How to Import OST File in Mozilla Thunderbird Account?

OST (Offline Storage Table) files are used by Microsoft Outlook to store a copy of your mailbox data on your local computer. These files are essential for accessing your emails, calendar, contacts, tasks, and other items when you’re offline. However, if you’re switching from Microsoft Outlook to Mozilla Thunderbird, you might face challenges as Thunderbird does not support OST files directly.

Since the OST file is a sensitive file format, it is essential to perform the migration with utmost attention to avoid OST file corruption and migration failures. This blog post will guide you through converting and importing an OST file into your Mozilla Thunderbird account most aptly and accurately.

How to Import OST File into Mozilla Thunderbird?

It is not possible to directly import the OST file thus migration process will not be straight away. It involves both manual settings and using external tools to get the job done quickly. Here are the steps you need to follow to open the OST file in Thunderbird:

Step 1: Convert the OST File to a PST File

Since Thunderbird cannot directly read OST files, the first step is to convert the OST file into a PST (Personal Storage Table) file, which can then be converted to a format supported by Thunderbird. Here’s how you can do it:

Using Microsoft Outlook:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Choose Export to a file and click Next.
4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
5. Choose the folder you want to export (e.g., your entire mailbox) and click Next.
6. Choose a location to save the new PST file and click Finish.

Using Third-Party Tools:

If you don’t have access to Microsoft Outlook, you can use third-party tools like Magus OST to PST Converter software. It only needs a .ost file to convert it into a PST file format without MS Outlook. This saves time and effort and ensures the accuracy of 100% data migration.

Step 2: Convert PST File to MBOX File

Once you have the PST file, the next step is to convert it to the MBOX format, which is supported by Mozilla Thunderbird. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Using Third-Party Tools:
2. The easiest way to convert PST files to MBOX files is by using a reliable third-party tool. One such reliable option is the Magus PST to MBOX converter.
3. Download and install the software of your choice, then follow the instructions to convert your PST file to an MBOX file.
4. Manually Import PST to Thunderbird: Here, you can directly open PST files in Thunderbird using the add-on called “ImportExportTools NG,” which you can download from the Thunderbird add-ons website. This is feasible if you have one or two PSTs to import.

Step 3: Import the MBOX File into Mozilla Thunderbird

Now that you have the MBOX file, you can import it into Mozilla Thunderbird. Follow these steps:

Install ImportExportTools NG:

1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird.
2. Go to Tools > Add-ons.
3. In the Add-ons Manager, search for ImportExportTools NG and install it.
4. Restart Thunderbird to activate the add-on.

Import MBOX File:

1. Open Thunderbird and right-click on the Local Folders in the left pane.
2. Select ImportExportTools NG > Import mbox file.
3. Choose Import directly one or more MBOX files and click OK.
4. Navigate to the location where you saved the MBOX file, select it, and click Open.

Organize Imported Emails:

1. After importing, you will see a new folder under Local Folders containing all your emails from the MBOX file.
2. You can now move these emails to your desired folders within Thunderbird.

How to Convert OST to MBOX and Import MBOX to Thunderbird Directly?

As we have sent the long-run process of converting OST to PST then PST to MBOX and; then importing MBOX to Thunderbird, it is possible to cut down the steps from three long processes to two very quick steps.

First, you can opt for a Magus OST to MBOX converter. It is a third-party tool specifically designed to convert .ost files into MBOX file format. This will reduce the time you are taking to create MBOX from the OST file.

Lastly, follow the steps mentioned above in this blog to import the MBOX file within the Thunderbird account. You can also open an MBOX file in Apple Mail or any other email account that supports the .mbox file format.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Backup Your Data: Always create a backup of your OST, PST, and MBOX files before performing any conversion or import operations to avoid data loss.
• Check for Large Files: If your OST file is larger, consider splitting it into smaller PST files before conversion to avoid issues. Or you can compact the OST file to reduce the size.
• Use Reliable Software: When using third-party conversion tools, ensure they are from reputable sources to prevent data corruption or loss.

Conclusion Importing an OST file into a Mozilla Thunderbird account involves converting the OST file to a PST file, then to an MBOX file, and finally importing the MBOX file into Thunderbird. While this process may seem complex, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you achieve a smooth transition from Microsoft Outlook to Mozilla Thunderbird. Remember to always back up your data and use reliable conversion tools to ensure a seamless import process