How to Convert EML Files to MBOX? Updated Guide
Summary: Nowadays, there has been a huge demand for emails in digital communication, whether you use using for business or personal use. So, in this informative article, we will be going to learn how to convert EML files to MBOX effectively using multiple approaches, as major users find difficulty in converting large EML files into MBOX format. We will see the manual method, using EML to MBOX converter, their pros & cons, and a clear comparison between the two. This will help you to decide which method is best to convert EMLs effectively.
How to Convert EML Files to MBOX? Quick Answer
You can convert EMLs into MBOX using two ways: first, you can use Thunderbird and export using the ImportExportTools NG add-on, or you can use the automated BitRecover EML to MBOX converter. Whereas the manual way consumes a lot of time and is risky to use if you are exporting in bulk, on the other hand, the automated method converts large batches in just a few minutes without any size restrictions or errors. Let’s have a detailed look at both methods briefly in the article below.
Major Reasons Why You Need to Convert EML Files to MBOX?
- As we know that different email clients support different file types, like Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, etc On the other hand, MBOX is only supported by Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Eudora. So, if users are shifting from an EML-based application to an MBOX-based one, they will have to convert EML files into MBOX.
- MBOX helps in archiving and backing up the large EML files. Whereas EML files save each email in one single file, MBOX saves all EMLs in one single file, which makes it easier for users to share and restore them.
- The MBOX files help in storing large data in a single file. For example, if you have 20,000 seperate EMLs, you can convert EML files to MBOX and consolidate all the data in a single MBOX file.
- Unlike EML files, MBOX supports multiple platforms, like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Necessary Steps to Follow Before Converting EML Files Manually
- Install and configure Mozilla Thunderbird.
- Add the ImportExportTools NG add-on to Thunderbird.
- All EML files should be organized and virus-free.
- Lastly, the system should have enough space to handle the export so that corruption doesn’t occur.
Manual Method to Convert EML Files into MBOX
The best way to convert your EML files into MBOX for free is by using the Thunderbird application. But, this method works best only for a few EML files and can be risky if you have large data to convert, and may result in corruption or data loss, so it should be performed at your own risk.
#Steps To Convert EML Files to MBOX via Thunderbird:
- Go to Thunderbird, and first click on the settings gear (bottom-left).
- Then, click on Add-ons and Themes > search for ImportExportTools NG > Add to Thunderbird, and restart the email client.
- Now, go to the mail page and create a folder in “local folders,” for example, Converted EML files.
- Then, right-click on the “converted EML files” folder > ImportExportTools NG > Import EML messages > All EML Messages from a Directory and Subdirectories.
- After importing all the EML files into the “converted EML files” folder, right-click on the folder again > ImportExportTools NG > Folder Export (MBOX) > Select your desired option from: As mbox file, single zipped mbox file, structured with subfolders, and with flattened subfolders.
And, this is how you will be able to convert EML files to MBOX using the manual way. But now you will wonder why we should use the automated method if Thunderbird is converting our EML files into MBOX in bulk already. Here’s why you should use the alternative solution.
Why Not Convert via Manual Approach? Flaws
- The major drawback of the manual approach is that it surely converts in bulk, but does not guarantee the security of the data during bulk conversion. Manually converting in bulk is risky and may result in data corruption or data loss while exporting large files.
- Also, it does not manage or preserve the original structure of the files while converting. It often disturbs the original hierarchy of the folders and files, which makes a lot of errors and chaos.
- It requires technical knowledge if an error occurs, as some users may find the process confusing.
- You can convert EML files to MBOX in bulk, but you cannot export thousands of EMLs altogether in one go.
- The metadata, properties, and important elements might not transfer properly or may get lost while converting in bulk.
- Thunderbird often misses the attachments while converting, and users end up with some files with attachments and some others without attachments.
Automated Approach for Converting Bulk EMLs to MBOX
If you are looking to overcome the limitations of the manual method, the best alternative solution is to convert EML files to MBOX via an expert EML converter. This professional utility will transfer hundreds and thousands of EMLs into MBOX in one go without any size restrictions, data loss, corruption, or disturbing the structure and hierarchy. Let’s know how to convert EML files into MBOX in bulk using the software in just a few minutes.
