John Williams: “I have to change MSG files to MBOX as my current email program, Thunderbird, is clashing with my Outlook files. How can I consistently export MSG to MBOX in large quantities so that I can combine my archives without losing attachments or data?”
Summary: File incompatibility is a common issue when transferring email archives from Microsoft Outlook. Thunderbird and Apple Mail are open source programs that use the MBOX format, whereas Outlook uses the MSG format for single messages. Because a straight import fails, you must convert MSG to MBOX. Fortunately, reputable software such as the MacSonik MSG Converter Tool makes the transition simple and secure. This article provides two tried and recommended techniques, manual and professional, for completing the conversion process with ease.
Major Reasons to Export MSG to MBOX
Here is why changing your file type is important:
- Use on Other Apps: MSG files only open in Outlook, but users often need MBOX to open their emails on different email programs.
- Keep Things Neat: MBOX puts many emails into one file, which makes it easier to save, share, and organize large groups of MSG files.
- Simple Backup: MBOX files are easy to back up and restore, helping you protect your data if your computer crashes.
- Stay Accessible: MBOX files usually avoid issues, meaning you can easily find and open your old emails later on.
Best Methods to Convert MSG to MBOX
If you need to move your emails from the MSG format to the MBOX format, you have two main options available. You can choose a free method, which consists of several steps, or a simple automated solution using specialized software.
Method 1: Manual Method to Transfer MSG to MBOX Format
The manual way costs nothing; however, it is complicated, and you should only use it if you have a very small number of MSG files. It involves changing the file type multiple times and needs two different email applications (Outlook and Thunderbird).
- Open Outlook and find the folder where your MSG emails are stored.
- Select an MSG file, choose the File option, then select Save As.
- Choose Text Only as the file type, and then manually change the file extension from .txt to .eml.
- You can repeat this for every file.
- Open Thunderbird and install the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
- Create a new folder in Thunderbird. Right-click on it
- Then, Choose ImportExportTools NG > Import EML Files.
- Next, browse to the folder where you saved your .eml files.
- Once the files are imported, right-click the folder, select ImportExportTools NG.
- After that, choose the Export Folder option, then select As MBOX File.
- Click Select Folder after deciding where to store the MBOX file.
Why the Manual Way is Challenging:
There are several serious disadvantages to the manual approach:
- Time-consuming: For huge email collections, it is not possible to repeat the steps for every file.
- Data Risk: During these manual file modifications, there is a genuine possibility of losing crucial email addresses.
- Software Required: Thunderbird and Outlook must be completely installed.
Therefore, people frequently choose the professional approach because of these hurdles.
Method 2: Professional Method to Convert MSG to MBOX
The MacSonik MSG Converter Tool is the most dependable method to convert MSG files to MBOX when you require assurance. It helps to convert MSG files to EML and other file formats like CSV, PDF, and so on in a matter of minutes. It is a very reputable, expert piece of software that preserves 100% data integrity all along the way. You may effectively use the program on both your Windows and Mac devices, regardless of how many files or an entire archive you have, because it is designed to perform batch conversions safely and accurately.
Simple Steps to Convert MSG File to MBOX
- Install and open the MacSonik MSG Converter on your Windows or Mac PC.
- Click on Select File or Select Folder to add the MSG files or folders to convert.
- Now, preview the emails, and choose the specific folders you need to include.
- In the saving options, select the MBOX file format from the given drop-down.
- According to the requirement, you can opt for the additional feature of the software.
- Choose the destination path where you should save the new MBOX file.
- At last, click the Convert button to convert Outlook MSG files into the MBOX format.
Conclusion
This blog post clarifies the necessity to convert MSG to MBOX for cross-platform access, particularly when using programs like Thunderbird. We offered two approaches: a dependable automatic process and a challenging manual one. The expert solution required for safe, bulk conversion is provided by the MacSonik MSG Converter Tool, guaranteeing the preservation of all your important data. The automatic approach ensures fast, error-free results and gives you total control over your priceless email history, even while the manual approach works for small batches.