Step-by-step guide to convert Thunderbird to PST

Finding a simple and reliable backup solution is quite a tricky task. Converting your Thunderbird emails to PST format is the best option to backup your MBOX files safely. We’re going to discuss some valid reasons that drive users to shift from Thunderbird. Also, we’ll be discussing some practical methods to convert Thunderbird to PST and the precautions that must be followed.

Reasons to export Thunderbird to PST in Outlook

Apart from the fact that PST files are much more flexible than MBOX files, there are several other reasons to convert Thunderbird to PST. We’ve given the most compelling reasons below as to why you should shift your Thunderbird emails to PST:

• Better cross-platform compatibility as compared to Thunderbird.
• Better security features, with advanced features of password protection and encryption of PST files.
• PST files are the most preferred format for backing up essential mailbox data.
• Outlook allows you to access your data even without data connectivity with the Cached Exchange Mode.
• The process of switching email clients becomes very easy if you convert Thunderbird to PST.
• Better integration with other services and products offered in the Microsoft 365 Suite.

Basic precautions for an error-free migration

Before proceeding with the steps to convert Thunderbird to PST format, make sure that you’re following these precautions. This will guarantee an error-free migration.

• Backing up all your Thunderbird data at a safe location is very important. This practice makes sure that your data is safe and can be restored easily, in case of an unforeseen scenario.
• Make sure you’ve all the permissions required to configure email accounts and to shift your data.
• Maintain a stable network connection while the export process is going on to avoid synchronization issues.
• Run a pilot migration before going through with the actual process to verify that everything’s working perfectly.
• Check that all the settings of Thunderbird, Gmail, and Outlook are configured properly to avoid any conflict.

How to export Thunderbird to PST in Outlook?

Read ahead to learn and perform some practical ways to move your Thunderbird emails to Outlook.

Convert Thunderbird to PST by Drag ‘n’ Drop method

We’re going to perform this method in three steps. First, we convert MBOX files to EML format. Then, we drag & drop these files into the newly created folder in Outlook. Finally, we export the EML files in PST format with the Import/Export feature of Outlook.

Step 1. Convert Thunderbird emails to EML format

• Open Thunderbird and select all the emails you want to export to Outlook. Either select individual emails or select the entire mailbox at once by pressing ctrl + A.
• Right-click on selected emails and click on Save As.
• Choose the desired folder to save your emails by clicking on Select Folder, and your files will be saved in the EML format.

Step 2. Drag and Drop EML files into Outlook’s folder

• Open Outlook and create a new folder to save all the EML files. You can also save the files in a pre-existing folder.
• Give a name to the folder and go to the location where all your EML files are saved.
• Drag all the EML files and drop them into this folder. Your Thunderbird emails will successfully get converted to PST format.

Step 3. Export EML files in PST format with Import/Export wizard

• Go to the File tab in Outlook’s application.
• In the Open & Export tab, click on Import/Export icon.
• In the Import/Export wizard, select Export to a file option and click Next.
• Then, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) as the output file type and click on Next.
• From the list of folders, choose the folder where your EML files are saved. You can choose to include or exclude subfolders as required and then proceed forward.
• Browse a location to save the exported file and click on Finish.
• Your EML files will be exported to a new PST file shortly.

Export Thunderbird to PST using Gmail

Emails can be exported from Thunderbird to PST by using your Gmail account. This process is executed in the following steps:

• First, configure your Gmail account in Thunderbird.
• Then, select all the emails you want to export and copy them in a newly created folder in Thunderbird.
• Then, simply export the emails from Gmail to Outlook in a few easy steps.
• Convert all the recently exported emails to PST using the Import/Export wizard of Outlook.

Potential limitations of manual methods

You might face certain challenges while performing the above-discussed methods. Following are some of the most common limitations faced:

• Migrating large mailboxes is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.
• Original folder HIERARCHY is disturbed while exporting emails to Outlook with manual methods.
• Configuring email accounts in three separate email clients is a tricky procedure.
• It’s necessary to have an active Gmail account if you’re planning to export Thunderbird to PST via Gmail.
• Unstable network connection or synchronization issues can lead to duplicate data and even data loss.
• Shifting data using multiple email clients can even expose your data to cyberthreats.

Convert Thunderbird to PST automatically

Converting your Thunderbird emails via the manual route may significantly harm your data if even a single mistake is made. Taking chances while migrating your essential emails is not the wisest choice. If you ask our advice, we’d suggest you go for a professional Thunderbird to Outlook converter like Kernel for MBOX to PST.

This professional Thunderbird to PST converter software is skilled in converting an unlimited number of MBOX files without any size limitation. You can be assured that this tool will convert your MBOX files to formats like PST, DBX, MSG, EML, DOC, etc. while maintaining the original data hierarchy.

Conclusion

We’ve attempted to cover everything related to Thunderbird to Outlook migration in this blog. Along with the precautions you must adhere to, we’ve given detailed steps to export Thunderbird to PST in two distinct ways. Furthermore, we’ve also talked about a powerful Thunderbird to Outlook converter for a safe and quick approach.