OST to MBOX Converter
Convert OST files from Microsoft 365, Exchange, IMAP, or Outlook.com accounts to Thunderbird MBOX quickly and easily.
- Preserve folder structure, read/unread status, and other mail formatting and flags
- Support for the latest Mozilla Thunderbird version
- No Need for Outlook Installation
Product Information
What's New
- Macros for generating unique file names
- Command line options
- Convert OST to MBOX for all users at once
- Support for multiple languages and cultures
Configure the utility, and click Run
Optionally, customize additional settings.
Preview the reports during and after the data conversion process.
How to convert OST to MBOX?
The OST to MBOX Converter Tool allows you to migrate OST files to Thunderbird MBOX format without requiring a connection to Microsoft 365, Exchange, IMAP, or Outlook.com accounts. To convert OST to MBOX, follow these steps:
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Choose a File or Folder with Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost)
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Select the destination path for the resulting MBOX files
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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
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Click "Run" to convert OST files to MBOX format
OST 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
Converting OST to MBOX using PowerShell
OST to MBOX Converter offers command line options for exporting items from .ost 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
Standalone & Installer versions
OST 2 MBOX can be used as a portable application or installed as a Windows application. Choose the option that best suits your workflow needs.
Microsoft Outlook Not Required
Converting OST files to MBOX format doesn’t require Microsoft Outlook. This feature enables users to easily handle their email archives without additional software.
Offline Conversion
The OST to Thunderbird Converter does not require Internet access or authentication from a Microsoft Exchange Server or Windows Domain Controller.
Batch Conversion of OST to MBOX
With our OST to MBOX Converter, you can convert multiple OST files to MBOX format at once. This feature saves time and effort, especially when dealing with a large number of files.
Convert orphaned OST Files
Easily recover and convert OST files when the associated Mail Profile is missing, corrupted, or replaced with a new one.
Convert damaged OST files
Convert OST files after unsuccessful recovery attempts using the ScanOST.exe tool, allowing you to restore emails, attachments, and other important items that may otherwise be lost.
Preserve All Mail Properties
The osttombox conversion program preserves all mail properties, including To, Cc, Bcc, From, Subject, and Date. It also maintains the read/unread status and other mail formatting and flags.
No Limits on the Number of Resulting Files
There are no limits on the number of resulting files and files to be converted. You can convert an unlimited number of folders or files as often as you want.
Converts Password-Protected OST Files
No need to worry if your OST files are password-protected—our converter can handle them. Easily convert these files without needing to enter the password.
Compatible with all Outlook versions
Convert OST files from Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007, as well as from IMAP, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Outlook.com accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about OST to MBOX Converter? Check out our answers to frequently asked questions below to get started!
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Download OST to MBOX ConverterInstall the OST to MBOX Converter, then browse for your .ost files.
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Convert OST Files to MBOX FormatSet your conversion options and click "Run." Wait for the export to complete.
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Find Your Thunderbird "Local Folders" DirectoryOpen Thunderbird, right-click on "Local Folders," and select "Settings." Under "Account Settings," locate the "Local directory."
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Copy MBOX Files into Local FoldersClose Thunderbird. Open the "Local Folders" directory in your file explorer, then drag and drop your MBOX files into it.
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Restart ThunderbirdRelaunch Thunderbird, and you should see the imported Outlook mailboxes in your Local Folders list.
Note: The evaluation version exports up to 15 emails per folder.
- 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,..