Whatever your reason for switching from Outlook to Thunderbird, you will get expert-recommended safe solutions to import OST files to Thunderbird. OST files are prone to corruption. If an OST file is damaged or corrupted, you can import the OST file to Thunderbird within a few clicks. Read on to find out how.
MS Outlook for Windows gives users two options for file storage and management. They are PST and OST file extensions to organize Outlook mailbox data, like emails, contacts, tasks, calendars, etc. When Outlook is connected with Exchange Server, Outlook saves its data in the OST file extension locally. For data safety and integrity, users of MS Outlook cannot access their OST files on other platforms like Thunderbird and Entourage. When it comes to switching from MS Outlook, users face a data conversion issue. They have two ways to consider. One is manual, and the other is a third-party solution.
Reasons for Conversion from Outlook to Thunderbird
Before discussing solutions for converting from Outlook to Thunderbird, we want to draw your attention to the reasons that encourage users to move from Outlook to Thunderbird. One of these reasons may match your reason for conversion.
Outlook is a subscription-based email client. If your license has expired and you don’t want to discontinue Outlook, Thunderbird can be an ideal option. It is an open-source.
MS Outlook for Windows supports only Windows OS, while Thunderbird runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
If you want to enjoy basic features of email clients such as contact management and email, Thunderbird can be the best alternative to MS Outlook.
Also read: Export Open Outlook Email in Thunderbird
Manual Solutions to Import OST into Thunderbird
Do you know you can export specific OST items, such as calendars and contacts, into Thunderbird manually with the help of a CSV file extension? Here are the simple steps you can follow.
Conversion of OST into CSV and Import of CSV into Thunderbird
In this process, you first convert OST to CSV in MS Outlook and then import the CSV file into Thunderbird. Carefully, follow the given steps:
- Access MS Outlook in your system and navigate to File.
- Choose Open & Export and hit Import/Export.
- After that, select Export to a file and click Next.
- Select Comma-Separated Values and click Next. Then, select Contacts.
- Click Browse to direct the application to a location in the system where you want to save the new CSV file.
- Give a name to the file and press OK. Select Finish.
- After this, access Thunderbird and navigate to the Menu option.
- Click Tools and choose Import.
- Import the CSV file into Thunderbird.
Downsides of the Manual Method
- One of the biggest drawbacks of this method is that it will not allow you to export all items of the OST files into Thunderbird. You can import only contacts and calendar items.
- It may be a time-consuming process.
- You may need technical assistance.
Automated Conversion of OST into Thunderbird
Since Thunderbird supports the MBOX file extension, you can choose an application that supports OST to MBOX conversion. We recommend using DataVare OST to MBOX Converter. This is an advanced app that can export OST files into Thunderbird within a few clicks. The conversion program has several advantages. It is lightweight, easy to use, and makes the entire conversion process fast and accurate.
Steps to Move OST into Thunderbird
- After installation of the app, click on its icon to launch it on your Windows system and select “OST file Extension” and hit Next.
- Select “Single OST File” or “Multiple OST Files” and press the “Browse” button to upload the target OST files.
- Now, choose “Convert to MBOX file format” and the Next tab.
- After that, choose Create “Single MBOX file” or “Multiple MBOX files” and then “Browse” to save data locally. In the end, press the “Convert Now” button to complete the process.
Conclusion
You can switch from MS Outlook to Thunderbird without losing a single property with the help of a third-party program. Manual solutions may consume time and not offer quality results sometimes. You can reduce the risk of data loss during migration if a third-party program is reliable. Download the recommended app trial version to assess its reliability and accuracy.