Convert PST to MBOX on Windows & Mac (Expert Roadmap)

How to Export PST to MBOX Using a Manual Approach? 

]In the section below, we will discuss the following manual conversion methods:

• Using Outlook
• With Google Takeout

The complete step-by-step guide for these methods in detail is given below.

Method 1: Using Outlook to Export PST Files

Follow the steps given below to execute the conversion process.

For Windows:

1. Launch Thunderbird on your system. Select your mail and click Import.
2. The Import window will open. Select Import from Outlook and click Continue.
3. Further, on the next page, select the items to import and click Continue.
4. Next, click the Start Import button to import your PST files. Click Finish.
5. Now, go to Account Settings and click Add-ons and Themes > Add ImportExportTools NG.
6. Afterward, select Outlook, right-click, and select ImportExportTools NG > Folder Export (mbox) > As MBOX file.
7. Subsequently, choose the destination to save and click the Select Folder button to complete the conversion process.

On Mac:

Converting PST to MBOX is different from Windows OS for MAC users. Mac OS has its own file type, so you need to execute the accurate steps that work with Apple Mail or other Mac clients. Follow the steps mentioned below to convert Outlook PST to MBOX format. 

1. Open Mac Outlook, go to File, and click Import.
2. Next, choose your PST file to convert and click the Import button.
3. Now, drag the imported mailbox into the system. Your PST file is successfully converted to MBOX.

Method 2: Convert PST Files to MBOX with Google Takeout

This method consists of two stages to complete the PST file conversion process. 

Stage 1: Importing PST to Gmail

This stage is divided further into two parts:

#Enabling IMAP

1. Sign in to your Gmail account, go to Settings, and select See all settings.
2. Move to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab and in the IMAP Access section, enable IMAP.
3. Then, click Save Changes.

#Setting Gmail in Outlook and Importing PST

1. Launch Microsoft Outlook and go to File > Add Account.
2. Enter your Gmail credentials and click Connect.
3. Further, when configured, click Done.
4. Next, go to File again, click Open & Export, and select Import/Export.
5. Afterward, choose Import from another program or file and click Next.
6. Then, choose Outlook Data File(.pst). Click Next.
7. Subsequently, browse and select the PST file to import and click Next.
8. At last, select your Gmail account as the destination to import PST files to Gmail and click Finish.

Stage 2: Exporting Emails to MBOX with Google Takeout

1. Open Google Takeout on your system.
2. Next, scroll down to find Mail, and check the box beside it. Scroll down the page till the last and click Next.
3. Further, set the frequency to Export once, and select the file type and size.
4. Lastly, click Create Export to convert PST to MBOX. 

Why Do Manual PST to MBOX Workflows Drop? 

• Converting PST files manually usually takes a lot of time.
• Non-technical users may struggle with different setup configurations.
• Account connection problems are common during the conversion process.
• There is always a risk of missing emails or attachments.
• Compatibility issues may occur on older Windows or Mac systems. 

What Automated Solution Handles PST to MBOX Safely?

Large email migrations need a smart plan to keep data safe with a smooth process. Manual methods usually stall when you need to convert large amounts of data. MailConverterTools PST Converter comes to the rescue and helps to convert Outlook PST to MBOX. The tool ensures seamless conversion while keeping the folder structure intact along with other properties. It also allows to convert PST to HTML for browser-based email access.

Steps to Run the Software: 

1. Start by downloading PST Converter on your System. Run it as an administrator.
2. After that, click either on Select Files or Select Folder to add a single file or a complete folder to the software.
3. Further, you can preview the files and then select the files that you need to export. Press Next.
4. Now choose MBOX from the drop-down menu in the given file formats.
5. Then, you can apply additional filters, like a date filter, or remove duplicates to ease the process.
6. Finally, click on Path to Save to define the resultant file path and hit the Convert button to convert PST to MBOX.

How PST Converter Tool Affect Migration? 

• Converts large PST mailbox files into MBOX without creating extra complications.
• Maintains email hierarchy and folder structure during migration.
• This software lets you convert PST to PDF and other formats, along with attachments. 
• Date-based filter helps users transfer only selected mailbox data.
• Helpful for enterprise organizations managing bulk Outlook mailbox archives.
• Users may preview PST emails before starting the conversion task. 

Relevant post: Convert PST to JPG

To Wrap Up

Successful data migration needs careful planning and the right tech. We have covered manual and professional methods in this blog to convert PST to MBOX. Though the manual method is cost-free, it is difficult to implement for novice users. Therefore, exporting using the MailConverterTools PST Converter software is a better choice. It saves you time, is easy to use, and maintains folder hierarchy and data integrity. 

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