Summary: Most users go for the Thunderbird client for its email management capability. It plays an important role in helping them store their official data in one place. For this, there is the ImportExportTools add-on, which helps you with importing and exporting data. Through this guide, you will see its installation steps, usage, common issues, manual methods, and a reliable alternative to simplify the email management process. Now, read the blog till the end to use it efficiently.

Why ImportExportTools Add-on? Reasons

There are various requirements for which users download this add-on. Read the points in this particular section:

  • By default, Thunderbird does not support exporting messages to EML, HTML, PDF, etc.
  • It also doesn’t allow you to import MBOX files to separate folders. The add-on fills this gap.
  • You are able to save your Thunderbird emails to your local drive in batches, and you can also import them again in the future anytime.
  • If you are migrating to a new system or Thunderbird profile, ImportExportTools will help get the messages across without losing data.
  • Old emails may also be moved into long-term storage by business or private users.
  • This extension makes the exported messages more readable to be used for archiving purposes.
  • It works as a tool to export messages to EML, HTML, or plain text format.
  • You can open and view messages outside of Thunderbird in a separate email client.

ImportExportTools Add-on – Important Features

First, let’s have a look at the benefits of using this add-on:

  • Export folders into different formats such as EML, HTML, TXT, PDF, and CSV.
  • Import MBOX files to particular folders in Thunderbird.
  • Export single messages or any group of them.
  • Save attachments and send the mail header along with the message.
  • Make structured copies of your emails.
  • Quick access via context menu integration that is easy to use.

This in turn makes the add-on a very useful one for those who work with large amounts of data in Thunderbird.

How to Install ImportExportTools NG? Quick Steps

To install the ImportExportTools add-on for Thunderbird, follow the steps below sequentially to prevent any errors.

1. Firstly, open the Thunderbird application.

2. Go to Tools > Add-ons and Themes.

go to add-ons & themes in thunderbird

3. Search for ImportExportTools NG in the search box and click the + Add to Thunderbird button.

click on +add to thunderbird button

4. Now, select the Add button.

click on add button

5. Then restart Thunderbird to activate the add-on and see the changes in the application.

How to Use ImportExportTools Add-on for Thunderbird?

Here, we will show you the steps on how to import and export your emails using the ImportExportTools NG add-on.

1. Steps for Importing Emails

  • To start with, right-click on the folder in Thunderbird.
  • Then, select ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX file.

select ImportExport Tools NG > Import MBOX Files > Individual MBOX Files.

  • Now, choose the file type and click OK to start the import process.

2. Steps to Export Emails

  • Firstly, you need to right-click on the email folder.
  • Then, go to ImportExportTools NG > Export Folder.

go to ImportExportTools NG > Export Folder

  • Now, choose an export format and destination for your emails.

This add-on helps you to manage your MBOX files, archive emails, or transfer data easily.

Issues Faced During ImportExportTools Add-on

There are common problems which users face while using ImportExportTools NG for Thunderbird. Let’s look at them in the section below:

#1. ImportExportTools NG Not Working

If ImportExportTools NG is not working in Thunderbird, then it would be because of the following reasons. Read them one by one in the section below:

  • Compatibility issues with Thunderbird updates.
  • Corrupt or unsupported MBOX files.
  • Conflicting Thunderbird add-ons.

#2. ImportExportTools NG Import MBOX Greyed Out

Facing the ImportExportTools NG Import MBOX Greyed Out issue in Thunderbird? Let’s get into the reasons behind this issue:

  • Due to incorrect add-on installation.
  • Restrictive Thunderbird profile settings.
  • Having outdated add-on or Thunderbird versions.

The Best Alternative for the Import Option

Managing emails in Thunderbird can be tricky, especially with large data volumes. While the most common way is the ImportExportTools add-on, it has issues like compatibility and difficulty with large files. So you can go with the SysTools Thunderbird Import Software, which is a more efficient and reliable alternative that gives you the option to import your Thunderbird mails for a smooth email migration.

