How to Export Office 365 to MBOX File Format? Ultimate Guide

Overview: This tutorial shows how to export Office 365 to MBOX format using both manual technique and professional software. We’ll also discuss the requirements, limitations and typical issues faced in this conversion to help you determine the best method for your email account. Microsoft 365, which was earlier known as Office 365, is one of the most popular cloud-based email service providers. It is made for both enterprises and individual users. You can use the method to migrate as long as it supports Microsoft 365 mailbox data and MBOX file format. The general export process creates a PST file from Outlook, so that you’ll have to perform an additional conversion step.

Can Users Export Office 365 Emails Directly to MBOX? The common export process in Outlook store data in PST format, rather than MBOX. In order to create the MBOX file, a new conversion step is needed or a tool that allows direct export with single set of steps.

• For a small mailbox: Transfer the required data to a PST file via traditional Outlook. Then, you need to find a suitable converter to complete the conversion.
• Having large Office 365 Emails: You can directly use our dedicated software that is compatible with Microsoft 365 that supports batch operations, and provides MBOX output.

Always make sure that you have sync the correct folders or check whether the files are accessible or not. The account has the necessary rights and that there is sufficient space on the destination drive.

 

Also Read: How to Export Office 365 Mailbox to PST?

Why to Migrate Office 365 Emails to MBOX?

These are the reasons why users choose to export Office 365 to MBOX format. Read them one by one to understand the points better.

• Transfer messages to an email client that allows MBOX imports
• Maintain an extra copy of significant email exchanges
• Keep messages for future use or as a long-term archive
• Access emails without being restricted to the Microsoft 365 workspace
• Users can archive specific messages from particular folders, if the method allows it

MBOX is basically an email storage format. In case you require contacts and calendars and various other mailbox items, you need to ensure that the method you choose also supports these files. Also, what output format options does it provides.

Manual Steps to Export Office 365 to MBOX Files

As Microsoft does not provide a direct MBOX export option. There are three steps involved while doing it manually:

Step 1. Add Microsoft 365 Account to Classic Outlook

• Start your computer and launch Microsoft Outlook
• Next, set up your Microsoft 365 account and verify it
• After that, allow Microsoft Outlook to sync the folders from your mailbox
• Make sure the required emails are present prior to the export

Note: The process may vary according to the version of Outlook and the type of account and policies of the organization. Step 2. Save Mailbox Data as a PST File

• At first, launch classic Outlook
• Next, go to the Main Menu and click on File and then Open/Import
• After which you must choose the Export as option
• Then, select Outlook Data File (PST) as the Export type
• Now, you have to highlight the item you want to migrate by selecting the required mailbox
• If the mailbox has some folders then select the option “Include sub-folders”
• Later select a destination for the exported data
• Finally, check that the created PST file and see the exported data

Step 3. Lastly, Access Outlook Emails in MBOX Format

• You can choose SysTools PST Converter tool which takes PST as the input and MBOX format as the output.
• Just load the PST file in the given software
• Choose the necessary mailbox folders you want to export
• Specify MBOX as the output format
• Give a preferred path location and click on Convert button to start the conversion
• Now, open the MBOX file in any email client that allows access to those emails and attachments

Limitations of Using Manual Method This works well for small mailboxes, and comes with certain disadvantages.

• There are separate steps for export and conversion
• It may take time to sync Outlook, if the mailbox is large
• You need a converter solution that means additional costs
• Outlook has to be installed
• There is a chance of skipping folders or metadata
• Not an option for mailbox export on a large scale
• It is complicated for basic users, as it involves indirect steps

In case you deal with hundreds of office 365 accounts, the manual solution is not suitable. You can go with our direct solution to complete the export process.

Professional Solution to Export Office 365 to MBOX Format

If you want to migrate multiple Office 365 mailboxes without any separate conversion step. For that, you can go with our direct solution known as SysTools Office 365 Export Tool. It connects your Microsoft account and users can easily move their Office 365 data into MBOX format. You do not require the PST file, and get the final output path while maintaining your emails, contacts, & calendars. Free Download Purchase Now Key Features:

• Directly export Office 365 to MBOX data without any complex steps
• Export emails along with their properties
• Software retains the entire folder structure till the end
• Keep same email metadata and formatting
• Supports the latest Microsoft authentication
• You have the option to migrate Office 365 emails to multiple formats
• There is date-filter option for selective export
• Option to migrate shared and archive mailboxes
• No chance of duplicate data
• Create export reports for administrators

Software Steps to Export Office 365 Data Securely

1. Download & install our professional software on your system. 2. Choose Office 365 as the source platform and MBOX as the destination platform. 3. In the Workload field, select your desired workload among various mailbox items like Email, Contact, Calendar, and so on.

• You can use the date filters to export selective data within a specific date range.

4. Use the login credentials of your source Office 365 Admin account for authentication purposes in the platform.

• Tap the Validate button to check the necessary permissions.

5. Locate the Destination folder to save your MBOX files on your computer. Ensure that the folder path length does not exceed 20 characters. 6. Add users via any of the below ways:

• Fetch Users – Fetch users automatically from the Source domain.
• Import Users – Import users via CSV.
• Download Template – Download template in CSV format for creating users.

7. Choose the users who wish to export their data and then press the Start Export button to export Office 365 to MBOX format. 8. Once the process is completed successfully, press Download Report.

Remark: For more details, check out the software guide on how to export Office 365 Online mailbox to MBOX file using Office 365 admin account.

Check these Troubleshooting Steps While Exporting Office 365 Data

• Allow Outlook to synchronize and check if all the necessary folders and emails are present
• Ensure that the PST file is accessible and compatible with the software used
• Review the selected folders and check if the emails, attachments, and the dates are correct
• Verify the login credentials, access, and the organization’s security policies
• Make sure the export is finished successfully and use a mail client compatible with MBOX files
• In the case of large mailboxes, perform the export in small portions in order to speed up the processing and avoid any mistakes.

Manual vs Professional Solution – Comparison Table

This is the difference table which will help users to export Office 365 to MBOX using the right software. Tips to Follow:

• Make sure you can access the necessary email accounts before you start the export
• Check for account permissions and authentication requirements
• Ensure there is enough space on the main drive
• Test the process with a small amount of the mailbox first before moving a huge amount of data
• Verify the dates, sending parties, and folders
• Save your original mailbox data first until you check the output
• Lastly, document which mailboxes and date ranges are used in the export

Conclusion

Users export Office 365 to MBOX format to migrate, back up, or to maintain emails in different platforms. Although, you can follow these manual steps via Outlook, it is not an easy process and involves more work and some disadvantages. Alternatively, when a user has to manage business email or a large Microsoft 365 setup. Then, you can use our expert solution which provides you with a direct export option. Users can export bulk mailbox data with various filter options.

Frequently Asked Questions