Bulk Convert MBOX to MSG File Format with Attachments

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  • Updated on October 29th, 2024

Summary: As users transition between different email clients, efficient data management becomes essential. MBOX and MSG are two commonly used file formats in this regard. MBOX is favored by various email clients like Thunderbird and Apple Mail, while MSG is the standard format for Microsoft Outlook. Consequently, users often seek to convert MBOX to MSG format, allowing them to select only the most important emails. MSG files facilitate better organization and management of individual emails.

Several methods are available for converting MBOX files to MSG format, including manual approaches and professional MBOX conversion tools. Users can choose the method that best aligns with their preferences and needs to effectively address this task.

Difference Between MBOX and MSG File Formats

A comparison table highlights the key differences between the MBOX and MSG file formats. This table offers a concise overview of the key differences between the two file formats. As a result, it helps users to understand why they should prefer MSG over MBOX File.

FeaturesMSG FormatMBOX Format
DefinitionA file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store a single email message, including its attachments and metadata.A file format that consolidates multiple email messages into a single file.
Supported ClientsMicrosoft Outlook Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, and others.
StorageStores a single email message with its file, including attachments.Stores multiple emails in one file, concatenated together.
File Extension.msg.mbox
Email OrganizationEasily organized and accessed as individual files.Less flexible for organizing individual messages; requires an email client to manage.
Metadata SupportRich metadata support, including sender, recipient, and email formatting. Limited metadata support; relies on the email client for full features. 
AccessCan be opened directly in Outlook and some other compatible applications.Requires an email client that supports the MBOX format to view and manage emails.

Effective Methods to Save MBOX Emails as MSG Files

This conversion will help you when you want to extract individual emails in MSG format and maintain all the details of those emails. To manually convert MBOX Files into MSG format, follow these steps.

Individually Convert MBOX Files Manually

To manually convert MBOX files to MSG format, follow these steps using Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook. This method involves exporting individual emails rather than the entire MBOX file at once.

Requirements

  • Mozilla Thunderbird was installed (to handle MBOX files).
  • Microsoft Outlook installed (for saving as MSG).

Step 1: Import MBOX into Thunderbird

  1. If you haven’t already, download and install Mozilla Thunderbird from the official website
  2. Go to the menu (three horizontal lines in the top-right corner).
  3. Select the Add-ons and Themes option.
  4. In the Add-ons Manager, search for ImportExportTools NG add-on.
  5. Click the Add to Thunderbird option and follow the prompts to install it.
  6. Restart the Mozilla Thunderbird application.
  7. After clicking on the local folder option.
  8. Select ImportExportTools NG > Import mbox file.
  9. Choose the option to All MBOX file form directory.
  10. Browse to locate your MBOX file and select it.
  11. Click Open to start the import process.

Step 2: Export Emails from Thunderbird

  1. In Thunderbird, find the local folder where you imported your MBOX emails. This will usually be under your email account in the left sidebar.
  2. Click on the email you wish to convert to highlight it.
  3. To select multiple emails, hold down the Ctrl key (on Windows) while clicking on each email you want to select.
  4. Once you have selected the desired emails, click and hold on one of the selected emails.
  5. Drag the highlighted emails to your desktop or into a specific folder on your computer.
  6. Release the mouse button to drop them. This action will save the selected emails as individual EML files in the chosen location.

Now that you have your emails saved as EML files, you can proceed to convert them to MSG format in Outlook. 

Step 3: Convert EML to MSG in Outlook

  1. Launch the Microsoft Outlook (Classic) application on your computer.
  2. Find the folder where you saved the EML files.
  3. Then, select the EML files you wish to convert.
  4. Drag and drop the selected EML files directly into an Outlook folder (like your Inbox or any other folder).
  5. After dropping the files, the EML emails will appear in the chosen Outlook folder. They are now accessible within Outlook.
  6. To save the imported emails as MSG files, double-click to open each email in Outlook.
  7. Navigate to the File menu in the top-left corner.
  8. Select Save As from the dropdown menu.
  9. In the Save As dialog box, select the desired location on your computer.
  10. In the Save as type dropdown, select Outlook Message Format (.msg).
  11. Click Save to store the email in MSG format.
  12. If you have more EML files to convert, repeat the steps above for each email.

Now you should have your emails successfully converted from MBOX to MSG format.

Tips

  • If you have many emails to convert, consider using conversion tools for efficiency.
  • Ensure that both Thunderbird and Outlook are updated to avoid compatibility issues.

Limitations of Manual Process of Conversion

Converting MBOX to MSG manually has several limitations that users should be aware of:

  • Manually exporting and converting each email can be a tedious process.
  • You can’t batch-convert emails directly into MSG format, which can be inefficient.
  • During the drag-and-drop process, there’s a risk of accidentally losing emails.
  • Some advanced metadata may not transfer accurately or completely when saving as MSG.
  • The process involves using both Thunderbird and Outlook, which may not be convenient for all users.
  • Users may encounter compatibility issues with certain versions of Thunderbird or Outlook.
  • The process may be challenging for users who are not tech-savvy.

Given these limitations, users with extensive email data may benefit from using professional conversion tools that streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Convert MBOX files without Outlook or Thunderbird

Experts suggest that the MBOX Migrator Tool is an efficient solution for importing MBOX files with ease. This powerful, cutting-edge tool allows users to convert mbox to msg in Bulk in just a few clicks. It offers complete compatibility for file format conversions and can migrate MBOX files to any email client without any downtime. With its advanced features, the tool allows users to seamlessly extract MBOX emails along with their attachments.

Instructions to Import MBOX File to Gmail Account

Here are simple steps to help you understand how the tool works. Please follow them carefully:

  1. Download and install the Aryon MBOX Converter Tool on your system.
  2. Run it as an administrator.
  3. To select one or multiple MBOX files from your local drive, click the Select File button.
  4. Next, choose the mailbox folders to preview the information you need, then click the Next button.
  5. In this step, select MSG as the save format from the dropdown menu. 
  6. Then, utilize the built-in features of the converter tool to designate the saving destination for the output file. 
  7. Finally, click the Convert button to initiate the MBOX conversion process.

In Addition to MSG format, You can convert MBOX files to EML and other file formats.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog will help you easily convert MBOX to MSG. Free manual approaches include manual procedures carried out by using email clients like Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook. It is time-consuming and error-prone if you have huge volumes of emails. The recommended converter software can convert rapidly and efficiently and automatically ensure that any email formatting, attachments, as well as metadata, remain intact. For further information or clarification on how to work with this program, please contact our technical support department.

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About The Author:

As a lead technical writer and expert in Data Conversion & Email Migration, I've decided to share my technical knowledge. I helps users to solve their query through blogs because I enjoy assisting in tackling tough technical challenges.

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