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PST to MBOX Converter

Convert multiple Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) to MBOX quickly and easily.

  • Convert emails with attachments and attached emails
  • Convert corrupted, archive, password-protected, and encrypted PST and OST files
  • Support for the latest Mozilla Thunderbird version
  • No Need for Outlook Installation
Get started for free

What’s New in PST to MBOX Converter

v 1.26

How to Convert PST to MBOX

Migrate from Outlook to Thunderbird

If you need to migrate from Outlook to Thunderbird, our PST to MBOX Converter can help you do it in a few clicks. To convert PST to MBOX files, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a File or Folder with Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost)
  2. Select the destination path for the resulting MBOX files
  3. Optionally, customize additional settings:
    • Process subfolders
    • Create individual folders for each Outlook Data File
    • Replicate folder structure from source Outlook Data File
    • Skip empty folders
    • Save internet transport headers
    • Overwrite mode for existing files
  4. Click "Run" to convert PST to MBOX files
Download Installer Upgrade

PST to MBOX Portable Version (.zip) - No installation required

Usage: pst2mbox-cli [command] [options]

Command: convert mbox
Description: Convert PST and OST files to MBOX format

Options:
  -f, --file        Required. Path to the file(s) to be converted, supporting wildcard characters (*?).
  -r, --recursive   Process subfolders recursively.
  -q, --query       Search query for filtering messages.
  -p, --path        Destination path for MBOX files.
  -v, --verbose     Display detailed processing information on your screen.
  --fullscan        Perform an extensive scan for damaged or corrupted Outlook files.
  --harddel         Find and export 'hard deleted' and 'orphaned' items.
  --harddel-only    Export only 'hard deleted' and 'orphaned' items.
  --atchm-only      Export only attached emails.
  --mkdir           Create an individual directory for each exported file.
  --srcfolders      Preserve the source folder structure.
  --empty           Include empty folders in the export.
  --headers         Save internet transport headers.
  --enc-type        (Default: original) Recode Content-Transfer-Encoding. Valid values: original, quoted_printable, _7bit, _8bit, base64
  --utf-8           Set Content-Type Charset to UTF-8.
  --mode            (Default: rename) Overwrite mode. Valid values: rename, overwrite, append

Command line options

PST to MBOX Converter offers command line options for exporting items from .pst files to MBOX format. To start the export, use the convert mbox command followed by various options.

One of the key features is the ability to apply a search query to filter messages based on specific criteria, utilizing search keywords and boolean search operators. This allows users to extract only the relevant items they need, saving time and effort.

  • Support different naming conventions and macros for exported files
  • Convert attached emails
  • No Outlook installation required

Features

Converts Contacts, Calendar and Tasks

While Thunderbird contacts, calendar, and tasks are not a part of the mbox file, Outlook contacts, calendar, and tasks can be exported as emails and then converted to mbox format.

Bulk Conversion Made Easy

With our PST to MBOX Converter, you can convert multiple PST files to MBOX format in one go. This feature saves you time and effort, especially if you have a large number of files to convert.

Preserves All Email Data

Our converter ensures that all email data are properly transferred to the MBOX files. This means you won't lose any important information during the conversion process.

No Limits on the Number or Size of Resulting Files

There are no limits on the number and size of resulting files and files to be converted. You can convert an unlimited number of folders or files as often as you want.

Compatible with all Outlook versions

Export Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, 2010, 2007 emails to Thunderbird MBOX files. Microsoft Outlook installation is not required.

Converts Password-Protected PST Files

If your PST files are password-protected, don't worry - our converter can handle them. You can easily convert these files without having to enter the password.

Technical Specifications

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About Product

PST to MBOX Converter
Version: 1.26
License: Free, Personal, and Commercial use
Release Date: Feb, 2024
Download: Portable version and Installer
System Requirements

System Requirements

Processor: Intel-compatible (x86, x64)
Memory: 1 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
Hard Disk: 50 MB for installation files
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7
Prerequisites: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later
Documents

Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about PST to MBOX Converter, feel free to ask! Below, we have answered a few commonly asked questions to get you started.

Download and run the PST to MBOX Converter. Choose a file or folder containing PST files, then select the destination path for the resulting MBOX files. Finally, click 'Run' to initiate the conversion process for your PST files.

The evaluation version exports up to 15 emails per folder.

MBOX is an open-source format, facilitating easier cross-platform accessibility and compatibility with a wide range of email clients, including Mozilla Thunderbird, Mac/Apple Mail, Opera Mail, Spicebird, Entourage, Eudora, and more.

An MBOX is a format used for storing email messages, and it is supported by common email clients. It contains all the details for the exported messages, including message text and any attachments. MBOX files typically result in the creation of:
  • The .sbd folders - used to store the folder hierarchy.
  • The files that actually contain your messages (do not have any three-letter extension at all): Archive, Calendar, Contacts, Inbox,..

Unfortunately, Microsoft Outlook cannot open MBOX files. One workaround is to use another mail client, such as Thunderbird, or to convert MBOX files to a format compatible with Microsoft Outlook using MBOX to PST Converter.

The main difference is that the MBOX format exports each folder as a separate file, while EML exports each email as a separate file. Major email clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail support both formats.