5 February 2025, 02:19 PM
Microsoft Outlook stores mailbox data in OST files, which are inaccessible outside the Outlook environment. If you are switching to Mozilla Thunderbird, you may need to import OST to Thunderbird. Since Thunderbird supports the MBOX format, direct migration is not possible without conversion. This article explains how to manually migrate OST to Thunderbird MBOX format and presents an easier alternative.
Manual Method to Import OST to Thunderbird
Manual Method to Import OST to Thunderbird
- Convert OST to PST in Outlook
- Open Outlook and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Export to a file and choose Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Choose the mailbox folders and save the PST file.
- Open Outlook and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Convert PST to MBOX Using a Third-Party Tool
- Use a PST to MBOX converter to make the file Thunderbird-compatible.
- Use a PST to MBOX converter to make the file Thunderbird-compatible.
- Import MBOX File to Thunderbird
- Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on in Thunderbird.
- Go to Tools > ImportExportTools > Import MBOX File and select your converted MBOX file
- Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on in Thunderbird.