- If you are moving from Microsoft Outlook to Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or any MBOX supported email platform.
- OST files are linked to specific Outlook profiles and can’t be opened directly. It allows you to access the same data in a standalone email client even if Outlook is not installed.
- When an Outlook profile is deleted. If an Exchange account is deactivated, the OST file becomes orphaned; converting to MBOX allows you to retrieve and maintain data.
- MBOX files are widely supported across Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It offers greater flexibility in accessible emails into different operating systems.
- MBOX is an ideal file for long term preservation. It ensures you have a readable, portable backup of your Outlook mailbox data.
How to Convert OST to MBOX Format?
To begin, download and install the Best OST Converter software, which enables users to transfer OST files to MBOX format with all attachments without any failure. Simply follow the steps below to convert Outlook OST emails to MBOX format.
Steps to Batch Convert OST to MBOX
1) Install and run the OST to MBOX Converter on your Mac and Windows OS.
2) The software gives you the dual ways to load outlook data (OST or PST files) into the application panel i.e, Convert Configured Outlook Mailbox Data which will automatically load your source data from the default location of MS Outlook and Let me select my Outlook mailbox data that will enable the users to select OST Files / Folder manually.
3) The tool allows users to export selected folder data as per requirement. User’s just need to select the required data folders.
4) From the given list, you need to select the saving option to convert OST file to MBOX format.
5) The software save data to desktop location, if the users want to change the path location, simply click on the “File Browse Icon.” Now, hit the NEXT Button to transfer OST files to MBOX format.
6) Now, the software will began the process to convert OST File to MBOX format. Also, users can see the live conversion process.
7) Once the conversion process get’s done users will get a success massage for good.
8) Here you can see your resultant MBOX files including email attachments.
Use Trial Edition
From the preceding steps, you can see that the functioning of OST to MBOX converter is rather simple and straightforward. Users can evaluate the application’s performance by downloading the Trial Edition. Users may convert up to 25 emails from OST files to MBOX for free using the Trial version. Once satisfied, you can acquire the necessary licence to export an unlimited number of mailboxes without losing any email attachments.
Features of OST to MBOX Converter Toolkit:
- The software is designed using advanced technology which allows the users to export OST files to MBOX Format including with all attachments.
- With the help of automated solution, the users can easily convert Outlook OST emails to the MBOX Format at once in just few clicks.
- The software is capable to convert OST file to MBOX format from Microsoft Exchange Server / Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, etc.
- The tool also previews OST folders before conversion, helping you select only the necessary mailbox items. User can mark or select the required folder to transfer OST files to MBOX file.
- Enable “Use Recovery Mode” to safely recover and convert corrupted OST files into MBOX with minimal errors. Moreover, the application is capable to perform entire conversion data with any error.
- The automated toolkit supports all type of encrypted, password-protected, compressible, and large, ANSI & Unicode OST files successfully.
- One of the most important things, the users can export unlimited emails from OST to MBOX in just a few simple steps.
Manual Methods to Convert OST to MBOX
If you have installed both Outlook and Thunderbird then you can follow manual techniques as we have shared below:
Method 1. OST to MBOX Conversion Using Thunderbird Import
- First, open Mozilla Thunderbird and click on Menu.
- Now, press on Tools and click on Import.
- Choose Import from Outlook and press Next.
- Select data as you want to import.
- Press on Start Import.
- Now, click on the Thunderbird menu again.
- Now, click on Add-ons and Themes.
- Search Import/Export NG Tools and click on Add to Thunderbird.
- Now, Navigate to the mailbox folder as you want to export.
- Choose Import/Export NG Tools and click on folder export(MBOX).
- Select As MBOX file or single zipped MBOX file as per required.
- Now, choose the destination path and click on the select folder to successfully convert OST to MBOX.
Method 2. How to Convert OST File to MBOX Using IMAP
To perform this approach you must create a separate Gmail account as it works as a bridge. Now, follow the instructions as we have stated below:
- First, open Outlook and configure your Gmail account with it.
- Now, move data to the newly configured Gmail account as you want to convert OST to MBOX.
- After that, Launch Mozilla Thunderbird and configure the same Gmail account with it.
- Here, Install Import/Export NG Tools Add-ons in Thunderbird.
- Now, Select the mailbox folder as you wish to export.
- Then, Choose Import/Export NG Tools and click on folder export(MBOX).
- Here, Select MBOX file and choose destination path.
- At last, Click on the select folder to successfully convert OST files to MBOX.
Boundaries of Manual Method
- You must have an Outlook profile configured with a healthy OST file. As this approach will not work for orphan or corrupted OST files.
- Both approaches have lengthy procedures including configuration, installation add-ons and exporting folders manually.
- It doesn’t convert calendar, contacts, tasks as it only works for emails.
- There’s no guarantee metadata will be preserved as Outlook and Thunderbird management systems are too different from each other.
- The IMAP-based method relies on syncing data through Gmail. Any disruption in connectivity can cause incomplete conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
Ques 1. How to Convert OST File to MBOX Format?
Ans- Convert Outlook OST files to MBOX format in just few steps:
- First, Download & Run BitRecover OST to MBOX Converter Tool
- Then, Choose Add Files / Folder option to load the OST files into software.
- Now, Select MBOX saving option.
- At last, click on convert Button to Start the process.
Ques 2. Does your software allow to recover my Deleted Exchange OST files?
Ans- Yes, the software has the functionality to Recover Delete Outlook / Exchange / IMAP OST data to MBOX format from deleted folder.
Summary
In this article, we have discussed the easiest and flawless solution to export multiple outlook OST files into MBOX format. The good thing about the application is that it gives the permission to save unlimited Outlook / Exchange / IMAP .ost files to mbox format in just few simple steps. The user interface of the application is very easy, even any non-technical person can perform the conversion without any issue.
