How to Export Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook | MAB & SQLite
Mozilla Thunderbird 78 & above versions use SQLite file format to store address books on the computer. It creates files like abook.sqlite, history.sqlite to store the contacts. The previous versions of Thunderbird used MAB file format for the same. The files these versions create are abook.mab, history.mab, etc. At the same time, Thunderbird also allows users to export its address book into CSV, vCard and LDIF format.
So, when a user wants to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook, we can consider all these formats and sort out the best method. In this write-up, I will explain the methods you can use to import contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook.
There is a method for both scenarios:
- Directly Transferring MAB & SQLite Files
- Exporting Address book to other formats, then Importing into Outlook
The first method is for scenarios when you have MAB or SQLite files and want to transfer them into Outlook. The second method is for the scenario where you have access to Thunderbird and can export the address book into Outlook compatible format.
I. Transfer MAB & SQLite Contacts from Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook
Before proceeding with the method, ensure that you have the MAB or SQLite file containing your address book in your computer’s hard drive. You can find these files in your Thunderbird profile in the location path that looks like this:
C:\Users\admin\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\6cgxc8ix.default-release-1\
- Download, install and run Thunderbird Address Book Converter on your computer.
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- Click on Add File
- In the Select path window, choose one mode:
- File – to select a MAB or SQLite file
- Folder – to select a folder that contains multiple MAB or SQLite files
- Auto detect folder storage location – to let the software automatically detect Thunderbird address book files.
Do note that the first two options do not require Thunderbird to be installed on the system.
- After that, the software scans the added file/path and displays all Thunderbird contacts on its interface.
- In the next window, choose PST.
- Now, browse the location where you want to save the address book file.
- Click Export to start exporting contacts.
Once you have the PST file, it’s time to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook successfully.
- Open Microsoft Outlook.
- Go to File, then Open & Export, then Import/Export.
- Now, choose Import from another program or file.
- Then, select Outlook data file (.pst).
- Browse the PST file that you get above.
- After that, select the Outlook contacts folder and click the Finish
II. Use Thunderbird to Export Contacts, Then Import in Outlook
Mozilla Thunderbird provides the option to export contacts in different file formats. You can save Thunderbird contacts to vCard and then import them into Outlook. The exact steps to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook using this method are as follows:
- Open Thunderbird and go to its Address Book.
- Select the address book you want to export.
- Then, go to Tools menu and click on Export.
- Select vCard (.vcf) as the Save as type
- Click Save
Once you have the Thunderbird address book in vcf file, import it in Outlook by doing the following:
- Open Outlook.
- Go to File, then Open & Export, then Import/Export.
- Select Import a VCARD File (vcf).
- Browse the Thunderbird vCard file and click on Import.
- It will automatically import Thunderbird contacts to Outlook people.
Conclusion
Mozilla Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook are two distinct email clients. When switching to Outlook, it is important to move emails, contacts and events. This write-up covers the contacts part and helps you to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook. If you also want to move emails, you can try the Thunderbird to PST converter to get the job done.