Would you like to migrate an email from Outlook to Thunderbird on your new computer? Relax if you wish to do so. Your search has concluded, and the wait is now over. This blog post will provide instructions on how to import Outlook communications into Thunderbird. You will be able to transfer your Outlook emails to Thunderbird clients without losing any data by perusing this blog.
Introduction
Microsoft Outlook
- One of the most authoritative email client applications
- It functions as a personal information manager.
- Functions as a personal organizer, overseeing tasks, calendars, journals, contacts, and more.
- Microsoft Outlook is a component of Microsoft Office that utilizes the PST and OST file formats to store correspondence on the local system.
Thunderbird
- It is a desktop email client that is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows and Mac.
- Developed by the Mozilla Foundation
- It is an open-source email management system.
- It is compatible with the.mbox format.
- It is a local email client.
Motives for Importing Outlook into Thunderbird
Thunderbird is an open-source email client, which means that it is free to use. This is the primary purpose for transferring an email from Outlook to Thunderbird. It is possible to migrate to Thunderbird and select a free application such as Thunderbird over Outlook in order to save money.
Users’ Personal Needs: There are instances in which a user employs distinct email clients for personal and professional purposes. This may necessitate the importation of Outlook emails into Mozilla Thunderbird.
Email Transfer Methods from Outlook to Thunderbird
There are two categories of methodologies –
Manual Approach
Method of Automation
The manual procedure allows for the unrestricted completion of the migration. Nevertheless, the automated solution allows you to finalize the data transfer without any data loss.
Manual Method for Importing Outlook Emails into Thunderbird
We will leverage the IMAP method to synchronize Outlook emails with a webmail account, such as Gmail. The process will be finalized by re-synchronizing the emails with Mozilla Thunderbird.
Therefore, we will commence with the manual procedures –
1. Establish a new Gmail account and enable IMAP.
2. Access “Outlook” and select “File.”
3. Subsequently, select “Add Account.”
4. Select “Manual setup” or “Additional server types” and then click the “Next” icon.
5. Select the “POP or IMAP” option and click “Next.”
6. Locate the “POP and IMAP” account configuration in the “Mail server setting” section of your account.
IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com Incoming Mail (IMAP) Server
Username: The email address associated with your Gmail account
Password: The password associated with your Gmail account
SMTP Server for Outgoing Mail SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com
Username: The email address associated with your Gmail account
Password: The password associated with your Gmail account
7. Next, select “More Settings” and then “Outgoing server.” From there, configure your “Outgoing server” authentication.
8. Subsequently, configure your “Advanced” configuration.
Encrypted Connection: SSL, Incoming Server (IMAP): 993
Encrypted Connection: TLS, Outgoing Server (SMTP): 587
Following this, select “Next.”
9. Subsequently, select “Next.”
10. After Outlook successfully verifies the “Account Setting,” click on the “Close” icon.
11. In the Confirmation Window, select “Finish.”This concludes the initial aspect of the email migration process from Outlook to Thunderbird.
Select all Outlook emails and drag and drop them to the configured Gmail account after your Gmail account has been configured in Outlook. Now, set up the identical account in Thunderbird. The procedure for accomplishing this is as follows:
- Launch “Thunderbird.”
- Select the “Local Folder” and then click on “Email.”
- Establish your “Existing Email Account” by utilizing “Your Name” as the “Username” and “Password.” To proceed, select on “Continue.”
- Ensure that IMAP is selected and then click “Done.”
- Currently, Thunderbird has been configured to manage your Gmail account. You will be able to access your Outlook emails in Thunderbird at that point.
The Manual Method’s Limitations
Protracted Process: The process of transferring data from Outlook to Thunderbird involves numerous phases. It has the potential to disrupt the user’s hectic schedule.
Time-consuming Process: This process is both complex and time-consuming, as it necessitates data synchronization at least twice.
Data loss: Failure to complete any phase may result in an issue. Additionally, there is a possibility of human error, which could result in the loss of critical data. A single error can result in the irrevocable loss of data.
Automated Method Outlook to MBOX Converter –
Users may select an automated application, such as the Mailvita PST to MBOX Converter, to circumvent the constraints of the manual approach. This application is frequently employed to migrate communications from Outlook to Thunderbird. The entire import procedure will be completed in a minimal amount of time. Additionally, it offers consumers sophisticated capabilities, such as –
- Convert ANSI and UNICODE PST files to Thunderbird.
- There was no data loss throughout the entire procedure.
- Retain the folder structure following the conversion.
- Supports Mac and Windows 11 and earlier versions
Procedures for Moving Emails from Outlook to Thunderbird
- Open the application on a Windows computer.
- Select the PST file that you wish to import into Thunderbird by clicking on the “browse” icon.
- Chose MBOX from provided export option
- Then, choose the location where the MBOX file will be saved after the conversion.
- The tool will now begin convert pst to mbox, clicking the Export icon.
- Click the “OK” icon in the confirmation window once you have completed the process.
To access Outlook emails in Thunderbird, merely import the MBOX file. The MBOX file can also be relocated to the default location in Thunderbird: %AppData%\Thunderbird.
In conclusion,
Two methods for importing Outlook mail into Thunderbird were discussed in the aforementioned blog. The data is synchronized between Mozilla Thunderbird and MS Outlook using IMAP in the manual method. Nevertheless, it is time-consuming, protracted, and may result in data loss. Consequently, the automated procedure can be employed by users to migrate emails from Outlook to Thunderbird.
