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How to Easily Convert OST to MBOX in Bulk?
In this article, we are going to explain how to convert OST to MBOX format easily using manual methods and a professional OST to MBOX converter. Here we will describe complete information with a step-by-step guide. Read the complete article first and then select the required method which suits your needs best.
As we all know, Outlook is used by many business organizations and users to manage their emails and other personal information. Outlook allows users to store their mailbox data items in two file formats, i.e., PST & OST files. When your Outlook is connected to an Exchange Server or with IMAP, it creates an OST file. This file enables users to work in offline mode, and all the data is synced with Exchange Server when the internet connection is resumed.
On the other hand, MBOX files are supported by a large number of applications on Windows, Mac, and Linux OS. Some programs that support MBOX files are Thunderbird, Mac Mail, SeaMonkey, Spicebird, The Bat, and so on. MBOX is useful when you need to access or migrate email messages to an email client that supports the MBOX format. An orphaned OST file generally cannot be opened directly in Outlook without the original account or a suitable recovery method.
Reasons to Convert OST to MBOX
Here are some common reasons to convert OST to MBOX format:
- Portability: Easy migration of email messages across different platforms and operating systems.
- Compatibility: Accessing your emails in MBOX-supported email clients like Thunderbird and Apple Mail.
- Orphaned File Access: Gaining access to data from a disconnected or orphaned OST file when using a suitable standalone converter.
How to Convert OST to MBOX File Manually?
The manual method involves using Outlook to access your data, importing it into Mozilla Thunderbird, and then extracting it into an MBOX file.
Important Note: This method requires classic Outlook and accessible mailbox data in a configured Outlook profile. It cannot directly export an arbitrary orphaned OST file.
Step 1: Export Mailbox Data via Outlook
- Firstly, go to File in Outlook.
- Choose Open & Export >> Import/Export.
- Choose the Export to a File option.
- Select Outlook Data File(.pst).
- Select the mailbox or folder you want to export from the account.
- Browse the location to save results.
- Lastly, hit the Finish icon, which exports accessible Outlook data to a PST file.
Step 2: Import Outlook Data and Export as MBOX via Thunderbird
- Make sure you have Outlook set as your default email application in Windows. Confirm that your Outlook account is set up correctly.
- Launch Thunderbird after you have completed the installation process.
- Click on Tools, and select the Import option.
- Select “Import from another program or file,” then select Outlook and press Next to begin importing data from the currently active profile of Outlook.
- When the import process is completed, proceed to add the ImportExportTools NG add-on to your Thunderbird application. This add-on allows the user to export or import files in MBOX format.
- Locate the Outlook folder in Thunderbird, click on it, right-click it and select the appropriate Export option (the actual names for the options might be slightly different depending on the version of the add-on used by you).
- Lastly, select a folder on your hard drive where you want your MBOX file to be saved.
Why Manual Method is Not Good?
Here are some disadvantages and limitations of performing the conversion using the manual method:
- Requires Installation of Outlook: You need to have an original Outlook account set up and available to use this method.
- Long Process: This involves a multi-step method in which you transfer data to various formats and third-party email applications.
- Inability to Convert Orphaned Files: This method cannot access and convert any orphaned or disconnected OST file.
- Synchronization Issues: Cached Exchange data may be incomplete if there are unsent messages left before going offline.
Advanced OST to MBOX Converter Tool: Instant Solution
If you do not want to depend on email clients like Outlook or Thunderbird and have orphaned OST files to convert into MBOX, then use RecoveryTools OST File Converter. This tool is specifically designed to convert OST files into file formats like MBOX without having Outlook.
Users can easily convert OST files to MBOX with all emails and attachments in bulk while preserving the original folder hierarchy and email formatting.
Demo Limitation: A user can check the working of this software using its free demo. Note that the trial version limitation applies, typically only allowing the conversion of the first 25 emails from each folder.
How to Convert OST to MBOX without Outlook on Mac and Windows? Easy Steps
- Firstly, install and run RecoveryTools OST to MBOX Converter software on your Windows or Mac PC.
- Load OST files from Configured Outlook or by clicking on Select Files or Select Folders.
- Choose only selective folders to convert including Inbox, Sent Items, Deleted Items, etc.
- Select the MBOX option from the Select Saving Option tab.
-
This RecoveryTools OST to MBOX Converter will choose a Desktop location by default, but you can change this path using the Browse button.
- Lastly, click on the Convert button for OST to MBOX conversion.
How to Open Your Converted MBOX File
Once you have generated your MBOX file using the RecoveryTools software, you can easily open it in your preferred email client:
- In Mozilla Thunderbird: Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on. Right-click on Local Folders > ImportExportTools NG (menu names may vary by add-on version) > Import MBOX file. Select your newly converted file.
- In Apple Mail (Mac): Go to File > Import Mailboxes. Select ‘Files in mbox format’, click Continue, and browse for your converted MBOX file.
Major Advantages of RecoveryTools OST to MBOX Converter
RecoveryTools OST to MBOX Converter has multiple advantages. The main features of the software are as follows:
- Converts Damaged OST Files into MBOX: The software includes a “Recovery Mode” which makes it possible to convert damaged and corrupted OST files into MBOX files.
- Does Not Require Outlook: The OST to MBOX Converter can convert OST files into MBOX without installing Microsoft Outlook.
- Batch Conversion: The software allows the user to add several OST files and perform the conversion at once.
- Selective Conversion: The software has a selective feature that allows filtering with respect to various criteria including date, sender, recipient and topic.
- Retains Email Characteristics: This software retains all email characteristics and formats during conversion.
- Supports Export: The application allows users to export OST file data to MBOX (Note that contacts can be exported using other formats, while MBOX is only designed for emails).
- Works with Encrypted OST Files: The tool can also convert encrypted OST files to MBOX using S/MIME and OpenPGP (may require some credentials).
- Folder Structure is Preserved: The RecoveryTools OST to MBOX converter preserves the folder hierarchy in the output OST file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: Is it possible to convert an orphaned OST file without an Outlook profile?
Yes. Although manual conversion may require an active Outlook account on an Exchange server, RecoveryTools OST to MBOX converter is designed to work independently. The software can work with orphaned, disconnected, and inaccessible OST files without the need for Outlook.
Q 2: Is there a maximum file size for OST to MBOX conversion?
The software does not have a maximum file size limit. Conversion time and output might vary according to the condition of the OST file and available system resources.
Q 3: Does Outlook have a built-in option to export OST files to MBOX?
No, Outlook does not offer a built-in capability to export OST files to MBOX format. You have to first export the emails to PST and then use Thunderbird to export as MBOX.
Conclusion
This article serves as an ultimate guide for converting OST to MBOX using either manual or professional methods. The manual method requires you to have an accessible Outlook account and an intermediate client such as Thunderbird. On the other hand, the RecoveryTools OST to MBOX conversion tool allows users to convert OST files into MBOX files with attachments in bulk at once without any hassle, especially when dealing with orphaned files.
