We have all heard of Outlook Express, which is a discontinued email client which was included with Internet Explorer 3.0 through 6.0. The last version Outlook Express 6 was combined with Windows XP. After which the next version of Outlook Express which was planned for Windows 7 was replaced by Windows Live Mail. As the email client is discontinued now, thus the users migrate to other mail clients like Microsoft Outlook. It is one of the most popular email clients in recent days.
Now if the user wishes to migrate from Outlook Express to Microsoft Outlook, then they need to convert DBX files to PST. So to help you with it, we have briefed up all about them.

Outlook Express DBX File

Outlook Express is an email client which is discontinued after Outlook Express 6. The mail client stores all its data in .dbx file format. DBX stands for Outlook Express Database (DBX), it stores multiple emails within a single folder. Each component of the mailbox has a separate .dbx folder. Eg: inbox.dbx, sent.dbx, outbox.dbx,etc.

Microsoft Outlook PST File

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most used email application, which provides its users with a lot of facilities. Outlook saves its data in the .pst file format. PST stands for Personal Storage Table (PST). This Outlook data files stores all your messages and other items and is saved on your computer. As the files are stored on the computer, thus they are not affected by the mailbox size limits on the mail server.

Now as we can see, to migrate Outlook Express to Microsoft Outlook, the user needs to convert DBX files to PST. For converting DBX to PST the user has two options – either to do it manually or using some automated tool. Lets now have a look at them.

Measure 1: How to Convert DBX to PST File Using Manual Method

To perform the conversion process of DBX to PST. The user needs to have Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail & Microsoft Outlook. Here are the steps mentioned below-

  • Download the latest version of Windows Live Mail on your system & install it.
  • Now, install Microsoft Outlook.
  • An “Import Messages” dialogue box will appear. Click on Microsoft Outlook Express & click ‘Next’.
  • Select “All Folders” radio button, then click Next. This will import all Outlook Express DBX files to Windows Live Mail.
  • Now open Windows Live Mail and go to File >> Export Mail >> Email Messages.
  • An “Export Mail Setup” dialogue box will appear. Select Microsoft Exchange and then click Next. Also, click Ok to confirm the message.
  • Now repeat step 4, but this time the process will import all the Window Live Mail data to Microsoft Outlook.
  • Click Finish.

Demerits of Using Manual Method for Converting DBX to PST

  • To migrate Outlook Express to Outlook the user will have to download three email applications- Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail & Microsoft Outlook.
  • While the import/ export process, there is a chance of incomplete process. This will lead to loss of data & corruption.

Measure 2: How to Convert DBX to PST Using Automated Tool

While there are many tools available in the market claiming to be the best for conversion of DBX to PST. But the tool which I would like to recommend is DataHelp DBX to PST Converter, this tool effortlessly converts DBX to PST.

Some features of the tool are mentioned as follows

  • Allows exporting DBX to PST in batch.
  • Facility to choose the desired destination location.
  • Provides option to create single PST files for all the DBX files.

Merits of Using Automated Tool for Converting DBX to PST

  • No installation or downloading extra applications.
  • Simple & easy to understand steps.
  • Convert bulk DBX files to PST.
  • Assured conversion of DBX files to PST.
  • No chances of data loss.

Conclusion

When the user migrates from Outlook Express to Outlook, they can opt for any option according to their need and comfort. But on seeing the benefits and comfort of the Converter Tool. It can be said as a very reliable and sorted solution for anyone to convert DBX to PST.