You can import eml files to TB after they are exported from Outlook Express, either directly via drag and drop, or with ImportExportTools. But to import from OE or Outlook via the built-in Tools/Import process, try it with an older version of TB.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1197970

You are on the right track with outlook, 17 would do fine. The import has been fixed, so you could try the developer builds of the really old ones. both should do it for you.

Sfhowes: The thread you sent me to has a link ("Import wizard has been broken for awhile") that says TB has an import wizard that works with Outlook Express, but it doesn't give a specific version number (other than talking about "older" versions like 38):

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Import_from_Outlook_Express

The more I read, the more confused I get.

Matt: That sounds promising. One thread recommended v.17.0.9, which might even work on Outlook (but I'll try it on Outlook Express first). I'll give it a try tomorrow and post the results. Thanks.

jim.5k said

Sfhowes: The thread you sent me to has a link ("Import wizard has been broken for awhile") that says TB has an import wizard that works with Outlook Express, but it doesn't give a specific version number (other than talking about "older" versions like 38): http://kb.mozillazine.org/Import_from_Outlook_Express The more I read, the more confused I get.

The kb article suggests using TB 17.09, and my post in the other discussion mentions TB 58beta as another possibility. If automatic 'wizard' importing with either version doesn't work, you can still do it manually for Outlook Express with the suggested methods. Outlook is more complex, and if automatic importing doesn't work, you will probably have to find software that does 'pst to mbox' conversion.

jim.5k said

Matt: That sounds promising. One thread recommended v.17.0.9, which might even work on Outlook (but I'll try it on Outlook Express first). I'll give it a try tomorrow and post the results. Thanks.

As far as I am aware, the outlook express import has not been affected by the issues with Outlook and Eudora import.

The real issue with the import is outlook express must be installed and functional on the computer that you try to do the import from. You appear to be posting from a windows 10 device, so I must raise the issue I think. The same goes for outlook.

Thunderbird can not import from OE DBX files or Outlook PST files. in both cases the host application must be installed and load the relevant data by default.

So can you install Thunderbird on your older machine which is running Outlook express?

Matt: I have mail active in Outlook Express on XP and Outlook 2007 on Windows 10. I installed TB 17.0.9 on XP and imported all my mail from OE. Looks like it worked - thank you! I'll mark this as "Solved", but one more question before I do:

I'm going to run TB on XP for awhile and eventually migrate to Windows 10 (I'm assuming that's possible). But I'd like to update TB 17.0.9 to a newer version - can I install version 38.5.0 at this point? Will my mail automatically transfer to it?

yes, the profile data, which is contained in %appdata%\Thunderbird and it's sub folders, is completely separate from the program so the version being run is not really relevant. update as you will.

I mention %apdata% as when entered into a windows run command this will open the correct location for your default "thunderbird" profile data. fold be it XP or Windows 10.

Thanks for the help! TB 38.5.0 is up and running on XP with all my old mail. Now I just have to figure out filters (and the Outlook equivalent of "by account" rule).

jim.5k said

(and the Outlook equivalent of "by account" rule).

I have no idea what that is, so can offer nothing. if you explain I might be able to put it together.

Matt: I use a lot of forwarding addresses and channel them to 5 different email accounts. Outlook lets me create a rule that says "if arrives through xxxx@email.com account, move to xxxx folder". I didn't see that feature in TB filters. Technically I could make a filter for each forwarding address, but it gets messy. But I think I found the solution using "X-Account-Key" in the header as outlined here:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Filters_(Thunderbird)#Account_specific_filters

I also modified that technique using "Received" in the header, which seems to work too. So, I don't think I have any more questions right now. Thanks again for your help!

How about if To is whatever the email address is then put it in the appropriate folder. Or here is a radical idea, leave the messages in the appropriate inbox. You do not have to use the global inbox..

Matt: That's exactly what I want to do - have each account go to it's own box. When I imported from Outlook Express, I have one "global" inbox which collects everything. I found this about "changing global inbox settings":

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Global_Inbox

...but I couldn't find "Server Settings > Advanced" in the Account Settings box (v.38.5.0). Any tips?

But if not, I think the filters are doing what I want.

Matt: Disregard my question above. I found Server Settings > Advanced and turned off the Global Mailbox. Not sure which I prefer, but it gives me another option. Thanks again!

I am attempting to move OE mail from XP sp3 to TBird 57.0.4 (64-bit) on W10H

forgive my ignorance but I think what I read above is:

• Newer versions of TBird cannot migrate DBX files

Is there a conversion tool that can convert DBX into something TBrid can use?

PhredPharkel said

I am attempting to move OE mail from XP sp3 to TBird 57.0.4 (64-bit) on W10H forgive my ignorance but I think what I read above is:

• Newer versions of TBird cannot migrate DBX files

Is there a conversion tool that can convert DBX into something TBrid can use?

Newer release versions of TB cannot import Outlook data via the import wizard, but this is apparently fixed in TB 58beta.

Look under 'Advanced Alternatives' in the link I posted above for methods of converting dbx files and exporting/importing eml files from Outlook Express to TB.

I suggest you install TB 52 if you plan to use ImportExportTools, as the current version of the add-on is not fully working in TB beta versions.

Thanks for the quick response! I'll try that

just found this and wondering if anyone here has tried it:

https://www.spikevare.com/outlook-express/thunderbird/