How can I read old Outlook MSG emails in Thunderbird when the original Outlook setup is gone?

[ivyclarkharris]

I have a backup folder from an old office computer that contains many MSG files, but Outlook is no longer installed. I now use Thunderbird and need these emails in EML format, with attachments, sender details, dates, and message formatting still readable.

 

[jeffreygarcia]

The MSG files will not open properly in Thunderbird as they are if the old Outlook setup is gone. Thunderbird has much better support for EML. So the practical way is to convert the old MSG emails into EML format first.

Do not rename the files from .msg to .eml. That shortcut may leave you with broken headers, missing attachments, or unreadable message formatting. Keep a copy of the old MSG folder and convert only the duplicate folder.

When Outlook is no longer available, a safer option to check is DataVare MSG to EML Converter Expert. It can read Outlook MSG files without Outlook installation, preview email details before export, and save the converted EML files locally for Thunderbird. It also helps keep attachments, subject, date, recipients, and formatting with the email.

After conversion, open a few EML files in Thunderbird first. If the emails, attachments, and dates look correct, then move the rest of the converted files.