Free Tricks: Import Thunderbird (.sbd) to Outlook (.pst) -2025

Many users today are looking for a seamless way to manually import Thunderbird SBD files into Outlook PST. If you're among those seeking a straightforward manual method for this conversion, this post is here to guide you. Read on to explore the step-by-step process for converting Thunderbird to PST effortlessly:

Thunderbird SBD files—What are They?

Thunderbird uses an SBD file to store email messages in folders. Sbd files are created for each subfolder. Creating a subfolder for Inbox creates an Inbox.sbd folder in Thunderbird. This article discusses intriguing Outlook SBD file import techniques.

Thunderbird, an open-source email client, facilitates sending and receiving data while storing information in .msf and .mbox files within SBD folders. The .msf files serve as email indexes, while the .mbox files store the actual email content. Despite offering advanced features, Thunderbird lacks certain key functionalities, prompting users to explore more robust and efficient email programs like MS Outlook. As Outlook continues to evolve with enhanced features and capabilities, the demand for importing SBD data into PST format has grown. This article delves into the reasons behind this migration and provides a comprehensive guide to converting Thunderbird SBD files to Outlook PST.

Why is SBD import required in Outlook?

Here are the key reasons why Thunderbird falls short compared to MS Outlook, making it necessary to import the SBD folder into Outlook:

• MS Outlook has 96 languages, whereas Thunderbird has 53.
• Calendars in MS Outlook aid with note-taking and task management.
• MS Outlook supports IMAP, yet Thunderbird does not.
• MS Outlook offers full password protection for email encoding.
• Thunderbird lacks an anti-spam feature like MS Outlook.
• Thunderbird cannot display extended message threads.
• MS Outlook manages databases better than Thunderbird.

How to Manually Import Thunderbird Inbox .sbd to Outlook?

There are no straightforward methods for importing SBD to PST. As a result, transferring Thunderbird SBD to Outlook involves additional steps, which are outlined below:

Step 1: Transfer SBD Thunderbird to Outlook via Apple Mail.

1. First, install & run Apple Mail locally.
2. Select File >> Import Mailboxes.
3. Select files to import data.
4. Select File in Thunderbird Mailbox format & hit Continue.
5. Browse to import Thunderbird SBD to Outlook & click Choose >> Continue.
6. Click Done when finished.
7. Check the Import section to see if SBD files are imported.

Step 2: Eudora Mailbox Creation

1. Start by renaming the .sbd file by XYZ to XYZ.mbx.
2. Move renamed file XYZ.mbx to C:Documents and Settings\user>Application Data\Qualcomm\Eudora directory, where all Eudora files are located.
3. Double-click XYZ.mbx files in Eudora to finish creating them and quit Eudora.

Step 3: Import the SBD Folder to Outlook using Outlook Express:

1. Start Outlook Express.
2. Select File >> Import >> Messages.
3. After selecting Eudora from the list, go to the next step.
4. Select the XYZ.mbx file using Browse, then click OK.
5. Complete the procedure by clicking Next >> Next >> Finish.
6. Verify the imported mailbox in Outlook Express's Local Folders.

Step 4: Outlook Express SBD import:

1. In MS Outlook, select File >> Open.
2. SBD can be imported to Outlook by clicking Import and Export Wizard.
3. Click Next after selecting Import Internet Mail and Addresses from the list.
4. Please select either Windows Mail, Outlook Express 4.x, 5.x, or 6.x, & then click the Next button.
5. Open MS Outlook and check the imported inbox.
6. Outlook Today in Personal Folders is its new place.

Manual Thunderbird (.sbd) to Outlook (.pst) Conversion Drawbacks

Converting Thunderbird SBD to MS Outlook PST comes with certain challenges. Below is a list of the potential drawbacks:

• No direct means to import SBD to Outlook, and the indirect technique is long and tedious.
• Losing data is always possible. Back up your data before importing SBD files to Outlook.
• Manuals cannot ensure full conversion.
• Thunderbird SBD files can be corrupt.
• No non-technical users should use it.
• Converting many folders can be difficult.

Thunderbird SBD to Outlook Import using a third-party tool:

Another method to import Thunderbird (.sbd) to Outlook (.pst) is by using third-party tools, such as the BLR MBOX File Converter Software. This approach saves time and eliminates the need for manual steps. Users can convert and save files in various formats, including PST, EML, MSG, or PDF. Additionally, this solution ensures data security and provides a straightforward, user-friendly experience.

BLR MBOX File Converter Benefits:

• MBOX file extension automatically detects client data.
• Options to import SBD files to Outlook and divide huge PST files.
• Provide data previews and attachments.
• Batch-convert Thunderbird SBD to Outlook/EML/MSG/PDF.
• Import MBOX files to iCloud, Gmail, Outlook.com, etc.