Summary: Outlook users got stuck while importing OST files to Thunderbird. Therefore, through this post, we will figure out 2 easy and quick solutions to import OST to Thunderbird.
Undoubtedly, Outlook is an excellent email client for individuals and organizations. But still, users prefer to use a free email client like Thunderbird. However, the problem arises when users fail to move the OST file data in Thunderbird. Recently, our support team received a lot of queries from clients asking for a smart way to import OST mailbox data to Thunderbird.
Why do users need to import an OST file to Thunderbird?
The main reason is the cost-effectiveness of the Thunderbird email client. Here are some common factors that lead users to import OST file items to Thunderbird:
- Thunderbird provides an easy and friendly layout that any novice can understand.
- Allow managing multiple accounts at once on a single platform.
- Thunderbird is easily accessible on various platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.
- Thunderbird allows storing large mailbox data without hanging issues.
Also read: Preserve Folder Hierarchy While Converting OST File
Can we import OST to Thunderbird?
Importing OST file items to Thunderbird is almost impossible with external tools, as there is no direct way to import the mailbox data from Outlook to Thunderbird. But we here offer you a two-step procedure, i.e., converting the OST file to PST format and then importing it to Thunderbird. Apart from this, you can use the professional solution that directly imports OST mailbox data to Thunderbird.
Manually Import OST file to Thunderbird
As we mentioned earlier, there is no direct technique to manually import OST email data to Thunderbird. To do so, you have to go through two steps:
- Export OST file items to PST file
- Import the exported file into Mozilla Thunderbird
Step 1. Export OST file to Outlook PST file format
- Open the Outlook program on your computer.
- Hit the File menu – Open & Export – Import/Export.
- Pick the Export to a file option and press the Next button.
- Here, choose the Outlook file (.pst) option and hit the Next button.
- Pick the folder you want to export from your mailbox and hit the Next button.
- Finally, hit the Browse button to pick a destination and hit the ‘Finish’ button.
Step 2. Import the exported PST file to Thunderbird
- Before this, make Outlook your default program for sending & receiving emails. For this, go to Default programs – Set Default programs and pick Outlook.
- Now, launch Thunderbird and go to the menu option.
- Then, hit Tools and pick Import.
- Hit Import from Outlook and press Continue
- Hit the ‘Mail’ option and then press the ‘Next’ button.
- Finally, complete the process by tapping the ‘Finish’ button.
Shortcomings of the manual technique
Though the manual technique is completely free. However, it has many demerits that you must consider. Let us find them here:
- To implement the manual technique, users require technical expertise
- There is a high chance of data loss if there is a network issue, malware issue, etc.
- You need to follow multiple steps, which makes this task complex and time-consuming.
An Expert Tool to Directly Import OST to Thunderbird
If you need a safe and reliable solution to import OST mailbox to Thunderbird, then go for Softaken OST to MBOX Converter. This is a well-versed solution to move OST emails to the MBOX file format. This application is completely tested and safely transfers OST file items into the Thunderbird MBOX file format. You don’t require any technical expertise to work with this program. Also, it takes very little time to complete this data transfer.
Its simple steps and friendly layout help users to use it comfortably. Without any restrictions, OST email data is transferred to the Thunderbird file by the tool. Moreover, it amazingly works with orphaned and ANSI OST files to move them to Thunderbird.
Step-wise process to import OST emails to Thunderbird:
- Install and open the OST to Thunderbird Importer Software.
- Upload the required OST file to import into Thunderbird.
- View the complete OST mailbox data in the preview panel.
- Filter data and go with the MBOX file format option.
- Specify the desired directory to save MBOX files.
- Finally, tap on the ‘Convert’ button to finish the conversion task.
After this, users can easily open the resultant MBOX files in the Thunderbird application using the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
Conclusion
In this way, you have come to know about two smart ways, i.e., manual and expert solutions, to import OST to Thunderbird. There are some drawbacks to using a manual solution, and if you don’t find it fit for you, go for the expert tool, which is not only easy but also safe to use without any hurdles. To know more about this expert tool, download its demo edition before buying it. For any queries, connect with our customer handling team.