Migrating from Mac Mail to Outlook Easily

MS Outlook is wildly popular, and this is hardly surprising. This secure and versatile system suits a wide range of business needs. Aside from messages, it helps users manage their tasks and appointments. It is possible, but not always easy to transfer old mail into the system, especially if you were emailing through Mac Mail before. 

The difficulty lies with the difference between file formats. Outlook recognizes PST, while the Apple-based system creates MBOX. Conversion is an inevitable phase of efficient Mac Mail to Outlook migration. You cannot just drag and drop the contents of your inbox. Here are two ways to approach the issue. 

Automated Transfer

This method is chosen by users who want to guarantee their data stays intact. All too often, old emails or attachments get lost or distorted during conversion. Fortunately, special lightweight software that gives users peace of mind. 

The process includes a single manual operation: all you need to do is physically move your source files (MBOX and EMLX) to the PC where Outlook is installed. The rest is handled by the conversion utility. It will extract the data, convert, format, and save it properly. 

Manual Attempts 

The first obstacle is the absence of a native export/import tool. Secondly, you will move emails between dramatically different operating environments using intermediate systems. MBOX and PST are incompatible. The former contains emails and attachments, while the latter stores diverse data: emails, attachments, contacts, tasks, and calendars. Here is an example of a manual method. 

Phase 1: Import of MBOX

• In Mac Mail, go to File and initiate mailbox import. 

• Choose the *.mbox as the extension of your source files. 

• Navigate to the MBOX file in your Mac system, select it and proceed further.

• Click Done to finalize the process.

Phase 2: Creation of Intermediary MBOX

• Install Eudora on your Windows system. 

• Replace the file extension with *.mbx.

• Transfer the file to the Eudora directory (C:\Documents and SettingsApplication Data OualcommEudora)

• Open the app and select this file.

• Close the app.

Step 3: Import to Outlook Express

• Install the mail client unless you have it. 

• Go to File and choose importing messages. 

• Select Eudora as the source and proceed further. 

• Navigate to your file with the MBX extension, select it and finalize the process. 

Step 4: Final Import

• Open the destination system. 

• Go to File and open the import/export section. 

• Specify internet mail and addresses as your source and proceed further. 

• Choose Outlook Express and make sure the import mailbox is ticked.

The Bottom Line

The automated method is super quick and convenient. Still, some users cannot resist the urge to transfer mail without third-party tools. This is understandable if your computer skills are advanced. However, there is always a possibility of losing or damaging at least some data. When the volume of old mail is significant, the unassisted transfer is the riskiest. Besides, you need to use four different mail systems and two OS.