Resolution of Error “Next Message Unexpectedly Corrupted in MBOX File”

  author
Written By Kumar Raj
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On May 20th, 2020
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Communication through emails has now become one of the major things to maintain the business productivity. Numerous platforms are available to execute the exchange of information. Among all the other email application, Thunderbird is one of the popular email clients. This is used in several industries and one the major factors behind its popularity is its very simple interface. It allows users even to access the mails in offline mode. It stores the data in MBOX, which is a flexible file format. However, there are some errors, which are associated with this. One such error that we are going to fix is:

"Next message unexpectedly lost from MBOX file."

OR

“Next Message Unexpectedly Corrupted in MBOX file”

Although we are associating this error with Thunderbird, it is not actually related to it only. This error may happen in other clients such as Outlook, Alpine, etc. and is normally associated with Dovecot mail server.

It is an unexpected error, which can create hurdle in between the work. In order to fix this, users search for quick tricks. However, it is not so easy to find a proper solution for this. This is the reason; we have come up with a proper solution to the error. We will come to the strategy to get back lost MBOX file, but before that let us consider this query : Next Message Unexpectedly Lost from MBOX File taken from the forum site.

Query of User: Next Message Unexpectedly Corrupted in MBOX file

 

“From last week, I am facing a strange issue with my Thunderbird email application. Every time I receive a message: Next Message Unexpectedly Lost from MBOX File, it gets misplaced from the MBOX file. I mean I cannot find the message anywhere in my profile. In the beginning, it seems strange to me, but when I consult one of my friend he suggested me to modify header. I have done it as per the instructions. However, nothing worked for me. Now, I am looking for a proper solution to restore the lost MBOX file. Please suggest me anyway to get out of this problematic solution.”

 

Get Back Lost MBOX Files Via Manual Approaches

The recovery problem Error : Next Message Unexpectedly Lost from MBOX File & can be rectified by repairing folder with the help of this option:

1. Modify Header: Users who know both the file header and the modification, which can fix it, can only perform this method. You need to restore lost and deleted email by modifying the X-Mozilla-Status header for affected MBOX data file. You need to set it to “0” for the restoring the MBOX and rectification will be done if applicable.

Important Note: Make sure that you are making the accurate changes in header, as even a wrong change for the recovery may worsen the circumstances.

2. Other Methods: In case the above-suggested method does not work properly to resolve error :Next Message Unexpectedly Corrupted in MBOX file, you can opt for folder compaction or file deletion to get back lost MBOX file. You can execute by deleting the index (MSF) file of the affected MBOX. It is because at times this may be the cause behind damaged MBOX file. Apart from this, you can even compact mail folder once transferring the messages to another folder & replace it.

Also, if you are actually accessing the same mailbox locally with Thunderbird (or other email client) and externally via Dovecot, then you have to stop doing so and configure Thunderbird to use IMAP, too. Or you can configure Dovecot so that it uses the same locking mechanism, which may not work with shared file system.

You may also try to use Maildir for local storage instead if MBOX in Thunderbird:

  • Go to Tools> Options > Advanced
  • Set Message Storage Type to Maildir.
  • Reconfiguration will be needed.

 

If none of the above method works, then there is only one choice left in front of users i.e. to opt for another email client. There are a number of alternatives available to work as an email application. However, choosing a reliable tool is equally important for accurate result as well as for the safety of data. This here, plays an important role. It makes the entire task of recovery smooth.

Note: The section given below does not resolve the issue of ‘Message Unexpectedly Corrupted in MBOX file’. It is a solution that can help you switch to other email clients such as MS Outlook.[Not a Solution to Get back Lost MBOX File, But one to Prevent Such Error in Future]

A Tool For Switching to Outlook

MBOX to PST Converter is totally a safe and secure platform to perform the conversion process and provides accurate results. The main aim of the tool is to create PST files that are importable in MS Outlook email platform. Thus a user can easily import Thunderbird emails to Outlook. The interface of the tool is very simple so even a novice can use it. It allows the preview of all the MBOX files along with the associated attachments. Moreover, this can identify MBOX files regardless of its respective email client, as various email clients support MBOX file format. This is software can be accessed in any of the versions of Windows Operating System.

Wrapping It Up

MBOX is one of the most versatile file formats. It is supported by different file formats such as The Bat!, Pocomail, Mail Copa, Netscape Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, Eudora, Entourage, etc. At times, while accessing MBOX file in such an email client, users may encounter some errors. One such error has been discussed in the above blog i.e. “Next message unexpectedly lost from MBOX file.”  Therefore, for the rectification of this error: Next Message Unexpectedly Corrupted in MBOX file we have learned manual tricks. It is absolutely a safe and relevant product to get back lost MBOX files. In case the user wishes to move to another email client, users may opt for a trustworthy tool as mentioned above.

  author

By Kumar Raj

A versatile writer with the vast knowledge of technology helps to reduce the gap between a user and technology. Provides easy and reliable ways to resolve multiple technical issues, which users encounter in their day-to-day life.