Complete Guide to Import MBOX to Rackspace Webmail with Attachments

  

Published By Karen Chard 

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On January 15th, 2026

Reading Time 7 Min Read

Overview: A complete solution guide to import MBOX to Rackspace webmail directly without any data loss. For businesses and IT admins to bulk upload large MBOX files to Rackspace email with ease, either manually using Mozilla Thunderbird or using the RecoveryTools professional solution.

MBOX files are an email storage format that stores multiple emails with attachments and metadata in one place. MBOX files are commonly used to save or move emails as they are compatible with email clients like Thunderbird and Apple Mail, and can be exported directly from Google Takeout.

On the other hand, Rackspace is a cloud computing service provider that also offers IMAP-based email hosting solutions. To date, Rackspace-hosted email services are used by over 136,070 companies worldwide.

To import MBOX to Rackspace on Mac or Windows, you need to rely on either an email client like Thunderbird or a professional MBOX to Rackspace import tool. As the Rackspace webmail or the Rackspace administrative control panel does not have a direct MBOX import option.

Scenarios Where Importing MBOX into Rackspace Is Required

To import MBOX to Rackspace webmail means uploading archived MBOX files or MBOX files associated with an email client to Rackspace business email service, with all data preserved.

Here are some common situations when users need to add MBOX emails into the Rackspace mailbox:

• When switching to the Rackspace email service from any free or old service.
• To restore old MBOX data into Rackspace for cloud access.
• To merge multiple accounts configured in an email client to RackSpace.
• In order to comply with the business-related e-discovery regulations.
• For long-term archival on cloud-based accounts for better security.

For users and businesses to import MBOX data into Rackspace with complete security, integrity, and in minimum downtime.

Important Things to Do Before You Import MBOX to Rackspace Webmail

Ensuring that there is no data loss or corruption and folder hierarchy is maintained when uploading large MBOX files to Rackspace is of primary importance to businesses and users.

Follow the checklist below before you begin to add .mbox files into the Rackspace mailbox:

• Your hosted Rackspace business account must have equivalent, if not more, storage than the MBOX file size.
• Have a stable internet connection for an error-free import.
• Generate an app password if 2FA is enabled for IMAP connections.
• Create a backup of both MBOX and the original Rackspace email data(if any).

Note: MBOX files only store emails, not contacts and calendar, hence they cannot be imported.

How to Import MBOX to Rackspace Webmail?

Choosing the right method to upload MBOX files to Rackspace email is important to meet user/business needs. There are both free and professional ways to import.

Method 1: Using Mozilla Thunderbird (Free & Manual)
Method 2: Using RecoveryTools MBOX to Rackspace Import Tool (Professional & Automated)

Method 1: Using Mozilla Thunderbird (Free & Manual)

Mozilla Thunderbird is a desktop-based email client that works on both Mac and Windows. It supports import and export of MBOX files using an extension called ImportExportTools NG.
Here are the exact steps you need to follow to import MBOX to Rackspace on Mac and Windows.

Step 1: Install ImportExportTools NG in your Thunderbird

1. Open Thunderbird.
2. Click on Hamburger Menu (Three lines on top right)
3. Click Themes and Add-Ons.
4. Search for ImportExportTools NG and click Add.

Step 2: Import MBOX to Thunderbird

1. Right-click on Local Folder at the bottom section of Mail.
2. Choose ImportExportTools NG.
3. Click Import MBOX files >> Choose all MBOX files from the directory.
4. Select all the MBOX folders that you want to move to the Rackspace business email.
5. Wait for them to be imported.

You can skip steps 1 and 2 if you have already completed them.

Step 3: Configure the Rackspace account in Thunderbird

1. Click on Hamburger Menu (Three lines on top right).
2. Choose New Account >> Email.
3. Enter your Full Name and Rackspace business email ID.
4. Verify the IMAP & SMTP server settings and continue.
5. Click on Test and Done.

Step 4: Import MBOX to Rackspace

It is fairly simple now to upload MBOX files to Rackspace email:

1. Right-click in the MBOX folder you imported into Thunderbird – inside local.
2. Choose Move To.
3. Select the Rackspace account as the destination.

You can import MBOX to any existing folder in Rackspace, create a new folder, and move MBOX data to that newly created folder for better organisation.

Thunderbird Limitations to Import MBOX to Rackspace

Using Thunderbird is the manual way to move MBOX emails to Rackspace. It works well with limited data. However, it is not a reliable way if you are dealing with sensitive business email data.

It has various limitations, such as:

• Large MBOX imports and exports can take a long time and cause downtime.
• The manual process can be technically overwhelming for a beginner.
• There is a risk of human error, and data may be missed or imported incorrectly.
• The MBOX folder may likely lose its folder structure when imported into Rackspace.
• Users have reported concerns about data corruption and loss at the time of import.

How to Import MBOX to Rackspace Webmail? Using Tool

RecoveryTools MBOX to Rackspace Import Tool is simple to use and can import data in a faster way using advanced data handling algorithms.

1. Download the tool to your computer.
   
2. Select the MBOX files/ folders from your device.
   
3. Choose IMAP from the saving option.
   
4. Enter your Rackspace email address, password, and IMAP details.
5. Click on the Convert button to import MBOX files to Rackspace.

What is the Best Way to Upload MBOX files to Rackspace?

Choosing the best way may vary depending on the MBOX file size, technical skills, and import requirements.

Here is a quick comparison between the free and professional ways to import MBOX to Rackspace email account.

Thus, using RecoveryTools MBOX to Rackspace Import Tool is a better option if you are :

• Handling large MBOX data to be imported into Rackspace.
• Need a secure option that follows data protection guidelines like GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
• Need attachment, metadata, folder hierarchy, and formatting preserved.
• For a quick upload of bulk MBOX files to the Rackspace business account.

Key Takeaways to Import MBOX to Rackspace

• There is no native import option in Rackspace webmail; you need to rely on an email client for free import or use a dedicated Import tool.
• The free & manual solution is using Thunderbird with ImportExportTools NG.
• Rackspace Self-Service Migration Tool is not suitable as it works with a cloud account, not importing MBOX files to Rackspace.
• An expert-recommended solution to bulk import MBOX files to Rackspace is RecoveryTools software – for security, speed, accuracy, and ease.

We hope you can easily upload MBOX files to the Rackspace email. If you still have any queries, reach out to our dedicated technical team available 24/7 via live chat.