Can Outlook Read MBOX Files? If Yes, Then How?

The answer of the most asked question – Can Outlook read MBOX files? explained in this article.

There are plenty of situations where users need to get access to MBOX (MailBOX) file on Microsoft Outlook application. However, when they try to import the MBOX format directly into the Outlook program, they only get failure. Let us have a look at a situation faced by a company and the possible solution.

Problem Statement:-

“Previously, we used Thunderbird email application for business mail communication. But, due to professional reasons, we are now using MS Outlook 2016. Now, the problem is that we need to move all the old T-Bird emails into new mail client. But, whenever we search for the solution to upload Thunderbird email file in Outlook, we found no feasible solution. Finally, I would like to know that – Can Outlook 2016 import MBOX files? If yes, then suggest the migration process. It is urgently required.”

It is evident from the above scenario that when we talk about MBOX file migration to email application like Microsoft Outlook, it sounds so simple, but the reality is hard. Since MBOX is a widely used mailbox file format, people usually think that every major email application must support it. But that’s not the case with MS Outlook. Therefore, to make the conversion procedure facile, in this article, we will discuss how exactly Outlook can open MBOX files And what are the technicalities related to this issue?

Can Outlook Read MBOX Files? If Possible, Then How?

One of the first things that an Outlook user must know is – Outlook supports PST (Personal Storage Table) file format for the storage of data. No matter which file you are uploading, it must be in Outlook compatible file type. As a result, it is impossible for Outlook to directly import an MBOX file.

Wait! There is More to the Story

Although there is no official mechanism for such a task, there is a way to achieve the preferred results. Outlook can read MBOX files by moving the MBOX data into the readable format of MS Outlook. And since Outlook supports PST format, conversion to this file format is necessary.

Since email conversion is a complex issue, it requires the aid of a proper software solution. That is where MBOX to PST Conversion Wizard comes into play. A slick utility that can help Outlook open numerous MBOX files by converting them to PST file format. All of this in just a matter of minutes. Once the files are successfully changed to PST, you can import them in Outlook and proceed with reading MBOX files in Outlook as per convenience.

I. Step-by-Step Guide for Desired conversion

Follow the Steps to Open MBOX in Outlook:

1. Step 1: Launch the MBOX software and click ‘Add File’.
2. Step 2: Select the MBOX files to open in Outlook.
3. Step 3: Preview the email messages.
4. Step 4: Click ‘Export’ to change MBOX to readable Outlook file.

If you want elaborated steps with screenshots, follow the guide given below:

1. Download & Install software on the Windows platform.

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2. Click on Add File to upload MBOX file(s).

3. After loading all the files, ensure the email data integrity using preview pane.

4. Click on Export. Here, you can either export all the folders or selected one in PST format. Now, opt the radio button for Outlook PST file.

5. Browse to a location for output PST file and hit the Export button.

II. Got PST File in PC? – Now, Import in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013

With the help of the above solution, you can easily get Outlook supported file. But for Outlook to read MBOX files, we will import their equivalent PST in Microsoft Outlook. For this, just go through the below instructions.

1. Open Outlook and click on File.
2. Select Open & Export >> Import/Export to open wizard.
3. In the Import and Export Wizard, opt for Import from another program or file.
4. Hit on Next button.
5. After that, choose the Outlook Data File(.pst). Then, click Next to continue the process.
6. Click on Browse to upload PST file.
7. Now, opt for the radio button corresponding to Import items into the current folder and click Finish.
8. It takes a few minutes to import PST in Outlook depending on the size of the file.

Why to Use SysTools Conversion Software?

The query “Can Outlook read MBOX files?” is easily solvable by first converting them in PST format and then, importing them in Outlook. But it is important to know how the mentioned SysTools software helps the user to preserve the MBOX data.

Interestingly, this impeccable software supports .mbox/.mbx file created in 20+ email clients including the ones mentioned below:

Also, there are a lot of incompetent solutions in the online arena. But blindly following such methods can result in severe data loss. Other risk factors are associated with such techniques as:

• Broken inline images
• Lost/Corrupted attachments
• Lost/Incomplete message header
• And, even loss of complete emails.

Using the conversion tool provided by SysTools not only prevents any of these issues from appearing but also makes the entire conversion process faster.

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Concluding Lines

After reading this article, a user can get the answer to “Can Outlook read MBOX files?” So, whenever you face this situation, simply follow the above workaround and get all the MBOX emails into Outlook mail client.

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