How to read files mbox files
Hi, I have downloaded my mails from google account through google 'takeout'. This has created a file with file extension mbox. When I try to read this file through Thunderbird, I can see only files which have .msf extension. These files are just headers and don't contain the actual emails. What am I doing wrong? Please help.
All Replies (2)
You might be able to read them by using the addon, importexporttools.
re :This has created a file with file extension mbox.
Did you rename the eg: Inbox.mbox' file as 'Inbox' and then import the renamed mbox file into the mail account using addon 'ImportExporttools NG' ?
Thunderbird uses mbox files but they do not contain an extension. So if you have 'Inbox.mbox' then rename by removing the .mbox part, so it just says 'Inbox'. You could create a copy first before renaming.
Files with .msf extension are indexing files and they do not contain emails. they are used by Thunderbird.
Image below shows a Pop mail account folder with typical mbox files with no extension. Although it contains info when using ImportExportTools NG, https://addons.thunderbird.net/En-us/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools-ng/
the point is - it does indicate what are mbox files and how they look.
Mbox files can be opened using a text editor eg: Notepad++
Modified by Toad-Hall