How to Convert OST to MBOX Format: 2 Effective Techniques
Tags: fileformats, osttombox, conversion
Published: 2023-11-21 05:59:18

**Summary:** The OST (Offline Storage Table) saves all your emails, tasks, contacts, notes, etc. of your email account. It allows you to do work in offline mode without internet connectivity. On the other hand, MBOX is a most crucial file format that saves all your information with all emails, attachments, etc. It is compatible with many email clients such as Entourage, Thunderbird, SpiceBird, PocoMail, etc. Many users want to convert OST to MBOX files. In this article, we are going to explore the top 2 effective methods to export OST to MBOX files using the manual method and a professional **[OST to PST Converter](https://www.convertertools.org/ost-to-pst/)** tool. But firstly we will discuss some causes why the users want to convert their OST file to MBOX format. Then we will move to a solution. 

## Why Users Want to Change OST to MBOX File Format

1. It is not possible to move an OST file from one system to another.
2. There is a greater risk of corruption with OST files.
3. Users who wish to switch to Outlook from another client can do so by clicking here.
4. The OST file can only be accessed through Outlook, whereas the MBOX file can be accessed by virtually any email application.
5. Errors and maintenance of the Exchange Server.

## Technique 1: How to Convert OST to MBOX Format Manually

To convert the OST file to MBOX you just need to follow the two phases which are mentioned below steps:

1. In the first phase, you have to convert OST files to PST format
2. In the second phase, you have to import the PST file to Thunderbird

## Phase 1: Convert OST File to PST Format

1. In the first step, download, install, and run the MS Outlook application on your system.
2. Then, navigate to the File menu and then hit on the Open & Export option.
3. Now, choose the Import/Export option.
4. Next, pick Export to a file from Import and Export Wizard, and tap on the Next button.
5. After that, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) from Export to a File window and press on the Next button.
6. Afterward, choose the folders that you wish to convert and then hit the Next button.
7. Decide the path to store your PST files and choose the include subfolder checkbox.
8. Then, tap on the Finish button.
9. If you want to Set the Password then you can it’s optional and then click on OK.

## Phase 2: Import PST Files to Mozilla Thunderbird

1. First, you need to install the MS Outlook application on your device.
2. Then, make your MS Outlook the default program for email.
3. Now, establish the Mozilla Thunderbird application on your PC.
4. After that, navigate to the Tools and choose the Import option.
5. Next, in the Import window, pick Mail and tap on the Next button.
6. Afterward, choose Outlook and press the Next button to implement the import process.
7. After completing the importing process your imported emails will be shown on your screen.
8. In the end, press the Finish button.

To follow the above process you can convert OST to MBOX files in an effective way. However, many users do not choose this manual method because it has some drawbacks. In the below section, we explained some main drawbacks to using this manual method. 

## Drawbacks to Using This Manual Method

- Throughout the conversion process, there must be chances of losing the data. 
- Having so many securities issues. 
- Take too much time to finish the entire conversion process. 
- This manual method does not enable users to convert OST files to MBOX in batch at once.
- It does not permit to hiding of all duplicate OST emails during the conversion process.

Because of all these major reasons, the user's choice of a professional method.

## Technique 2: How to Convert OST to MBOX By Professional Method

The professional **[OST to PST Converter](https://www.arysontechnologies.com/convert-ost-to-pst-online.html)** tool is the most accurate and risk-free solution to convert OST files to MBOX and numerous file formats such as PDF, EML, MSG, EMLX, etc with all email attachments for instance emails, calendars, contacts, journals, calendars, tasks, notes, etc. It also permits to import of the OST data to distinct email clients for example Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Thunderbird, Office 365, and many others in bulk at once. Moreover, it has the advanced feature to eliminate all duplicate OST emails during the time conversion period. Further, it helps users preview their OST mailboxes before converting them into MBOX and other file formats or email clients properly.

## How to Use This Tool to Convert OST to MBOX

1. To begin, download, install, and run the OST to PST Converter tool on your device.
2. Now, press the "Add File" button to pick an OST file.
3. Next, tap on the "OK" button till your scanning process is finished.
4. After that, you can preview your OST emails before converting them into PST format.
5. Press the "Save" button and choose the path to save the recovered OST file.
6. Then, hit the "OK" button to export OST to the PST file.
7. In the last step, your chosen OST file is successfully converted into PST file format.

## Conclusion 

In this blog, we have explained the simplest and perfect solution to convert OST to MBOX file format by using manual and professional techniques. The manual technique does not provide advanced features as compared to the professional method and it is too much of a time-consuming process. Therefore, many users prefer to choose the professional method because it helps to fulfill all their needs as per their expectations.