Outlook .pst 2003 to Thunderbird

The .pst file format for Outlook is a pain. It seems each new version of Outlook makes it harder and less compatible with the rest of the world. PST files are not easily imported into other email or address book systems. Downgrading from the 2003 to the 2000 version is impossible without third party software or some magic trick. Ultimately, my goal is to switch to Linux. Switching from Windows to Linux is hard enough without adding Outlook 2003 pst files into picture.

I have one possible solution to converting the impossible 2003 pst to Thunderbird. This will required that I obtain a trial copy of Outlook 2003 for Windows. It's only temporary, and I could get rid of Outlook once I was done. Of course, I'll need Windows to be able to do this. So, using Outlook Express, Thunderbird, and EssentialPIM I was able to get all the email, contacts, and calendar information I needed. If I already had another version of MS Office installed that I wanted to keep, then I would have to reinstall it after I finished.

First, I downloaded the trial version of Microsoft Office 2003 Standard Edition. Once I downloaded Office, I need only install Outlook. I use the trial key they provide by email. I Activate Outlook 2003 as normal. If I want to check out their 30 or 60 day trial I can, but I don't think I'll be interested.

Once installed, I verify that all my email and contacts are there. If not, I'd have to add the pst file of my choice to Outlook.

I tried to export directly from Outlook, but the option was grayed out on my trial version. It is obvious that m$oft doesn't want anyone to stop using Outlook. I then used Outlook Express to import the email messages. The contacts didn't import so well into the contact folder.

Thunderbird was the final destination for my emails and contacts. So, I imported the emails from Outlook Express and the contacts from Outlook into Thunderbird using the import utility found in Thunderbird.

Well, I have to have a calendar. So, I used this wonderful Personal Information Manager called EssentialPIM to import the calendar information.

Once these things are converted to more compatible formats, it's much easier to move to another OS.

Now, I can un-install the trial version of Microsoft Office 2003 trail version, because I'm never going to need it again.

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