How to Backup Outlook Files for Linux

Whether you have decided to dual-boot your system with Linux and Windows or you are doing a clean install of Linux and removing Windows, you should backup your Outlook email files so you can transfer them to Linux. It’s a lot easier than you think and can be completed in a few simple steps.


Step 1 Before installing Linux, go online and download Mozilla Thunderbird, which is an email client. The website for easy download is located below in the URL section.

Step 2 After successfully downloading the Mozilla Thunderbird email client, install it on your current Windows operating system.

Step 3 Once installed, open Thunderbird and select “Tools” then “Import.” This will allow you to import your existing files from Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express.

Step 4 Once completed you will need to find where the mail files were stored when imported to Thunderbird. With Thunderbird open, go to “Tools” and “Account Settings,” where you can then look in the Local Directory box.

Step 5 Once you find the mail files, backup the files onto a CD, DVD, or Flash Drive so you can then load them into the Linux email client once you install Linux.