Thunderbird is amongst some of the highly preferred desktop-based email services used across the globe. Most users are familiar with its flexibility and platform independence, which is considered a benefiting factor. The file generated by this application is equally independent of platform and even an application. Thunderbird stores all its data in a MBOX file, which is built in a text-based format, readable even without the need of an application. However, there are instances where you are unable to view MBOX file not importing in Thunderbird & this has caused an issue to its users. Thus, this blog explains the details related to carrying out one such process to import MBOX to Thunderbird along with the facts that may be responsible for causing an issue during the import. There are various workarounds and fixtures applicable for dealing with the situation. However, it is to be understood as to why the issue is taking place. The same has been explained in the following blog, which lets you understand the situation as well as an applicable fixture.
 
mbox not importing thunderbird

MBOX Files and Their Compatibility

MBOX files or the MailBox files as they are known to be are an accumulation of multiple messages. This file is a simple text formatted file, which consists of messages in Rich Text Format. Therefore, to read MBOX file does not require an application specifically. However, its flexibility makes it suitable to import MBOX to Thunderbird and many other supporting applications:

  • Thunderbird (Mac/Windows/Linux)
  • Apple Mail
  • Claws Mail
  • Entourage
  • The Bat
  • MailCopa
  • Netscape Mail
  • Mac Mail
  • Eudora
  • Spicebird, and much more.

 

Despite a flexible accessibility, MBOX files surface errors while being opened using certain applications. Thus, we have lined up some of the available options in the latter segment that shares details on how one can import MBOX to Thunderbird in order to view MBOX File successfully.

 

Open MBOX File in Thunderbird

MBOX format files are not only readable on Thunderbird but are also generated by the respective client. Thus, one can open and read MBOX file in Thunderbird through many workarounds to import MBOX to Thunderbird.

 

First Method

Thunderbird in most cases is also the origin application. Therefore, the client is certainly installed on the user machine, which is an added benefit. You can move the respective file you need to import MBOX to Thunderbird, to its default store folder location.

 

Thunderbird is programmed to automatically detect and read MBOX file if they are present in their store folder. Moreover, once these files are moved to the profile folders of the client, it automatically generates an MSF (Mail Summary File) for the mailbox, i.e. the Index file. The following screen shows the same with the moved MBOX files selected and their MSF files highlighted.
 
mbox thunderbird

Second Method

There is no direct method to import MBOX to Thunderbird, even though the client generates as well as supports them. Nevertheless, that is where the role of add-on comes in. ImportExportTools is one such provision from a third party source that makes it possible for Thunderbird to export and Import MBOX in Thunderbird. Importing MBOX file(s) is one of the many options featured by the add-on.

 

Using the option, you can import MBOX to Thunderbird belonging to any user’s profile into your own configured profile. This can be done selectively as well as in bulk with the help of the respective options featured by the add-on.
 
mbox thunderbird tips
You can select multiple files with the add-on or select and an entire folder of MBOX files to be imported, which saves you the effort.

 

View MBOX File Not Importing Despite It All

There are many reasons that might make you believe that it is impossible to import in this folder Thunderbird a MBOX. Some of the possible reasons that may be causing an interruption in the import procedure that makes Thunderbird incapable of reading MBOX file are:

  1. Application related error. The problem could be with the application. It is possible that Thunderbird is not updated or facing bug issues, due to which its standard functioning is disrupted. A recent crash of application could be the reason of its troubled performance.
  2. File related issue. It is possible that the issue in accessibility of a MBOX file is being caused due to its lost integrity. A MBOX file generally doesn’t corrupt but when it does, this is one of the consequences faced by users. Therefore, it is best to confirm whether the file is in a stable state or not while it is being imported or expected to be auto-detected by the client.

 
Fixtures: Some of the possible workarounds to import MBOX to Thunderbird that you can apply when you are unable to view MBOX file not importing are:

  • Confirm whether it is an application level issue, you can try importing or reading any other MBOX file. If you are able to read MBOX file then the application is running fine and if it’s not, then you are probably facing application related issues.
  • You can test the same method to confirm if it is MBOX that is causing the issue or Thunderbird. If the output received is a success in reading a different file, then the file you are trying to read/import on Thunderbird is affected by corruption or integrity loss.

 
To fix an application level issue, you can try and reinstall Thunderbird and recheck the entire procedure to import MBOX to Thunderbird all over again to confirm if it’s working or not. Meanwhile, to deal with a file level issue, you can try a couple of tricks:

  1. Try examining the file header to analyze if there is an issue with its structure and fix it as per the understanding.
  2. You can repair the index file if the file is imported but is unreadable.
  3. Deleting the index file (MSF) file is also one of the fixtures applicable in such conditions, owing to the fact that they may be the trouble.

 

Final Word

MBOX files are not impossible to deal with because they are flexible enough to be modified or read by any level of the user using the supported application. Moreover, the independence of application makes it readable without one too. This is why encountering a situation where users need to view MBOX file not importing is quite rare and unexpected. Thus, it is recommended to make sure that the file and application are both in a stable and working condition to conduct the process to import MBOX to Thunderbird. Otherwise, it is suggested that applicable fixtures be implemented such as; application update, bug fixes, or file repair processes.

 

By Tej Pratap

Tej Pratap is a Server Administrator with diverse expertise in Managing Exchange Server, Windows Server & other works like managing Hyper V & Office 365 with interests ranging from technology to education.He has researched on email clients issues, data recovery solutions as well as data management techniques.

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