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How do I migrate from Outlook Express to Thunderbird?

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I'm moving from a WinXP computer to a new Win7 machine. Should I first switch from Outlook Express to Thunderbird on the old machine (and what's the procedure?) and them migrate to the new one, or set up Thunderbird on the new one and export the Outlook Express data from the old machine? Thanks.

I'm moving from a WinXP computer to a new Win7 machine. Should I first switch from Outlook Express to Thunderbird on the old machine (and what's the procedure?) and them migrate to the new one, or set up Thunderbird on the new one and export the Outlook Express data from the old machine? Thanks.

Chosen solution

Hi Jerryg, After reading your query about procedure of Outlook Express to Thunderbird conversion, I searched across the web. Finally I concluded that there is no manual method to convert Outlook Express messages in to MBOX file. This process can be done in two phases, which are:

1. Convert DBX file in to PST file 2. Then Convert PST file in to MBOX file

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All Replies (5)

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FIrst install in the old machine the Thunderbird, go to Outlook make it as the default mail client:

Close Outlook

Then go to Thunderbird click on Tools >> Import >> Import Everything then select Outlook and click on Next,if all went well you will see a message that the process finish

Then make a backup of your profile:

Dont delete anything yet.

Then move this backup to new machine, install Thunderbird in the new machine and restore your profile:

After verify if all data was restored correctly, then you can delete the data in the other machine

Modified by Diego Victor

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First you need to set up your account for Thunderbird. Put your account information into Thunderbird's initial prompt, and it will find your configuration settings. Second,

  1. Go to Tools>Import in TB
  2. Make Sure Mail is selected
  3. Click Next
  4. Highlight Outlook Express
  5. Click Next
  6. Click Finish
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Do both of the above work? Will "Import Everything" import account information (email, password, servers etc) or do those need to be entered manually? Thanks.

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As per my knowledge & experience, to migrate or Export Outlook Express data to Thunderbird you have to take support of outdoor tool like (removed), which is consistent to convert .DBX to .EML file then only can import OE files on Thunderbird platform.

To reveal scenario undergo free demo, surely you will able to migrate OE data-

Moderator removed link promoting paid software. Please see the forum spam section of Rules & Guidelines, thanks.

Modified by Shawn

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Chosen Solution

Hi Jerryg, After reading your query about procedure of Outlook Express to Thunderbird conversion, I searched across the web. Finally I concluded that there is no manual method to convert Outlook Express messages in to MBOX file. This process can be done in two phases, which are:

1. Convert DBX file in to PST file 2. Then Convert PST file in to MBOX file