Introduction -: Looking forward to opening your Outlook mailbox in an email client that can open MBOX files? Then, for that purpose, you might have to convert PST to MBOX via the appropriate conversion process. Because the file formats of PST and MBOX differ, selecting the appropriate way can enable you to transfer your mail box content along with email information and structure. You can take into account methods like SysInfo PST Converter Tool while looking out for software for conversion. This article guides you on conversion methods and precautions.

Why PST to MBOX Conversion?

Conversion of PST file into MBOX file means transferring the information contained in the PST file into MBOX file. Individuals who would like to convert their PST files to MBOX files may transfer their emails to an appropriate email program. Whereas PST files have emails, attachments, contacts, calendar, and tasks, MBOX files only have emails.

Why Should One Convert PST to MBOX?

when changing the email client, reading archive emails without Outlook, and backing up emails

Why Change PST to MBOX?

• while changing email clients, reading your old emails when not using Outlook, and making backups.
• For compatibility with applications that support this format. 
• Whether the users have to shift the selected mails or the complete mail box.

Manual Procedure to Convert PST Files to MBOX

Method 1: PST File Exportation via Outlook

The following are the procedures to be followed when performing the conversion.

For Windows:

1. Launch Thunderbird on your system. Select your mail and click Import.
2. The Import window will open. Select Import from Outlook and click Continue.
3. Further, on the next page, select the items to import and click Continue.
4. Next, click the Start Import button to import your PST files. Click Finish.
5. Now, go to Account Settings and click Add-ons and Themes > Add ImportExportTools NG.
6. Afterward, select Outlook, right-click, and select ImportExportTools NG > Folder Export (mbox) > As MBOX file.
7. Subsequently, choose the destination to save and click the Select Folder button to complete the conversion process.

On Mac:

The procedure of PST to MBOX conversion is not the same for Windows Operating System and MAC Operating System. Mac OS works in different manner; therefore, it requires following specific steps for converting the files. The process of PST to MBOX conversion can be done by following the below stated steps.

1. Click on the Mac Outlook program, and select File and then Import.
2. Choose the PST file you wish to convert and click on Import.
3. Now, drag the imported mailbox into the system. Your PST file is successfully converted to MBOX.

Method 2: Convert PST Files to MBOX with Google Takeout

This method consists of two stages to complete the PST file conversion process. 

Stage 1: Importing PST to Gmail

This stage is divided further into two parts:

Enabling IMAP

1. Click on the link that says "Sign In" on your Gmail account page and then click on Settings. Select “See all settings”
2. Move to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab and in the IMAP Access section, enable IMAP.
3. Then, click Save Changes.

Setting Gmail in Outlook and Importing in PST

1. Open Microsoft Outlook, then click on File then click on Add Account.
2. Enter your Gmail login details and after that press Connect.
3. Further, when configured, click Done.
4. Now, navigate back to File, choose Open & Export, and then click Import/Export.
5. Then select “Import from another program or file” and press Next.
6. Then, choose Outlook Data File(.pst). Click Next.
7. Subsequently, browse and select the PST file to import and click Next.
8. At last, select your Gmail account as the destination to import PST files to Gmail and click Finish.

Stage 2: Exporting Emails to MBOX with Google Takeout

1. Open Google Takeout on your system.
2. Next, scroll down to find Mail, and check the box beside it. Scroll down the page till the last and click Next.
3. Finally, click on the Create Export to convert PST to MBOX option.

Why Do Manual PST to MBOX Transfers Lack Efficiency?

• Time-consuming procedure: Manual mailbox migration process may become time-consuming, particularly when PST files have to be converted into MBOX files through several steps.
• Technical Complexity:  The users can experience complications in setting up their email clients and performing the proper procedures to Convert Outlook PST file to MBOX.
• Problem with Account Connection: During the conversion of email account from Outlook to MBOX through Gmail, any issues related to authentication or synchronization can occur.
• Chance of Data Loss: Emails, attachments, and folders may not get migrated properly, and hence the user is required to check the migrated data from PST to MBOX.
• Compatibility Issues: The import and export facilities differ on different Windows and Macintosh machines, making it difficult to convert manually for certain people.

Tool for Converting PST Files into MBOX Format

Those who belong to the group of people that find it comfortable to convert their PST files into MBOX without involving any manual method will find SysInfo PST Converter Tool offering them an efficient solution.It gives the ability to import their PST files, look at their mailbox content, choose desired folders and export the emails in MBOX format.

