How to Convert MBOX files into PST for free?

[James Robert]

To convert MBOX files into PST (Outlook's personal storage file) for free, you can use a combination of two free tools: Mozilla Thunderbird and IMAP. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Install Mozilla Thunderbird If you don't already have Mozilla Thunderbird installed on your computer, download and install it from the official website (https://www.thunderbird.net/).

Step 2: Set up an IMAP Email Account Create a new IMAP email account in Mozilla Thunderbird. You can use any free email service that supports IMAP, such as Gmail, Outlook.com, or Yahoo Mail.

Step 3: Configure MBOX Accounts in Thunderbird Configure Thunderbird to access the MBOX files. You can do this by dragging and dropping the MBOX files into Thunderbird or using the ImportExportTools add-on (https://addons.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools/).

Step 4: Move MBOX Emails to IMAP Account Drag and drop the emails from the MBOX folders into the newly created IMAP account folders. This will upload the emails to the IMAP server.

Step 5: Use Outlook to Download Emails Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer and configure the same IMAP account that you used in Thunderbird.

Step 6: Synchronize Outlook with IMAP Allow Outlook to synchronize with the IMAP server. It will download the emails from the IMAP account, which were originally from the MBOX files.

Step 7: Export PST from Outlook (Optional) If you want to keep a separate PST file, you can export the emails from Outlook to a PST file. Go to "File" > "Open & Export" > "Import/Export," choose "Export to a file," select "Outlook Data File (.pst)," and follow the instructions.

Please note that this method may require some time and effort, and it's essential to create backups of your MBOX files before attempting any conversion. Additionally, the process can vary depending on the complexity of your MBOX files and the version of Outlook you are using.

If you prefer a more straightforward and efficient method, there are third-party MBOX to PST converter tools available. However, many of them are paid software. Always ensure to use reputable software and create backups of your data before any conversion process.