You can try out the free demo version of the automated tool before buying. It offers you to convert 10 folders from each folder for free, which will give you an idea about how the software works. This application is easy to install and use on Windows computers as it is compatible with all Windows OS and Servers. It also provides you with 24/7 technical support and provides IT services so that any user can connect for technical or customer assistance or customize the product as per the needs.
Working Steps of Using EML to MBOX Converter
- Firstly, download the expert software and install it on your device.
- Then, click the “open” option and from the drop-down menu, select the “choose folders” or “choose files” option.
- Afterwards, it will automatically sync the selected folder’s sub-folders & files, and display them in the left panel.
- Then, you can preview your data in different modes, like content, message header, etc.
- Now, if you want to extract properties from your files, you can do that by clicking on the “extract” option and extracting your desired property.
- Then, hit the export button and click on MBOX.
- Lastly, enter the desired location, turn on the required export options, and click the Save button to continue.
Core Features of the EML to Converter Tool
- User-friendly- The professional software comes with a UI/UX model interface that is easy to use for any user, whether you are from a technical or non-technical background. This application can be used by anyone without any technical knowledge or training.
- Multiple View Mode- You can view your EML files in different modes, such as only content, message header, Hex view, or raw messages. This gives clarity to the user as per their requirements.
- Data Security- It provides complete data security & integrity as it does not upload the data to the cloud and works offline. Also, it does not hamper the original files and keeps them intact, which makes it a safer choice for the users.
- Advanced Search Option- It has a basic quick search option to find anything within your EMLs, or you can use the advanced search option, in which you can enter the Name, Subject, date range, etc, to find the particular EML files.
- Bulk Conversion- The EML to MBOX converter allows users to export large EML files to MBOX in bulk without size restrictions or limitations. It can handle hundreds or thousands of large EML files and convert them efficiently.
- Preserves Metadata and Hierarchy- It preserves the metadata, properties, headers, fonts, attachments, and other important details intact. Also, it keeps the hierarchy and data structure the same as before without any changes.
- Multiple Saving Formats- Using the automated tool, you can convert EML files to MBOX format, but also to other formats. It provides you with wide variety of important formats to convert your EML files into.
- Extract Properties- You can extract the specific properties like attachments, email addresses, phone numbers, etc, from your EML files before exporting them.
- Background Sync- You can minimize the panel after saving, as it will run in behind and it will automatically start exporting your files, and you can do your other work.
- Export Options- After choosing the file format, you will see some export options like open folder after export is done, create empty folders, include email headers, skip greyed out folders, etc.
Why Choose Us? Clear Comparison
| Features | Manual | Automated |
| Data Corruption | High chances of data getting corrupted due to the large EMLs being exported. | It can handle multiple large EML files and save from data corruption or loss. |
| Security | No data security & integrity, as it works on the cloud. | Works completely without internet connectivity. |
| Structure & Hierarchy | It disturbs the original data structure and hierarchy while converting manually | Convert EML files to MBOX with the complete original structure & hierarchy of the files. |
| Ease of Use | Complex features and steps, which may result in errors or chaos. | User-friendly interface, which can be used without technicalities. |
| Bulk Convert | It can convert in bulk but will lose the important elements or original structure and hierarchy. | You can export using the EML to MBOX converter without losing elements or original data structure. |
Final Verdict
After reading this article, we can finally conclude by saying that there are numerous ways to convert EML files to MBOX, but not every method is suitable or suggested by the experts, as it may harm your crucial data files and result in data loss and corruption. In this blog, we discovered how to convert EML files to MBOX manually using Thunderbird and automatically using the professional EML to MBOX converter.
FAQs: Users’ Queries
Q1. Can I convert my EMLs into MBOX without installing Thunderbird?
Yes, using the professional converter, you can easily convert EML into MBOX without any email client or application.
Q2. How do I convert my EML files with attachments?
The automated EML to MBOX converter tool allows you to export EMLs with attachments.
Q3. Is there any size limitation in the EML to MBOX converter?
No, this expert tool does not have any size restrictions, as you can export a large number of files altogether in one go.
Q4. Can I convert EML files to MBOX anywhere without internet?
Yes, the EML to MBOX converter works fully offline on desktop, which can convert EMLs to MBOX anywhere & anytime without internet.
