A Beginner’s Guide to Import MBOX to IMAP Server

But before proceeding, look at this user query and the need for import.

Import Emails from MBOX to IMAP: Know Why?

The reasons to store data in an exchange server rather than on the local storage are:

• Global and streamlined mail access across platforms to retrieve messages.
• Backup data securely from many applications on a single platform.
• Safeguard crucial data against viruses, malware, threats, and other risks.
• Build consistency to manage and organize mailboxes, increasing productivity.
• Free up the local system storage and drives to store more data volumes.

With these, you can understand the importance of MBOX to IMAP migration. Furthermore, explore the best ways available for the same.

Top Approaches to Import MBOX to IMAP Server

Suppose, you want to Import MBOX to Yahoo Mail, i.e., an IMAP-supported email client. But, it does not allow MBOX file format. So, all you need is to ensure MBOX files are moved to IMAP clients seamlessly. For this, go through the manual way and a professional tool as discussed in this section.

Manual Method to Upload MBOX to IMAP

In general, no direct free solution prevails for MBOX to IMAP import. Yet, you can perform the migration by following the given steps:

1. Start by running an email application that supports MBOX. (Preferably, Thunderbird).
2. Move to Menu and opt for the Add New Account option.
3. Further, provide credentials and other details for the IMAP account to configure.
4. Click on Done to complete syncing the destination IMAP account.
5. Afterward, create a new folder in Mozilla Thunderbird. (Optional)
6. Add the ImportExportTools NG Add-on to your profile to move data.
7. After that, select the folder where you want to save MBOX. Right-click it.
8. Choose ImportExportTools NG and then, opt for Import MBOX files.
9. Select Individual MBOX files and add the files from the PC to the profile.
10. In the end, drag and drop files from the Thunderbird folder to the configured IMAP account.

The process to upload the MBOX file to the IMAP server manually is completed.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• Time-consuming task if the MBOX files are large and have big attachments.
• Not preferred for bulk migration of MBOX files as it contains risk.
• Possibilities for data loss, formatting issues, and other alterations.
• Network connectivity problems can create errors during IMAP connection.

There are many other cons of using the manual way. So, it is better to go for an expert tool and avoid the trouble and risks.

Automated Tool to Import MBOX to IMAP Server

To easily transfer your MBOX emails to the IMAP server, use the SysInfo MBOX Exporter Tool. It is a quick and hassle-free solution to move the mailbox data into the desired IMAP account at once. The software is ideal for all technical and non-technical users struggling to import the files. Additionally, this comprehensive software maintains the data integrity and folder structure of the files without any compromises. Moreover, users get some intricate beneficial features along with this tool as:

• Add multiple MBOX files simultaneously of any size and number.
• Import MBOX files created in any application to the desired IMAP account.
• Option to convert MBOX files into other formats without losing data.
• Save MBOX files on any Windows OS or import them to other clients.
• Offers several customization options and has an easy-to-use interface.

How to Import MBOX to IMAP Server?

Follow the steps below to perform the MBOX to IMAP transfer:

1. Install and run the MBOX Exporter Tool on the local PC. Tap Next.
2. Locate and select MBOX files from the PC. Click Open to upload and Next.
3. Further, preview the folders and select them from the tree hierarchy. Hit Next.
4. Choose the IMAP option from the list of email clients to import data.
5. Afterward, enter the email of your IMAP account and click Sign In.
6. After authentication, go back and choose filters. At last, press Convert.

With these simple, easy, and quick steps, transfer MBOX files to IMAP without any worries.

Conclusion

To sum up, MBOX files cannot be accessed with all email clients due to the change in file formats. Thus, sometimes a need arises to import data and for this right tools and techniques are essential. The manual method provided in the blog is just an alternative if you want a freeway. However, it is not very effective and has other limitations too. So, using a professional tool to import MBOX to the IMAP server is the best choice. It has numerous features and a demo version to build user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Lovely Baghel

Lovely specializes in technical writing for SysInfoTools Software and has over 2 year of experience writing blogs, and articles about databases & backup, email recovery, email migration & management solutions. Her passion is researching and developing content that helps Office users, professionals, administrators, enterprises, and novices solve multiple problems.