Have an oversize MBOX file, and it is difficult to read them. Then, this article will help you. Here, we will explain two methods to read the file easily and provide desirable results.
Although MBOX files store multiple email messages with attachments, saving too many emails also causes many problems, such as being unable to open the file, increasing the risk of a virus or malware attack, etc. Therefore, oversizing the MBOX file is a big problem. There is no size limit for MBOX files; however, when the size of the file exceeds 2 GB, lots of problems will occur, such as being unable to access the file, file corruption, losing the data, etc.
Methods to Read Large MBOX File
To view the MBOX file, using Thunderbird is a good way. However, you have to use the import/export addon for this purpose. Because there is no in-built option to open the file and read its content. If you have not installed the program or have problems using it, you can use an automated tool that will assist you in viewing large files. So there are two methods available.
- Manual method: using Thunderbird to view the oversize file.
- Automated method: We use software to view MBOX file.
Next, we discuss these methods with the steps in detail, so read the steps carefully to avoid any errors.
Manual Way to View Oversize MBOX File
Thunderbird is a free email program that uses an MBOX file to import or export data. For this purpose, an addon is required to import and read the file. So download Import/Export Tools NG from the Thunderbird official website and view the big MBOX file.
- Open Mozilla Thunderbird and go to the Tools option.
- Click on Addons and select Extensions.
- Search the Import/Export Tool and click the Add button.
- Restart the program and import the file.
- Again, click on the Tools option and select Import/Export.
- Click the Import option, and then Import direct files. Press the OK button.
- Now, navigate to the location where your oversize MBOX file is located and open it.
Limitations of the Manual Method
You can easily view the content of the file, but due to the size of the file, this method has some drawbacks when you use it.
- You cannot do an in-depth analysis of your file.
- It causes many problems, like slow performances or other issues, while using this method.
- Users can lose their data during the process.
- You cannot see attachments in the program.
Hence, Thunderbird is not a great option to view oversize MBOX file. That’s why there is another method that can be used to overcome these limitations.
Automated Way to Read Large MBOX File
Large files cause many problems that are not good to view in the program. So, an MBOX Reader Tool from FreeViewer will help users to view, read, or analyze MBOX files in a very easy way. You can use any normal, corrupt, damaged, orphan, or oversize file to view the data without harming it. If you want to export your files in PDF format or print them, the software has two editions available: Pro and Pro Plus. There are other amazing features, such as.
Features of Software
- The software provides a clear preview of your file with associated contacts and calendars.
- You can also view all email properties in the file, such as to, from, subject, etc.
- There is no size limitation on the MBOX file to view in the software.
- It offers many preview modes, like HEX, HTML, MIME, RTF, attachments, etc.
- The software is used in all the Windows versions.
Steps to Read Large MBOX File
- Download and install the software on your computer. Open it, and then go to the Add File option.
- Select the MBOX file from the list of email applications and click on Select File(s)/folder from the file system. Press the next button.
- Click the Browse button, navigate to the location where your oversize file is, and open it.
- After that, your file will display in the center of the screen. You can now view all the data in the file.
- To view the attachments in the MBOX file, click the Attachment option in the Preview options at the bottom of the screen.
- You can view the file horizontally or vertically by clicking the Switch View option.
- To export and use other advanced features, click on Upgrade to Pro.
Conclusion
Many times, users cannot manage their data, and as a result, the problem of oversizing the MBOX file occurs. Therefore, in this article, we explained different ways to read large MBOX file. Although the Thunderbird program is useful to import and view files, it can cause many problems when used. Thus, the software method is the best method because it is easy to use and allows you to view the file without affecting your data. So this method is a good option to view oversize MBOX file.