Guide on How to Import PST File in Thunderbird

Are you having PST files of Outlook and need to know about how to import PST file in Thunderbird? Then this platform is accurate for you that helps to import PST files of Outlook into Thunderbird manually and by PST to Thunderbird migration tool because manual method has some drawbacks. Trust on this blog and explore it continuously till the end and make capable to import PST file in Thunderbird without Outlook.

PST (Personal Storage Table) file is the copyrighted file of Microsoft Outlook to stora users’ mailbox data locally on their system. This has emails, contacts, calendar, taks, notes, attachments, entries. PST files are especially helpful to backup Outlook data & moving mailbox content between systems. They are generally used with POP3 and standalone Outlook account, allowing users to access emails offline. However, PST files can raise large over time and if it not managed properly, they can become prone to corruption. MS Outlook offers built-in tools to manage, export & import PST files as needed.

Mozilla Thunderbird, on the other hand, doesn’t natively support PST files since it uses the MBOX format to save mail data. This generates a compatibility gap between Outlook & Thunderbird, making direct import of PST files to Thunderbird impossible without third party tools or migration methods. To import Outlook PST file to Thunderbird, you typically need to import PST files to MBOX. Once converted, Thunderbird can simply read and disply the emails. Various specialized migration solutions can assist in accurately importing PST files to Thunderbird, compatible extension format without losing email structure & attachments.

Reasons to Import PST File in Thunderbird

Free and Open-Source Platform – Thunderbird is a completely free and open-source email client, making it is a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Outlook, especially for users or organizations looking to reduce software expenses.
Cross-Platform Compatibility – Unlike Outlook, which is primarily used on Windows and Mac, Thunderbird is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing more flexibility across different operating systems.
Avoid Outlook Dependency – Importing PST files into Thunderbird allows users to access their Outlook emails without needing Microsoft Outlook installed, which is useful in cases where Outlook is no longer available or licensed.
Improved Email Organization and Customization – Thunderbird offers a range of extensions, themes, and customization options that allow users to tailor their email experience. This makes it attractive to those who prefer a more flexible and personalized interface.
Backup and Archiving – Moving PST files to Thunderbird can serve as an effective backup strategy. It helps keep a separate, accessible copy of important Outlook data without relying on Outlook itself.
Migration Between Email Platforms – For users migrating from Outlook to a new email provider or client, importing PST files into Thunderbird acts as an intermediate step, making it easier to manage or migrate emails across platforms.
Data Recovery and Accessibility – In scenarios where Outlook becomes corrupted or inaccessible, Thunderbird can be used to recover and read PST file data after conversion, ensuring continued access to vital information.

How to Import PST File in Thunderbird – Manual Way

We know that Mozilla Thunderbird doesn’t support PST file extension, so importing a PST file directly needs a workaround by Outlook and add-on called ImportExport Tools in Thunderbird.

Step1 – Open Outlook, Load PST File

Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
Go to File options and the go with Open & Export >> Open Outlook Data File.
Browse and open your desired PST file. Outlook will load the mailbox data into the interface.

Step2 – Install Thunderbird and Set Up an Account

Install Mozilla Thunderbird if not already installed.
Set up any email account (can be dummy/local), as Thunderbird needs an account to function properly.

Step3 – Install ImportExportTools NG in Thunderbird

Open Thunderbird.
Go to Add-ons and Themes > Extensions.
Search for and install ImportExportTools NG.
Restart Thunderbird after installation.

Step4 – Transfer Emails from Outlook to Thunderbird

Since Thunderbird can’t read PST files directly, follow this workaround –
In Outlook, select the folder you want to export.
Drag and drop emails from Outlook to a folder on your desktop – they’ll save as individual .msg files.
Use a converter or manually save them as .eml files if needed.
Open Thunderbird.
Right-click on a folder (like Inbox) and choose ImportExportTools NG > Import all messages from a directory > Also from its subdirectories.
Choose the saving location of .eml files & import them.

Limitations

This PST to Thunderbird manual process is time-intensive and not ideal for high-volume PST data
Attachments and metadata may not transfer accurately.
Requires both Outlook and Thunderbird installed.
It is tricky and needs technical skills.
It cannot migrate large Outlook data file in Thunderbird

How to Import PST File in Thunderbird by Alternative Solution

If you are having urgent requirement to know about how import PST file in Thunderbird then you can easily utilize the BitVare PST Converter for Mac & Windows Tool that has all beneficial functions that provides effective & effortless data migration from Outlook PST to Thunderbird. If you have configured Thunderbird in your system then it can directly import PST files to Thunderbird directly. The program supports both Mac & Windows OS so easily run this PST to Thunderbird migration tool in your any edition of Windows & macOS – 11, 10, 8.1, 7, etc and Sequoia, Sequoia, Catalina, etc. It has efficiency to import PST files to MBOX for another supported application – Thunderbird, Apple Mail, PocoMail, Postbox, SeaMoneky, Evaluation, Eudora, etc.

How to Import PST File in Thunderbird – Working Guide

Download, install & launch the BitVare PST to MBOX Converter Tool
Select PST files by given two options.
After loading the PST file data, it provides a preview of selected PST file data.
Next, click on the Export button and select Thunderbird as the desired output format.
After that select other desired options and click on convert button.
The software starts the migration process and also completes with a successful message.

Download free demo edition of the PST to Thunderbird Tool that helps to check its working efficiency and capability to import 20 emails from PST file to Thunderbird without any cost. It provides batch approach to import unlimited emails from multiple PST file to Thunderbird at once. The program supports both ANSI & UNICODE PST file for migration. This wizard is easy and quick way to transfer emails from PST file to Mozilla Thunderbird.

Conclusion

To transfer Outlook PST file into Mozilla Thunderbird, you can choose between two methods – a manual approach or by a particular PST in Mozilla Thunderbird wizard. The manual process can access the conversion adequately, whereas the dedicated tool offers a more efficient and accurate way to import PST files into Mozilla Thunderbird.

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