How to Convert OST to MBOX Format - Complete Guide

How to Convert OST to MBOX Format?

If you are looking for a quick solution to convert OST to MBOX format, then this article will be very helpful for you. In this article we will discuss the complete step by step procedure to convert OST to MBOX format.

OST stands for Offline Storage table. Outlook uses the OST file to save the copy of mailbox data on the Exchange server and is stored on the local system’s hard drive. OST files enable you to work offline. So, if the network is unavailable the work productivity wouldn't be affected. 

MBOX stands for Mail BOX. MBOX file extension is used to store and organize email messages. It stores all the messages of an entire folder in a single database file and new messages are appended to the end of the file. MBOX files are recognized by many email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird, Microsoft Entourage etc.

Why Do You Need to Convert OST to MBOX Format?

There are many reasons when you want to convert OST to MBOX format. With the help of an OST file, you can work offline. But it is a sensitive file and easily corrupted. If your server mailbox is corrupted then it is impossible to access your data. The OST file is supported only by Outlook. To access data in Mozilla Thunderbird, Eudora etc. you convert OST to MBOX format.

Methods to Convert OST to MBOX Format

Here we will discuss manual and professional methods to convert OST files to MBOX files format.

Method 1: How to Convert OST to MBOX Format Manually?

Using a manual method you cannot directly convert OST to MBOX format. To convert OST to MBOX, first, you need to convert OST to PST file. After that you can import the PST file to MBOX. So, in the manual method you must have Outlook and Thunderbird installed on your local system. The method is so lengthy and takes a lot of time to complete this task. Orphaned OST files cannot be converted using manual methods. Sometimes, in this method all emails are not successfully transferred. There is a chance of corruption at the time of importing. There are some steps to convert OST to MBOX-

Step 1: Convert OST to PST Format

Launch Microsoft Outlook on your systemNavigate to File menu and click on Open & Export optionNow, click on the Import/Export option to import the OST fileSelect the Export to a file from Import and Export wizard and click on Next After that, select the Outlook Data File (.pst) from Export to a file window and click on Next buttonSelect the folder from which you want to export the data and click on Next buttonNow, tap on the Browse button to provide a path to save PST fileChoose the file and click on Open buttonAt last click on the Finish button

Step 2: Import OST File to Thunderbird

Launch Mozilla Thunderbird on your local systemGo to Display the Thunderbird menu icon and click on the Tools option Now, to import the Outlook PST file, select the Import optionFrom the Import window choose the Mail items and click on Next buttonSelect the file type as Outlook and click on Next button to start the import processWhen the import process complete, then imported emails will be displayedAt last, click on Finish button

Method 2: Convert OST to MBOX Format Using OST to MBOX Converter

As we all know, manual methods have some limitations. To neglect these limitations, users are looking for an alternative method to convert OST to MBOX format. In that case, we have used the SysTools OST to MBOX Converter. This is one of the best tools that convert OST to MBOX format. This utility software converts OST files into MBOX, PST, MSG, EML etc. It can convert multiple emails along with attachments. There are no size limitations. When you open the OST file, the software will perform its quick scanning. This will help you to reindex the data from a corrupt, inaccessible or orphan OST file. When the scanning finishes, The software will generate the instant preview of all the emails.

Steps to Convert OST to MBOX

Download and Install SysTools OST Converter on your systemClick on Add File button, Add File window pops up to select one of the given optionAdd the OST files and Preview complete data Select MBOX and Apply Advance optionBrowse the location to save Exported file

Now your OST files are converted to MBOX format. You can open it, go to the saved output folder.

Conclusion

In this article we have discussed the methods to convert OST to MBOX file format. OST to MBOX conversion can be tricky if the right tool and right step are not followed. Manual methods have some drawbacks, so a professional method is more suitable to convert OST to MBOX format.  SysTools OST Converter tool covers all files and data corruption issues. The tool neglects all the drawbacks of manual methods.

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