How to Import OST File to Thunderbird: Quick and Easy Solution

Outlook’s Offline Storage Table (OST) files are copy files that users can access offline. However, these files are supportable only with the MS Outlook application. Therefore, if you want to view and access them with another email client, such as Thunderbird, import OST to Thunderbird. How? Go through this blog to find the complete steps using cost-free solutions. Furthermore, learn about the best Cigati OST to PST Converter for direct migration.

Why Should You Import Outlook OST Files into Thunderbird?

Thunderbird being a free open-source email client has numerous benefits. Therefore, some significant reasons to transfer OST files are:

• Mozilla Thunderbird is easily accessible across different platforms.
• Users can view and share extensive mailbox data in numerous file formats.
• Allows to sign into multiple accounts at once on a single platform.
• Also, it has a lot of storage space that can contain large attachments.

Effective Solutions to Import OST to Thunderbird

Since Thunderbird doesn’t support the OST file format, users cannot directly transfer OST files to Thunderbird. But there’s always an alternative solution. You can convert OST files into a supportable file format. And later, import them to Thunderbird. For this, we have shortlisted a manual solution and a professional tool. Let’s begin with the detailed step-by-step procedure for these methods.

Manual Method to Open OST Files in Thunderbird

Here, we will export (.ost) files into Outlook (.pst) to import them into Thunderbird. The steps are as follows:

Part 1: Change OST to PST in Microsoft Outlook

1. Ensure you have Outlook on your system. Start MS Outlook and click the File tab.
2. Select Open & Export ->> Import/Export option.
3. Choose Export to a File from the list of options given. Click Next.
4. Further, pick Outlook Data File (.pst) and hit Next.
5. Choose the OST mailbox to export data from and hit Next.
6. Subsequently, press Browse and choose a destination to save. Press Next.
7. Lastly, click Finish to convert OST to PST.

Part 2: Import the OST File into Thunderbird

1. Set Outlook as the default program for sending and receiving emails.
2. Afterward, open Mozilla Thunderbird and go to the Menu tab.
3. Now, choose Tools and select Import. The Import Tool window appears.
4. Select Import from Outlook from the options and click Continue.
5. Furthermore, select the Outlook data items to import and hit Continue.
6. At last, click the Start Import button to migrate converted OST files into Thunderbird.

Note: If you want to import the Contacts and Calendars only, instead of the entire mailbox. Then, firstly, create a CSV file and import it into Thunderbird.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• You cannot import multiple Outlook OST files at once.
• The process is time-consuming, tiring, and complex.
• There are chances of data loss if steps are missed or executed wrongly.
• New users need to have technical knowledge for successful import.

Top-Notch Solution to Import OST to Thunderbird Using Dedicated Tool

The Cigati OST to PST Converter is an excellent utility to transfer OST files into Thunderbird without much hassle. This ultimate utility facilitates bulk conversion of OST files without file size limitations. It ensures 100% accuracy and data security during the transfer process. This tool is specifically designed to manage OST files seamlessly. Moreover, the automated tool has some unique features, such as:

• Supports all types of OST files created in Outlook, despite its version.
• Converts OST files into multiple file formats like PST, MBOX, CSV, etc.
• Migrates OST files to various email clients such as Thunderbird, Gmail, and others.
• Filters out specific emails manage attachments, and deletes duplicate OST files.

Steps to Import OST to Thunderbird

1. Launch the tool on your Windows PC as an administrator.
2. Select Folder or choose Single File/Multiple Files option and click Next.
3. Further, click Select Files/Select Folder to add OST files. Click Next.
4. Expand the tree format to preview and select files to import. Hit Next.
5. Select File Formats and choose Thunderbird from the drop-down menu.
6. Afterward, choose the optional filters to apply to the resultant file.
7. Click the Path to Save button to specify your desired destination. (By default the destination is set.)
8. At last, hit the Convert button to import the OST file into Thunderbird.

Conclusion

This blog specifies the different benefits of the Thunderbird application to store OST files in it as a backup. Furthermore, we discussed the manual method to import OST to Thunderbird. However, it had some limitations and was indirect. Therefore, if you want a straightforward and reliable solution, it is recommended to opt for an expert-recommended tool. It will import your OST files in just no time.

You May Also Read: How to Import OST File in Outlook

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