How to Import UNIX Mailbox to Outlook (PST): Check Out Here!

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Written By Chirag Arora
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Published On September 24th, 2022
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

“Hi, I am trying to move many unix mbox format files to a Windows platform with Outlook installed in it. And I can’t figure out how to do so natively. Hopefully I am not the only one with this kind of problem. So, is there any way by which I can import these unix mailbox files to Outlook application. Thanks for your help.”

Are you also struggling with a similar problem? Need to open and view UNIX mail MBOX file on Windows using an Outlook email client? Do not panic, we are here to help you out. In this blog, we are going to explain the step-by-step process to transfer UNIX mailbox emails into Outlook in a hassle-free way.

Sometimes, the need arises to open and view UNIX mail MBOX files in some Windows-based email clients. There can be multiple reasons for this, however, they may vary from one user to another. It can be work-oriented or simply a personal migration to a GUI based platform. Basically, MBOX is a text file used to store and manage multiple email messages. Unfortunately, Outlook does not support this format and hence no native way exists that can help in this kind of migration. However, the implementation of specialized tools can help in resolving this situation instantly.

A Step-By-Step Process to Import UNIX Mailbox to Outlook

Lack of native solutions to import UNIX email files into Outlook further complicates this situation. And the so-called workarounds are ineffective due to the difference in file formats of Unix Mail and Outlook(PST). Thus, it is recommended to follow the two-step method to import UNIX mail to Outlook on Windows system.

First, the user needs to convert these files into PST file format and then import the resultant PST file in Outlook.

Pro Tip:

Before coverting files, it is necessary to prepare them for the conversion process. It means – To implement the import process, the user needs to move this MBOX file from UNIX system to the Windows machine via pen drive or any other medium.

The process to extract data from different Unix email clients differ from each other.Find the MBOX files, transfer them to Windows and easily import Unix mail to Outlook.

Step 1: Convert UNIX Mailbox to PST on Windows OS

The user can rely on SysTools MBOX to PST Converter to convert multiple MBOX (Unix mailbox files) into Outlook PST file format. The software is associated with numerous features such as export MBOX files of Unix to PST/EML/MSG/NSF/HTML file format, user-friendly interface, convert multiple MBOX files into separate or single PST file, extract attachments from MBOX files, high-performance, unbeatable speed, etc.

free download

Simple Steps to Convert Unix Mailbox to PST:

  • Step 1: Run Unix Mailbox converter and click “Add File“.
  • Step 2: Import the Unix mailbox files from system.
  • Step 3: Preview emails before converting to Outlook
  • Step 4: Click “Export” to convert Unix Mail to Outlook PST.

To convert UNIX mailbox to PST file format step by step, user can also follow the detailed instructions explained below.

  • First, launch the software on your Windows system and click on the Add File button.

add unix mailbox file

  • Choose Select file(s)/folder from file system option and click on the Next button

add file

  • Select the UNIX mail MBOX files present on your Windows system and click on Process button

process

  • Now, the software will load all the Unix MBOX emails in the software interface. One can easily open and view MBOX file directly from the software interface

preview unix emails

  • Afterward hit the Export option from the tool’s menu bar. In the Export options, select Export All Folder or Export Selected Folders option as per your choice
  • Select the PST option and the destination location to save the resultant file

choose pst format

  • Click on the Export button to begin the export process. After the completion of the export process, you can navigate to the destination location and verify the results

export unix mailbox to pst

Step 2: Import Resultant PST File to Outlook

After converting UNIX Mail files into Outlook PST format. The user needs to import this resultant PST file in Outlook. To import the PST file in Outlook, the user can make use of native Import/Export Feature provided by Outlook.

The user needs to select the Import/Export option in the File menu and then choose Import from another program or file. After selecting the file, click on the Finish button. Outlook will start importing the contents of the PST file.

Summing Up

Sometimes, the user needs to import UNIX mailbox to Outlook. In such a scenario, the user is not able to implement a manual solution correctly due to a lack of knowledge and complexity of the manual method. Thus, to eliminate all the drawbacks associated with the manual approach it is suggested to opt for the above-explained method. This will help the user to import MBOX (UNIX mail file) into Outlook without any hassle.

Tip: If you have Maildir files on your Unix system, you can also convert them to PST with Maildir Converter

Listed Common Queries and Solutions 

Can I perform conversion on Unix platform?

No, the procedure needs to be followed on Windows OS. So you will have to move the mailbox files from Unix to a Windows computer.

Is the method applicable for MS Outlook 2016?

Yes, the you can easily open and read the mailbox files on Outlook 2016 and all other versions. It includes Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 and lower.

Can I apply the solution on Windows mailboxes?

As long as the file is a type of MBOX file, you can apply the given solution and gain relevant results independent of platform.

Is there any manual way to import the Unix mailboxes?

There is a manual alternative, however, it is not recommended as it carries a significant risk and time-consumption factor. You can read the article on import MBOX to Outlook 2016 for further information.

  author

By Chirag Arora

Having around 9+ years of experience in technical writing. Knows about the core technical areas. Also, provides easy and reliable solutions to resolve difficulties faced by users while working with different platforms.