SysTools Thunderbird Import Wizard

Import MBOX files into Thunderbird on Windows without the add-on, with smooth handling of large mailboxes.

SysTools Mac Thunderbird Import Wizard

Import MBOX files into Thunderbird on macOS without the add-on, with smooth handling of large mailboxes.

The Best Alternative for the Export Option

Sometimes users may find problems in exporting Thunderbird emails using the ImportExportTools NG add-on, as it can be a tricky process due to compatibility issues, errors, or trouble with large email volumes. So in that case you can use SysTools Thunderbird Converter as a reliable alternative, which ensures a smooth way to export Thunderbird emails and an efficient email process.

Simple Steps to Import & Export Thunderbird Emails

Follow these quick steps to transfer your emails without facing an error. Let’s get started without taking much time.

Step 1. Firstly, download & launch the software on your system.

Add MBOX file

Step 2. Click on the Add File(s) button and select the MBOX file to add.

file1

Step 3. The software will display all Thunderbird profiles. From the Identities dropdown list, select the profile to import the MBOX/MBX file.

folder7

Note: Ensure Thunderbird is configured with an email account or local profile. If not, a message will prompt you to configure it.

Step 4. To maintain the folder structure of the imported files, check Maintain Folder Hierarchy.

folder8

Step 5. Click Import to begin the process.

folder8

Step 6. You will find your imported files in your Thunderbird profile.

thunderbird data

Note: You cannot import data into an IMAP account. Select a POP account or Local Folder.

ImportExportTools Add-on Vs SysTools Thunderbird Import Software – Comparison Table

This is the difference table for you to know and decide which one to use, as this will eventually help users who work in Thunderbird and want to import or export their data accordingly.

Features ImportExportTools NG Add-on SysTools Thunderbird Tools
Thunderbird Compatibility May break with new updates Fully compatible with all versions
Import Large MBOX Files Can lag or crash Smooth performance with large data
Export to Multiple Formats Limited (depends on settings) EML, PST, PDF, HTML, and more
Supports POP & Local Folders Yes Yes
Works with IMAP No (only Local or POP folders) Imports to Local folder, then move manually
Add-on Installation Required Yes No
Technical Support Available Community-based Dedicated support available

Frequently Asked Questions – User Queries

Yes. SysTools does not solve the add-on issue directly, but if you are facing the problem of the ImportExportTools NG add-on not working, then you can use our tool to transfer your emails efficiently without the use of add-ons instead.

  1. Please ensure that both Thunderbird and the add-on are the latest versions.
  2. If the issue persists, use SysTools Thunderbird Import Wizard to easily import MBOX files without the add-on.
  3. Always back up your Thunderbird data before making any changes.

Yes. Here are some solutions depending on the situation:

1. If Using IMAP: No, IMAP accounts do not support importing emails. So follow these steps:

  • Import data to a local folder using Thunderbird.
  • Once imported, move the data to your IMAP account.
  • Sync the IMAP account to make the data available on the server.

2. If Using POP: Yes, the tool is compatible with POP settings. Go through the steps:

  • Firstly, import emails to a local folder in Thunderbird using SysTools software.
  • Then, move the imported emails from the local folder to your POP account in Thunderbird.
  • POP will store emails on your device, and they won’t sync to the server, but you can access them anytime.

3. If ImportExportTools NG Not Compatible:

  • Ensure Thunderbird is updated to the latest version.
  • Check if the “ImportExportTools NG” extension is updated to the latest version. If not, update it to ensure compatibility with the latest Thunderbird version.

Conclusion

In this write-up we have discussed the reasons, features, and how to download the ImportExportTools add-on for Thunderbird along with its steps. It can sometimes be in a non-working state or greyed out. To avoid this, use a reliable alternative mentioned above for smooth email management and better productivity. But remember, if you are exporting important data with this add-on, then try to take a backup.