Member Avatar for jovypinoy

Hi,

I'm having problem transferring my mails in my second account from Outlook Express to Mozilla Thunderbird. I already transfer all my mails in my primary account and it's so easy (Import options of Mozilla Thunderbird). But I can't find or I don't know how to import my mails from my secondary account.

I also go to the Mozilla Thunderbird folder. using %appdata% in Run command. And it seems that Outlook mail data type is differs from the Mozilla Thunderbird.

Please help me..
Thanks in advance.
Jovy (Philippines)

  • 3 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 213 Views
  • 2 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by laod.matts

Dani AI

Generated

Brief expert note: ’s delete-and-reimport workaround explains why Thunderbird seemed to pick up only one Outlook Express identity, and was right to point at the underlying *.dbx storage. Deleting accounts to force an import works, but it is disruptive and risks accidental data loss; non‑destructive options are preferable.

A reliable, low-risk approach is to convert each OE *.dbx into standard mail files and then import those into Thunderbird. Extract each folder into *.eml or mbox (tools such as DBX→EML/MBX converters or an OE recovery utility can do this), then use Thunderbird’s ImportExportTools NG to import the extracted files into Local Folders, preserving folder names and dates. Perform the conversion/import in small batches and verify headers and timestamps before deleting any originals.

An alternative that avoids file-format conversion is an IMAP bridge: create a temporary IMAP account (for example Gmail with IMAP enabled), copy OE folders into that IMAP account so the server uploads each folder, then add the same IMAP account in Thunderbird and move messages into local folders. This can be slower and requires sufficient server quota, but it preserves structure and metadata without touching *.dbx internals.

Practical cautions: back up the OE store before any migration; test the chosen workflow on one folder first; large or corrupted DBX files sometimes need a repair tool. Be wary of paid utilities advertised in the thread (see ) without a trial—try the free extraction + ImportExportTools route or an archiver like MailStore Home before buying.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for mjdodd

it is worth exploring the actual files (outlook express I think keeps the emails in files with a dbx format ie (inbox.dbx etc) You may be able to either import these directly or to get a intermediate program (outlook would be one) that can convert.
M

Member Avatar for jovypinoy

Hello. Just to close this issue and help everybody who had the same issue as mine. I already solved my problem on my own. I understand (correct me if I'm wrong) that Mozilla Thunderbird will only import the first account that you created in your Outlook Express. So if you have 3 or more accounts in your Outlook Express. You have no choice but to go with my solution. LOL!

First thing to do is to back up your Outlook Express files.

How?
1. In your Outlook Express. Go to Tools > Options
2. Click on Maintenance Tab.
3. Click on the Store Folder button
4. Copy the links then paste it in Run command of Windows.
5. Copy all the .dbx files and paste it on your flash drive or CD.
We're ok on your OE6 files. Now we need to back up your Address Book.
1. In your Address Book. Click File Menu > Click Export > Address Book.
2. Save it on your flash drive or CD.

Now we will going to delete the first created account in your Outlook and already in your Mozilla Thunderbird.
Remember: Only retain 1 account in your Outlook Express. As I said Mozilla Thunderbird will do the job of importing all your settings, files and address book into your Thunderbird Account.

In your Mozilla Thunderbird. Go to Tools Menu > Import Everything from your Outlook Express. Just follow the wizard.

Learn How to organize your Folders. You can add folder if you want or delete folders that you don't need.

If you want to import your another account from Outlook Express. Just delete the account that is already in your Thunderbird. And create your next account to import.

Did you get the Logic??? If yes! Then we're done. If not you can email your questions or comments to: <snip>.

Thank you!!

Edited by crunchie because: Removed email address. Please keep it on the forums.
Member Avatar for laod.matts

hi, If you are using mozilla thunderbird(eml) then you can convert bulk emails from DBX to EMl in just $69 only otherwise you can download our demo to review our software.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.