Convert MSG to MBOX | A Complete How-To Guide

Reasons to Export MSG to MBOX Format

Users need to perform MSG to MBOX conversion for the following benefits mentioned here:

• MSG files are only Outlook-supportable, whereas MBOX files are viewable with many email clients.
• MBOX files contain data for many individual MSG files in a single file and are easy to access.
• MSG files aren’t easily shareable and cannot be archived like the MBOX files.
• MBOX files keep data organized and secure, maintaining a backup for all Outlook messages.
• It helps minimize the compatibility and mailbox message consolidation concerns.

How to Effortlessly Convert MSG to MBOX Format?

When we discuss changing file formats, the first thing that comes to mind is renaming the file extension. However, things don’t always work in this way. Therefore, in this section, we will see a manual method and a professional tool to open MSG as MBOX files. Also, we will learn the advantageous features and difficulties along with them.

Manual Way to Convert MSG File to MBOX

This free process for MSG file to MBOX conversion involves the following steps:

1. Start MS Outlook and move to your email folders.
2. There, choose and open the MSG file to convert and click File.
3. Further, press Save As set the file type to Text Only, and choose a location.
4. Then, click Save to convert MSG to TXT. Afterward, rename .txt to .eml.
5. Doing so will save the MSG file as an EML file that can be used to convert MSG to MBOX.
6. Now, open Thunderbird and install the ImportExportTools NG add-on extension in it.
7. Afterward, create a new folder in Thunderbird, right-click it, and opt for add-on.
8. Then, click Import EML files and choose EML messages from a directory.
9. Select the folder that has MSG (now EML) files and click on Select Folder.
10. Later, right-click the folder containing the imported EML and tap ImportExportTools NG.
11. This time, choose Folder Export (mbox) >> As MBOX File and select a destination folder.
12. Finally, press Select Folder to change MSG to MBOX and save at the specified location.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• It is a time-consuming process with lengthy and complex steps, insufficient to handle large data.
• No guarantee of secure conversion and is prone to errors, especially if performed without technical knowledge.
• Doesn’t work for every email client and file version, like Outlook or Thunderbird.
• The formatting isn’t preserved, and many major components are lost too while repeating steps.

Automated Tool to Convert MSG to MBOX

Since the manual method has so many shortfalls, it is better to use specialized software like SysInfo MSG Converter. It enables you to convert single and multiple MSG files in batches at the same time without errors or losses. The tool has no size restrictions and is smart enough to automatically convert data while retaining integrity. Additionally, it supports all the latest versions of OS and runs smoothly by any user because of its friendly interface. Moreover, many features in this tool make it a reliable option, such as:

• Export MSG files to several email clients without hassle in seconds.
• Convert MSG to Excel CSV, PDF, EML, and other file formats apart from MBOX.
• Preview messages and attachments and save them without duplicates.

Steps to Export MSG to MBOX

1. Download and run the MSG File Converter on the PC and click on Next.
2. Add MSG files in the tool’s wizard by clicking Open. Press Next.
3. Further, preview them and choose the folders to change. Tap on Next.
4. Choose the formats option and, from its expanded menu, pick MBOX.
5. Afterward, pick filters to improve the output MBOX and choose a location.
6. At last, click Convert to complete the conversion of MSG to MBOX.

Conclusion

To sum up, swiftly convert MSG to MBOX files with the manual solution or professional tool stated in this blog. If you have a few files and time to convert them one by one, then opt for the manual solution. For bulk message files with big attachments, it is best to use an expert tool. It is a secure, instant, and hassle-free solution with advanced features.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.