Problem updating email system

[Ian J]

I have been happily using Outlook 2003 for over 20 years and it suited my purposes until recently but now I can't send emails to almost anyone as 2003 doesn't support modern standards.

I have tried to upgrade to a more modern system but unsuccessfully so far. I bought Office 2021 but it doesn't seem to want to import the pst files from my current version. I have also downloaded Office 365 and whilst I can import the pst files to that it loses the folder structure and I end up with hundreds of emails all in the inbox.

I have been using Thunderbird to send emails but again I cannot import the existing pst file even though I have bought a couple of converter programs that are supposed to convert pst to mbox but neither seem to work.

Having used Outlook 2003 for 20 years you can imagine how many emails I have and they are all in an extensive folder structure so it is important that whatever I upgrade to will accommodate the folder structure and existing emails filed in them.

Currently I receive emails into Outlook 2003 but send them through Thunderbird which as you can imagine is a very cumbersome way to do things.

Does anyone have any suggestions of how I can solve my conundrum?

 

[ukwebhosting]

Hi

Prior to this do you move your mail to a .pst file or was it created specifically to export/import? or maybe you're setup using pop3?

What protocol do you use in your email account pop3 or IMAP?

 

[ServWise]

I would try to work with thunderbird if I was you, it has the best workable folder system but I suspect you will have to compromise / relearn some things. I keep trying out other mail options but always end up coming back to TB.

Sounds like you have all mail stored locally (using pop3?), what you might want to do is run 1 or more IMAP accounts that keep mail online (Allowing you to sync between devices) and archive down to local (and a local backup) for older mail so you are not using tons of online storage space.

Thunderbird should just be able to import mail config direct from your outlook install during setup (Without the need to choose individual pst files), does it give you this option.

See the following guide

How to Import Outlook to Thunderbird - A Complete Guide

Learn how to import Outlook to Thunderbird with our complete guide, covering manual method and Outlook to Thunderbird converter tool for a smooth migration.

www.syscurve.com

Other options might be

The Bat (Old school but super configurable)
eMClient

 

[Ian J]

What protocol do you use in your email account pop3 or IMAP?

Pop3

 

[Ian J]

See the following guide

How to Import Outlook to Thunderbird - A Complete Guide

Learn how to import Outlook to Thunderbird with our complete guide, covering manual method and Outlook to Thunderbird converter tool for a smooth migration.

www.syscurve.com

thanks I'll give it a try

 

[ukwebhosting]

Pop3

Thanks, rather than importing have you tried just opening the pst file?

You should then be able to set your mail program to deliver the new mail into that pst file.

I am fairly sure pst does not retain the folder structure on an import but it may just by opening it.

 

[Ian J]

Thanks, rather than importing have you tried just opening the pst file?

You should then be able to set your mail program to deliver the new mail into that pst file.

Thanks. I'll give it a try