Introduction

Archives of Google inboxes or Google Groups are typically exported as .mbox files which require a third-party application to open and navigate. We recommend utilizing Mozilla Thunderbird as it's free, secure, and relatively easy to use.

Follow the instructions below to open your .mbox file

Instructions

  1. Download and install Mozilla Thunderbird
  2. Launch the software, and from the Home tab, select Feed to set up a new account
  3. Give your account a name (eg. Gmail archive, etc) and click Next. Then click Finish. If not automatically redirected, click on the tab with the name of your new account.
    Create new feed account
  4. Click the hamburger menu in the top right and select Addons and Themes
    Open addons and themes menu

  5. Search for ImportExportTools NG locate it from the list and click Add to Thunderbird
  6. If prompted, click Add to confirm the installation
    Add ImportExportTools NG
  7. Return to your new account tab
  8. Right-click on the name of your account, select ImportExportTools NG > Import mbox file
    Import mbox file menu

  9. Select Import directly one or more mbox files and click OK
    Choose import menu

  10. Locate the file on your computer and click Open
  11. The messages may take a minute to load. You can now navigate the contents of the archive
    Archive messages in inbox

Audience

students
faculty
staff
alumni

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