Overview: If you are looking for steps to migrate Postbox to Thunderbird, but not sure where to begin? We will help you out with the entire process and export your MBOX mailboxes efficiently. As Postbox is discontinued, many users are moving to Thunderbird which is an open source email client.
Reasons to Export Postbox Mailboxes to Thunderbird
Here, are some points why users need to migrate Postbox to Thunderbird which is updated regularly.
- It is a very popular email client which is used to store MBOX file
- It is open-source in nature
- Comes with regular updates
- Supports cross platform
- Thunderbird supports various add-on, which you can install
- Good for long-term use
- You can add multiple accounts
If you have years of emails stored in Postbox, it becomes important to migrate them safely.
Also Read: How to Import BlueMail to Thunderbird?
Is There a Direct Way to Export Postbox Data to Thunderbird?
No, you can’t. Users will not find any direct feature to export. Both of these email clients store their data in MBOX format. So, you can do the conversion either manually or using our professional solution.
Migrate Postbox to Thunderbird Using Manual Method
There is only one method by which users can export their Postbox data. Follow these five steps to complete the migration process.
#1. Know Postbox Profile Folder Path
- Firstly, open Postbox and locate profile directory where data is stored.
- The location of its directories are given below:
For Windows:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Postbox
For macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Postbox
- Find the profile that contains your mailbox information.
#2. Next, Find your MBOX File
- In the profile directory, look for the folders which can be present in your sent, drafts, trash, other custom folders section.
- These files do not have an extension, which means they are MBOX files.
- Having the same format, you can comfortably move to your chosen location and migrate Postbox to Thunderbird.
#3. Install Thunderbird Email Client
- Download Mozilla Thunderbird, if you haven’t installed it yet
- Set up your email account or configure a local profile
#4. Now, Import your MBOX Files
By default, Thunderbird does not have any built-in importing functionality. For that:
- You need to install a plugin
- If you don’t know, then read the guide on how to download ImportExportTools NG Add-on.
- After that,
- Click on Local Folders
- Go to ImportExportTools NG add-on
- There, go to the Import MBOX file option
- Select the Postbox mailbox you have copied
- Tap on the folders which you want to import
Ensure that all emails have been imported successfully.
Limitations of Using Manual Method
The fact that this approach is good for small MBOX transfer only. That is why you cannot migrate large Postbox data.
- Need to install Thunderbird add-on
- It is a lengthy process when you have large mailboxes
- You will not find any batch export option
- Need to correct the folder structure
- There is a chance to migrate wrong files
- Does not suit users without technical background
Don’t worry! Just go with our professional solution to tackle all the above drawbacks.
Migrate Postbox to Thunderbird Client Professionally
Following the above manual steps is very complex and you don’t want to lose your crucial messages. It takes more time and cannot process large MBOX files. You need to go with SysTools Thunderbird Importer which will make the transfer process easy. All you have to do is load the Postbox data into the software.
Key Features:
- There is no complex steps involved
- It maintains the original folder layout
- You can import multiple MBOX files at once
- No file size restrictions
- Software has user-friendly interface
- Works with all Thunderbird versions
Safely Export Postbox Emails Using our Software Steps
Follow these quick steps to migrate Postbox to Thunderbird easily.
1. Firstly, you have to download & install our expert software.
2. After that, move to Add File(s)/Folder and add the MBOX file for importing.
3. Then the software will show all existing profiles of your Thunderbird.
4. Choose the profile to import MBOX/MBX file from Identities drop down list.
Hint: It should be noted that your Thunderbird must be configured with some email accounts or local profile. Otherwise, you will get a message about configuration.
5. To maintain the folder hierarchy of the imported file, select Maintain Folder Hierarchy checkbox.
6. Then, click on the Import button.
7. All imported files will appear in the Thunderbird profile.
Important: If you have an IMAP account, then you can’t import the data. Therefore, choose either POP or Local Folder.
End Note
It is very evident that users will migrate Postbox to Thunderbird email client due to the termination of Postbox services. Although there are manual processes that help you transfer small mailboxes. But, it also needs some type of installation, and has certain drawbacks to that. We have also mentioned our automated software to export your Postbox data in a more efficient manner.
