PST to MBOX Converter

Convert large, corrupted, or inaccessible Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) to Thunderbird MBOX quickly and easily.

  • Convert emails with attachments and attached emails
  • Maintain folder structure, read/unread status, and other email formatting and flags
  • No Need for Outlook Installation
Get started for free

Product Information

Product name
PST 2 MBOX
Release date
May 2024
Category
OST & PST Converter
Platform
Windows
Installation
Technical Specs
Additional terms
App Privacy
EULA

What's New

Version 1.28
Portable and Installer versions

How to convert Outlook PST to MBOX?

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
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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

Converting PST to MBOX using PowerShell

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

Standalone & Installer versions

PST 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 PST files to MBOX format doesn’t require Microsoft Outlook. This feature enables users to easily handle their email archives without additional software.

PowerShell and Command-Line Application

This option is available exclusively for Technician license users, enabling the software to be run using PowerShell or as a command-line application for enhanced functionality and automation.

Offline Conversion

The PST to MBOX converter does not require Internet access or authentication from a Microsoft Exchange Server or Windows Domain Controller.

Maintain the Original Folder Structure

Our PST to MBOX Converter tool allows you to convert multiple PST files to MBOX format in a single operation, while preserving the original folder structure.

Conversion of 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.

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 PST files

Convert PST files after unsuccessful recovery attempts using the ScanPST.exe tool, allowing you to restore emails, attachments, and other important items that may otherwise be lost.

Preserve All Mail Properties

Our psttombox 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 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 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.

Compatible with all Outlook versions

Convert PST files from Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007, and OST files from IMAP, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Outlook.com accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about PST to MBOX Converter? Check out our answers to frequently asked questions below to get started!

Follow these steps to import .pst files into Thunderbird.
  1. Download PST to MBOX Converter
    Install the PST to MBOX Converter, then browse for your .pst files.
  2. Convert PST Files to MBOX Format
    Set your conversion options and click "Run." Wait for the export to complete.
  3. Find Your Thunderbird "Local Folders" Directory
    Open Thunderbird, right-click on "Local Folders," and select "Settings." Under "Account Settings," locate the "Local directory."
  4. Copy MBOX Files into Local Folders
    Close Thunderbird. Open the "Local Folders" directory in your file explorer, then drag and drop your MBOX files into it.
  5. Restart Thunderbird
    Restart 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.

An MBOX file stores an entire folder of emails as a single file. Exporting Outlook PST to MBOX creates:
  • .sbd folders – Maintain folder hierarchy.
  • Message files (MBOX) – Contain your messages and do not have any file extension, such as Archive, Calendar, Contacts, and Inbox.

MBOX and EML are both email file formats, but they differ in structure and use:
  • MBOX: Stores entire folder of emails as one file, used by Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and some UNIX-based clients.
  • EML: Stores each email as a separate file, compatible with Outlook, Windows Mail, and Thunderbird.

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.