File extension .MBOX
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Mail Mailbox Format | N/A | Text Files |
The MBOX file extension is used for e-mail related files and data structures. In general, an MBOX file contains messages acquired from the e-mail server, which are then stored as individual files. Messages will be stored in the form of a single or multiple ASCII text based MBOX files.
The MBOX format is extremely flexible, allowing importing into most email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, and Mozilla Thunderbird. Other related file extensions include .mbx, mbox/r, and .mbs.
How the MBOX File Works
The structure of an MBOX, or Mailbox file, is designed to store messages from an Internet message server, usually in a plain text format. It utilizes an internal structure based on the standard RFC822 format for individual message entries. The mailbox itself is stored as one large text file and messages are stored similar to how old-fashioned style dial-up modem mail systems "packetize" messages into individual mail packets.
The block of text comprising an individual message or an attachment within the MBox is divided up with the "From" command which serves as a boundary marker for a set of mail data located in between two lines containing From commands. The body of the mail block, the message text, remains unchanged between messages when parsed out by an email client.
Advantages of MBOX File Format
The main advantage to using an .mbox format for retaining email messages is that they can be easily backed-up or processed in a consistent manner and can be imported into various other programs without too much difficulty. This makes it easy to maintain emails over long spans of time and to migrate them over to other solutions if needed.
Another advantage to using the .mbox format is that it allows for various metadata to be retained along with historical and non-standardized email headers that a server may have added during transit.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .MBOX) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .MBOX extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .MBOX file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .MBOX extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .MBOX extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .MBOX file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .MBOX file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .MBOX file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .MBOX file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .MBOX file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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