How to Convert MBOX to MSG Files With or Without Outlook?

Summary: You can convert MBOX to MSG format using both free methods that rely on email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird & Outlook, or using  CLI tools. You can export MBOX files (from email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Google Takeout, etc.) to MSG (Outlook Message Format) using the MailsWare MBOX to MSG converter tool for faster & direct conversion with complete data integrity.

Understanding MBOX and MSG File Format

Let’s try to understand what MBOX and MSG file format are. In this section, you will learn about both file format clearly.

• MBOX File: This file format is used by Thunderbird and Apple Mail. It stores multiple emails in a single file. In addition, users mostly use this format for email backups. Moreover, you can easily transfer emails between different email clients without any trouble.
• MSG File: As we know, the MSG file format uses Outlook on Windows to store single email data. Specifically, this file format saves the subject, attachments, senders, recipients, and date. As a result, you can easily transfer them as individual emails.

Top Reasons You Should Convert MBOX to MSG File Format

• The MSG file format is usable with Microsoft Outlook. It’s directly supported in Outlook, therefore making it easy to open as well as maintain the emails.
• This format makes it easier for you to manage individual emails because they are stored as separate files.
• Secure your emails and structure. It also retains the original email formatting, attachments, and metadata; nothing can be lost during conversion.
• The MSG file format is optimized for faster searches and storing data in Outlook.
• You can convert MBOX to MSG file format, which provides a more efficient way of greeting backups, especially for single emails.
• Easily migrate to Outlook MSG files, making migrating MBOX emails to Microsoft Outlook simple and quick.

Manually Convert MBOX to MSG: Step-by-Step Guide

There are 4 stages you need to follow to export an MBOX file to MSG format. After following the complete instructions, you are easily able to transfer MBOX emails to MSG format.

1st Stage: Import MBOX files

1. Firstly, open the Thunderbird application on your system.
2. Then, make a folder with the name of the MBOX file.
3. Now, right–click on the newly created MBOX file folder.
4. Next, scroll down and click on “ImportExportTools NG.”
   
5. Select >>Import MBOX File >> Individual MBOX File.

2nd Stage: Export MBOX files in EML

1. First, restart your Thunderbird software.
2. Then right-click on the created MBOX folder.
3. Next, go to the “ImportExportTools NG.”
4. Select>>Export All Messages In Folders>>EML Messages Folder.
   
5. Now successfully export MBOX files in EML format.

3rd Stage: Import EML to Outlook

1. Open Outlook on your device.
2. Next, right-click and create a new EML folder.
3. Now open the folder and click each EML file.
4. Finally, right–click and open Outlook.

4th Stage: Convert EML to MSG

1. Open EML with Microsoft Outlook.
2. Now, click on the Move option at the top.
3. After that, choose the other folder option.
4. Next, open the EML file folder you created.
5. Next, drag and drop emails in MSG format.

Python-Based Approach to Convert MBOX to MSG

Many technical power users wonder, “Are there any command-line options to export mailboxes into MSG format?”

However, there is no direct way for a clean conversion.

But you can use a Python script to first convert your mailbox data to EML format.

python – <<EOF
import mailbox, os
mbox = mailbox.mbox(‘input.mbox’)
os.makedirs(’eml_out’, exist_ok=True)

for i, msg in enumerate(mbox):
with open(f’eml_out/{i}.eml’, ‘wb’) as f:
f.write(bytes(msg))
EOF

Once the conversion is complete, you can use the output with the Outlook PowerShell command to fully convert MBOX to MSG emails.

$outlook = New-Object -ComObject Outlook.Application

Get-ChildItem “C:\eml_out\*.eml” | ForEach-Object {
$mail = $outlook.CreateItemFromTemplate($_.FullName)
$mail.SaveAs($_.FullName.Replace(“.eml”,”.msg”), 3)
}

This process is not for everyday users, but for technical data experts, as it involves machine-level code and debugging. The process is prone to error depending on the machine & python version you are using, and requires Outlook installation.

Drawbacks of the Manual Solution

• For instance, users get confused by following the manual solutions, which are very lengthy to follow and difficult to understand.
• Moreover, during the migration, users have a high chance of losing important data, and they can also face the data formatting issue.
• In addition, there is no way of doing bulk conversion; the user needs to do each file step by step manually.
• Consequently, users face difficulties tracking and managing large amounts of data. By using a manual process, there is a high chance of human error.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Convert MBOX to MSG

1. Launch and run software.
   
2. Then Select Files and Select Folders.
   
3. Next, you will see the folders. Choose the required folder.
   
4. Now select MSG file format from the saving option.
   
5. After that, select the location and click on the convert button.
   

Advantages of Using Software to Convert MBOX to MSG File Format

• Using software, you can easily do bulk conversion of an MBOX file to MSG format without any issues.
• Moreover, during the migration process, this software ensures your email data, including attachments and formatting.
• In addition, this software provides users with a simple-to-use interface, so non-technical users can also easily use this tool.
• Similarly, users can easily export multiple MBOX files to MSG format using this product.
• Furthermore, it gives you the option to select individual emails. MSG files are single emails with an easier backup option.

What is the Best Way to Export a MBOX File to MSG Format?

Using the professional MailsWare MBOX to MSG Converter is definitely the expert-recommended solution. Here is a quick comparison between the two approaches:

Conclusion

By reading this post, you will now learn to export the MBOX file to the MSG format after exploring both methods. However, most of the users transfer their MBOX emails to MSG format manually, and then they all face the time-consuming process and risk of data loss. Therefore, we personally recommend you try an automated solution and convert MBOX to the MSG file format quickly. Also, this software has a clean and simple user-friendly interface for non-technical users.