How to Convert MBOX to MSG Format With Complete Data? – Solved

You can convert MBOX to MSG for free by importing your MBOX file into Mozilla Thunderbird using the ImportExportTools NG add-on. Then open your inbox and drag individual emails directly into Microsoft Outlook to save them as .msg files.

This manual method works well for fewer messages. But it takes a long time and does not support bulk batch conversions.

If you want to convert large files or multiple folders at once, you can use a dedicated MBOX to MSG converter tool from a reputed brand like SysTools. A professional converter tool is the best alternative. It can do this task faster and keep your data unchanged.

MBOX is a file format that is used by 20+ email clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail and Pocomail, to save mailbox items. It saves email messages in a concatenated format where each message is saved after another, starting with the “From” header.

On the other hand, MS Outlook (a desktop-based email application) provides its clients with a secure and effective measure to manage their emails along with other data items. In comparison to other email programs (that create MBOX files), users find Microsoft Outlook more appropriate as well as a relevant service to exchange emails and manage personal information on the local system. Due to all this, users are inclining towards MS Outlook and searching for ways to convert MBOX to MSG. If you are one of those users, then fortunately you have landed on the right solution page. Here, we are going to disclose an eminent approach to execute this task in an efficient manner.

MBOX vs MSG: Key Differences

Before starting the conversion, here is how the two formats compare:

Why Convert MBOX to MSG Format?

Converting an entire mailbox archive into a PST file takes extra time. When you only need specific emails, learning how to convert MBOX to MSG format is the most efficient choice.

Here is why users choose to export MBOX files to MSG format:

• Extract Single Emails: MSG files store individual messages. You can move, view or share specific emails. You do not need to convert your whole mailbox.
• Preserve Email Metadata: When a user converts MBOX to Outlook MSG, it keeps critical headers, sender details, timestamps and formatting fully unchanged.
• Keep Attachments Safe: The .msg format embeds attachments directly inside the message file. It prevents lost or corrupted data.
• Easy Access in Outlook: You can drag and drop single .msg files directly into Microsoft Outlook folders. You can also store them on backup drives.

How to Convert MBOX to MSG Manually Using Thunderbird

You can convert MBOX to MSG for free using Mozilla Thunderbird and the ImportExportTools NG add-on on Windows.

Step 1: Install ImportExportTools NG

1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird.
2. Go to Menu then Add-ons and Themes and search for ImportExportTools NG.
3. Click Add to Thunderbird. Then restart the app.

Step 2: Import Your MBOX File

1. Right-click on Local Folders in Thunderbird.
2. Select ImportExportTools NG and choose Import MBOX file.
3. Choose Import directly one or more MBOX files. Then click OK.
4. Select your file to load your MBOX emails.

Step 3: Export MBOX Emails to MSG

1. Open the imported folder and select your emails.
2. Right-click the messages and select ImportExportTools NG. Then select Save selected messages then MSG format.
3. Choose a destination folder to save your MSG files.

Step 4: Move MSG Files to Outlook

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Open your saved folder in File Explorer.
3. Drag and drop your MSG files directly into an Outlook mail folder.

Can You Convert MBOX to MSG Manually on Mac?

The manual Thunderbird drag and drop method behaves differently on Mac. Because Mac Outlook uses .eml or .olm file formats instead of .msg.

When you drag emails out of Thunderbird on a Mac it creates .eml files.

If you are a Mac user and specifically need MSG files, you have two options

• Option 1: Transfer your MBOX file to a Windows PC. After that run the manual Thunderbird steps we have described above.
• Option 2: Use an automated MBOX to MSG converter for Mac to extract and convert files directly. You do not need a Windows PC for this option.

Limitations of the Manual Method

The manual approach is slow and not suitable for large files:

• You cannot export MBOX to MSG in bulk automatically.
• Dragging multiple files risks you missing attachments. It can also cause lost formatting.
• Corrupted archive files cannot be imported completely.
• The manual method to convert MBOX files into MSG file format only works on Windows.
• Installing apps and add-ons takes too much time. If you want to convert MBOX files to MSG efficiently, this option is not a good choice for you.

Convert MBOX to MSG Automatically: Professional Method

If you need to process large mailboxes or you want to avoid complex manual setups, you can use a professional dedicated converter tool. SysTools MBOX Converter Tool is one of the best tools to convert MBOX files into MSG format. It is the fastest solution.

You can convert MBOX files into multiple other formats too such as EML, PDF, HTML, CSV, MHT and many more. This tool lets you convert MBOX to MSG format in bulk. It preserves original email formatting and attachments.

This tool is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Start the process by downloading this software on your PC.

Also Read: Convert MBOX Files to MHT Web Archive File: Easy Guide

Easy Steps to Convert MBOX Files into MSG File Format

1. Open the tool and click File Mode or Folder Mode to load your single or bulk MBOX files.

2. Apply optional date range filters.

3. Select MSG as your target output format from the export options.

4. Choose your desired saving location. Click Export.

Benefits of Using This Tool

• Batch Conversion: It can process multiple MBOX files simultaneously. It has no size limits. You can export MBOX files to MSG without data loss.
• Filter Options: You can use date ranges before starting the export to select specific emails
• 100% Data Integrity: Maintain original email headers, folder structure and attachments intact.
• Standalone Operation: Export MBOX files to MSG format directly without requiring Microsoft Outlook.

Summary

Converting MBOX files to MSG is the best way to access, archive and share individual emails in Microsoft Outlook. While Thunderbird provides a manual drag-and-drop export option, it falls short when handling large mailboxes or bulk migrations. An automated MBOX to MSG converter solves these limitations. It offers batch processing, date filtering and complete retention of original email headers and attachments. Choose the method that best fits your file volume to ensure a smooth, error-free conversion. The tool also allows users to convert MBOX to PST.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also Read: How to Resolve Error: “No Valid MBOX files were found”