While selecting the process, it is necessary to take into account the quantity of emails stored in the mailbox and those that require export as well as folder structure and attachments.. The software also facilitates exportation of emails to several other formats and migration locations.

Procedure to Convert PST Files into MBOX Files using PST Converter Tool

1. Install the software from the official website and run it on your PC. The conversion process will commence once you launch the program.
2. Select the option to browse through the files or folders, and choose the folder containing the PST files on your computer. Choose one or several PST files, depending on your needs, and then click Proceed.
3. Review the available mailbox folders in the preview panel. Select the folders or email data you want to export. 
4. Choose MBOX from the available output formats. 
5. Configure the available options based on your requirements. Select the Destination and then Export.

Key Attributes of SysInfo PST to MBOX Conversion Utility

• Multiple Output Formats: MBOX, EML, MSG, PDF, CSV, JSON and DOCX Formats. The software allows users to create their emails in MBOX format, among other formats.
• Batch File Processing: Users have the option of adding more than one PST or OST file for processing rather than processing each file individually. This would be beneficial if users wish to change PST to MBOX in numerous files.
• Mailbox Preview Functionality: This feature allow the users to preview the content in mailbox folders, emails, and attachments before exporting them.
• Maintaining the Folders Structure: Another benefit of this tool is that it helps maintain the original folders structure while converting emails into other formats.
• Date Range Filtering: The user sets a range of dates within which the emails are filtered. The emails outside the set period are not downloaded into the inbox.
• Removing Duplicate Emails: These duplicate filtering systems facilitate the detection of duplicates through certain criteria like the sender, receiver, subject, and contents of the email.
• Attachment Handling Options: Various possibilities are available for attachments management, including saving the attachments in a separate file, joining them if possible, or removing attachments from the exported data.
• Flexibility in Data Selection: This tool provide flexibility to select particular folders from the mailbox and extract only the desired data without extracting the entire PST file is enjoyed by the end-user.
• Further migration destinations: Apart from file to file conversion option, this tool is capable of migrating data to other systems, including Office 365, Google Suite, Outlook.com, or even IMAP.
• Free Demo Version: According to the given product information, it is possible to convert a maximum of 50 emails in each folder through the free demo version.

Conclusion-:

The selection of the process for PST to MBOX conversion should be made based on the size of the mailbox, the type of the mail client that will be used to view the MBOX file, and the data that needs to be migrated. The manual process takes time to complete and set up, while the software process offers a more defined conversion process. SysInfo PST Converter Tool allows MBOX export and has options like batch conversion, selective folder conversion, and preserving the folder structure.

Frequently Asked Questions -: 

1. How Do I Convert PST to MBOX?

PST can be converted to MBOX files manually through importation of emails to an appropriate email client and then exporting them in MBOX format, where possible. There is also an MBOX export feature in PST Converter Tool. With the use of the tool, users will be able to pick up the necessary PST files, view their mailboxes and filter emails.

2. PST File to MBOX Without Microsoft Outlook - Is It Possible?

According to the explanation provided for the application, the PST Converter Tool can convert the PST file into other formats without the presence of Microsoft Outlook software on your system. You have to import the PST file that is supported by the tool then select the required data from the desired mailbox, and choose MBOX format for export.

3. Is Data about E-mail Attachments and Folders Preserved During PST to MBOX Conversion?

This will depend upon the specific conversion method that you use. The PST Converter Tool has an option to deal with attachments as well as maintain the structure of folders of the original mailbox. After the conversion of your PST to MBOX, you can verify whether the data is saved or not.

4. Multiple PST Files Conversion into MBOX in a Batch?

Yes. SysInfo PST Converter Tool offers batch conversion, allowing multiple PST files requiring conversion to be imported into it. To achieve batch conversion of PST files to MBOX, one needs to import the required files, choose the correct mailbox folder, select the MBOX file format, and then apply filters.

5. Is There Any Free Method of Converting from Outlook to MBOX Format?

There are some options to use manual conversion through email clients, which are compatible with these formats, or via Gmail and Google Takeout service, but there are extra steps required for it. Additionally, there is a demo version of PST Converter Tool, which, according to its product specifications, can convert 50 emails per folder.