Quick Guide: How to Convert MBOX to MSG Format

Sometimes, professionals face difficulties for purposes like forensic or legal investigation and email migrations. This is due to the incompatibility of file formats between different email clients. For example, MBOX files are commonly preferable for Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, etc., whereas MSG is suitable for Outlook. Their differences can affect the crucial data. Thus, to eliminate the difference, it is necessary to convert MBOX to MSG for free or with an MBOX Converter. This blog outlines both approaches with accurate conversion solutions.

Why Users Export MBOX to MSG?

There can be various factors due to which the need for MBOX to MSG conversion arises. Some of the common reasons for this conversion are:

  • To access email data in MS Outlook or on Exchange after transfer from other clients.
  • Enables archiving important emails in a more Outlook-compatible format for future use.
  • Seamlessly find and locate the MBOX emails using standard Windows Tools without specific applications.
  • Share or extract individual emails from MBOX files, optimizing the storage space on the local system.
  • Preserve metadata and other data elements of the MBOX file without affecting its originality.

Prominent Solutions to Convert MBOX to MSG

When discussing the relevant strategies to change file formats, we must find ways with minimal loss. This section of the blog describes one manual method and a professional tool to perform conversion accurately and efficiently. Also, find the limitations that users generally faces with the manual method down here.

Cost-Free Way to Convert MBOX File to MSG

This manual conversion needs two popular active email applications, i.e., Mozilla Thunderbird and MS Outlook. Ensure they are installed and set up on your system before continuing with the steps below. These are:

  1. Start Thunderbird and navigate to the Add-ons and Themes section through the More menu.
  2. Then, browse for ImportExportTools NG from Search and choose it to Add to Thunderbird.
  3. Further, after installing the extension, ensure you have MBOX files in your profile.
  4. If not, import them using the installed ImportExport extension first.
  5. Afterward, select all or individual MBOX files that you want to change and right-click them.
  6. Choose ImportExportTools NG and, subsequently, Export all messages in the folder.
  7. Pick the EML file format and opt for Messages (Attachments embedded).
  8. Later, select a destination for EML files and hit Select Folder to convert MBOX to EML.
  9. Furthermore, to convert EML to MSG, start Outlook and import MBOX (now EML) files into it via drag and drop.
  10. After that, select the EML to save as an MSG file and move to the File menu.
  11. From there, click on Save As and set the file type to Outlook Message Format—Unicode (*.msg).
  12. Finally, press the Save button to change MBOX to MSG as intended.

After performing these steps manually, you can receive the MSG file as desired. However, this method falls short in several terms. Explore them to avoid any kind of issues or unexpected losses.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

  • The method is highly complex, with many steps, and needs a lot of time.
  • Users should know how to use the applications and understand the technicalities.
  • Batch file conversion to MSG manually is not feasible, especially if large mailboxes.
  • If the steps are not executed carefully, then there are chances of losing metadata.

Expert Approach to Convert MBOX to MSG Format

With these cons of the manual method, users hesitate to perform the conversion. So, we introduce you to the SysInfo MBOX Converter for a hassle-free and swift conversion within seconds. This automated tool is intended to convert MBOX files into the desired format without affecting data integrity or structure. It has no specific limitations for file size or count and even displays its preview. Moreover, the tool gives several benefits to the users with its advanced features, such as:

  • Add single or multiple MBOX files together for batch conversion to MSG.
  • Change MBOX to MSG and more formats like PST, PDF, CSV, etc. for ease.
  • Has a simple GUI that runs on all Windows OS without the need for expert help.
  • Facilitates users to skip duplicates, extract attachments, and filter data during conversion.
  • The free demo version enables converting up to 50 MBOX emails per folder at no cost.

Steps to Convert MBOX to MSG Format

Follow the steps mentioned here to reset the MBOX file format to MSG for bulk emails at once:

  1. Download MBOX File Converter and install and run it on the PC. Then, press Next.
  2. Choose your MBOX files from the PC and click on Open to import them into the tool. Hit Next.
  3. Further, check data in the preview panel and select the folders needed. Click Next.
  4. Afterward, select the MSG file format from the saving choices and choose filters.
  5. Give a destination for the new file with the Path to Save button in the tool.
  6. At last, hit Convert to complete the email conversion process without risks.

Conclusion

To sum up, ensuring compatibility between email clients is essential by managing their file formats. Although there is no direct way to convert MBOX to MSG, we discussed an indirect manual solution. You can do so by first converting MBOX to EML and then EML to MSG. This may be tiring and can result in data alterations, but it is free if needed. The professional tool, on the other side, is a reliable solution for the conversion with complete data security and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to export MBOX data to MSG?

Ans- Export MBOX to MSG with the following easy steps:
1. Start MBOX Migration Software and import MBOX files to it. Hit Next.
2. Then, preview and choose the export folders and click on Next.
3. Further, pick the MSG format, apply filters, and give a saving path.
4. Finally, tap on Convert to transfer the data from the MBOX file to the MSG file.

Q. Can I transfer an MBOX file to MSG on Windows 11?

Ans- Yes. convert MBOX to MSG with the MBOX File Migration Tool on Windows 11 or any other version. It has no restrictions and operates smoothly on all the latest and earlier versions of the Windows system.

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About The Author:

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.

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