How to View MBOX File in Windows?
There are many ways to see MBOX files, whether users use Windows or Mac OS. Just like that, in this article, we provide various ways to view MBOX file on Windows.
The purpose of the MBOX file is to save multiple email messages in one file format. Where the messages are stored in plain text format, you can also save attachments with the email. Thus, users can save an entire folder in a single file format, and the new messages are stored at the end of the file. MBOX files are used on different platforms, like Mac and Windows. It is also used in various email programs, like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, etc.
To read a MBOX file on a Windows system, the Thunderbird program is the way to see the file easily. It is very easy to do that. Moreover, there is another method you can use to view the file. But first, let us see how you can view the MBOX file in Thunderbird.
Read MBOX File in Mozilla Thunderbird
Thunderbird is one of the email programs that is used on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. Also, you can read the content of an MBOX file in it. But for this, we have to import the file using the Import Export add-on. There is no in-built option to import the file.
If you do not download the addon, go to https://addons.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/. or open your Thunderbird application.
Select the Tools option, and then add on. Click on the Extensions button.
Search the import/export tool and click Add to Thunderbird.
After that, restart your program and go to the Tools option to read the MBOX file.
Select the Import/Export Tools option, then Import MBOX file.
Click on Import direct one or more MBOX files and OK.
Now, browse the location of the file, and after that, click on the Open option.
So, following are the steps to help you view MBOX file in Windows. There is also another way to read the files, but first let’s understand the drawbacks of this method.
Limitations of the Manual Method
By following this method, you can view one file at a time, which is time-consuming.
The chances of losing your data are there.
This method lets you first open the file, then view the content of the file, which means you cannot directly read the file.
You cannot see attachments in this way, as it only allows emails.
There are chances that you cannot install the addon.
So, with all these points, you can understand that a manual method is not a good option. But another method is there that you can use to read MBOX file on Windows system.
View MBOX File in Windows using the software
In the manual method, we first open the file in Thunderbird and then view the content of the file. But in this case, we use FreeViewer MBOX Viewer Software to directly read the content of the file. So, you don’t need to use a program to open the file. With this, you can also see all the attachments and emails at the same time. Not only that, you can also enjoy various other features, such as.
Features of Software
You can view files from various email programs like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, etc.
The software provides eight preview modes to analyze your file. For example, normal mail, properties, MIME, HTML, headers, HEX, attachments, and RTF.
It has a Pro edition where you can search for specific data through an advanced search.
Users can view multiple MBOX files at the same time.
If you are using a corrupt MBOX file, click on the scan button to scan the corrupt file.
Steps to View MBOX File
Download and install the software. Click on the Add File option.
Select the Thunderbird program from the list of email applications.
Now, you can either choose the Default Profile Configuration, in which the software automatically loads your files. Then click the next button.
Or you can click on a selected file(s) or folder from the file system. Then click the next button.
Click on the Browse button, navigate to the location where your file is, and open it. After that, hit the Process button.
If you want to open a folder that contains multiple MBOX files, click on the Use Folder mode and Maintain Folder Hierarchy options. Then open the folder and process it.
Now, you can see that your file is displayed on the screen. Click on the files one by one to view all the content.
Preview the file and click on Switch User to view it horizontally or vertically.
To extract, search, or export the file, click on the Upgrade to Pro option.
Conclusion
This article told you about different ways to view MBOX file in Windows OS. Thunderbird is a good program where you can save, read, and import/export MBOX files. But it is not a reliable method. The software method, on the other hand, can directly let you view the file, and experts have also recommended this method. So, at the end, it depends on which one you choose. Whichever you choose, keep in mind that you should first examine both methods.