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MBOX Import ​

This guide explains how to import emails from MBOX files into MyEmailVault.

MBOX is a standard format for storing collections of email messages in a single file. It is used by many email clients and export tools, including Mozilla Thunderbird and Google Takeout.

Exporting MBOX Files ​

From Thunderbird ​

  1. Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on in Thunderbird.
  2. Right-click the folder you want to export.
  3. Select ImportExportTools NG > Export folder as MBOX file.
  4. Save the file to your computer.

From Gmail (Google Takeout) ​

  1. Go to Google Takeout.
  2. Deselect all products, then select Mail.
  3. Choose the export format and click Create export.
  4. Once the export is ready, download the archive and extract the .mbox file(s).

Setup Steps ​

1. Create an Ingestion Source ​

In MyEmailVault, navigate to Ingestions and click Create New. Select MBOX Import as the provider.

2. Enter a Name ​

Give the source a descriptive name (e.g., "Thunderbird Archive" or "Gmail Takeout 2024").

3. Provide the MBOX File ​

You can import an MBOX file using one of two methods:

Option A: Upload File ​

Click Upload File and select the MBOX file from your computer. The file will be uploaded to MyEmailVault for processing.

Option B: Local Path ​

If the MBOX file is already accessible on the server filesystem, enter the full file path in the Local Path field.

4. Save ​

Click Save to create the ingestion source. MyEmailVault will parse the MBOX file and import all emails, including attachments.

Folder Structure Preservation ​

MyEmailVault reads folder metadata from email headers when available:

  • X-Gmail-Labels -- Used by Gmail Takeout exports to indicate the original Gmail labels (e.g., "Inbox", "Sent", "Important").
  • X-Folder -- Used by some email clients to indicate the original folder path.

When these headers are present, MyEmailVault will organize the imported emails under the corresponding folder paths in the archive.

What Happens Next ​

The source status will show Importing while the MBOX file is being processed. Once all emails have been extracted and archived, the status will change to Imported.

MBOX imports are one-time operations. There is no ongoing sync. To import additional MBOX files, create a new ingestion source.