How to Import PST to Roundcube? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Quick Answer: As per the official documentation, there is no native way to import PST to Roundcube account. This can be a problem for users who need to restore their Outlook archive (PST file) to their new Roundcube email account. However, it is possible by either using Outlook as a free tool or for large PST files using an automated tool like Xtraxtor to transfer with complete data and attachments while maintaining mailbox structure and data integrity.

Many Outlook users frequently switch to web-based email platforms as they are more convenient to access from any device without needing to install desktop software. One such platform is Roundcube Webmail which is a popular open source webmail application used by many hosting providers.

However, there is a common problem users face when moving from Outlook to Roundcube: PST files are not natively supported.

PST (Personal Storage Table) is backup file format used by users it export their Outlook data. It is only supported by Outlook to store its profile data, such as emails, contacts, calendars, attachments, tasks, journals etc.

Since Roundcube doesn’t support PST files directly, you have to do it with some indirect methods.

What you’ll learn from this guide:

• Why can’t Roundcube open PST files directly?
• Two free ways to import PST file
• When you should use manual methods
• How to transfer PST files to Roundcube directly using the professional Tool

So, let’s begin to understand each section one by one.

Can Roundcube Import PST Files Directly?

No. Roundcube does not have a direct option to import PST files into it

This is because PST is a Microsoft Outlook’s proprietary file format and Roundcube is a webmail interface designed to work with mails stored on an IMAP server.

Therefore, it is not possible to upload a PST file into Roundcube directly.

There are three practical ways to migrate Outlook PST emails to Roundcube.

Method 1. Set up your Roundcube account in Microsoft Outlook with the IMAP settings and copy emails from the PST file to the synced mailbox.

Method 2. If your hosting provider has enabled the Import Messages feature in Roundcube, you can convert PST file to MBOX or EML format and import the converted mailbox.

Method 3. Connect your Roundcube mailbox with IMAP and migrate PST emails directly to Roundcube with Xtraxtor PST Converter.

The following sections will describe each of the methods in detail, first we will begin with the free manual approaches.

Method 1: Import PST to Roundcube Using Outlook IMAP

This process is easy and users can import few PST files in Roundcube via Outlook. So, Outlook installation is necessary and you can manually upload PST emails by setting your Roundcube Mail account in Outlook with IMAP.

Once the account is synchronized, you can copy or drag emails from the PST file to the Roundcube mailbox. Then Outlook will upload the messages to the mail server and make it available in Roundcube.

Step 1: Configure Your Roundcube Email Account in Outlook

1. Open Microsoft Outlook app on your system.
2. Then, click File >> Add Account option.
3. Now, enter your Roundcube email address and click Continue.
4. Choose IMAP for the account type (if prompted).
5. Enter the IMAP and SMTP server details of your hosting provider.
6. Provide your email password in the respective field.
7. Finish setting up your account and let Outlook synchronize the mailbox.

Step 2: Open PST file

If your PST file is not yet available in Outlook:

1. Click File > Open & Export.
2. Click Open Outlook Data File
3. Open the PST file.
4. Click on Open.

The PST mailbox will appear one left folder pane in Outlook.

Step 3: Transfer PST Emails to Roundcube Mailbox

1. Open the PST folders in which you want to import.
2. Open your Roundcube IMAP Account’s destination folder.
3. Drag and drop the needed emails or folders from the PST file to the Roundcube mailbox.
4. Or, you can right-click the folder and choose Copy Folder or Move Folder.

Outlook will start transferring the emails to the IMAP server. The amount of time it takes to upload depends on the size of your mailbox and the speed of your internet connection.

Step 4: Check the Migration

When the synchronization is finished:

1. Login to your Roundcube Webmail account.
2. Open the folders at the destination.
3. Verify emails and attachments have been correctly uploaded and folder structure is in place.

Method 2: Upload PST Emails to Roundcube Using a Compatible Mail Format

Roundcube has an Import Messages option that lets users upload email files but it only supports MBOX or EML format. So, you need to convert PST file into these two file formats.

Note: Availability of the Import Messages feature depends on your hosting provider and Roundcube configuration. If you don’t see this option, use Method 1 or Method 3.

Step 1: Convert PST File

Convert the Outlook mailbox to MBOX format using a trusted PST to MBOX conversion tool without making any changes in the folder structure.

Save the resulting MBOX file to your computer after it has been converted.

Step 2: Log into Roundcube

1. Open your browser in which you want to login to your Roundcube Mail.
2. Log in to your Roundcube Webmail account.
3. Choose the destination folder where you want to import emails.

Step 3: Import MBOX File

1. Depending on your version of Roundcube, click the gear icon or Folder actions menu.
2. Select Import Messages.
3. Locate the converted MBOX file (or compatible EML file).
4. Click Open.
5. Wait for the upload process to finish.

After the import is performed, refresh the mailbox to view the imported mails.

Why Manual PST to Roundcube Methods May Not Be Suitable for Everyone?

The manual methods described above can work without any issues but while implementing these methods, we found that these works well for small mailboxes. However, there are limitations with them that may make them less practical for larger mailboxes or business environments.

Some of the common challenges are:

• Manual migration often requires setting up Outlook and other things that consists multiple steps.
• Uploading large PST files via IMAP can take several hours.
• To successfully complete the migration, you need to have the accurate IMAP server details
• If you want to import several PST files altogether, you will have to repeat the same process again and again.
• Free methods usually lack selective features to choose folders and email specifically.

If you are migrating only one small PST file, these methods may sufficient for you. However, users with large Outlook data file or multiple mailboxes would prefer an automated method.

Method 3: Expert Solution to Import |Open PST File in Roundcube

In order to tackle the above challenges, we suggest you to take help of any professional method that is willing to handle PST to Roundcube email migration task easily. For instance, we suggest using Xtraxtor PST File Converter. It offers a direct solution to transfer complete email folders such as inbox, sent, important etc, to your Roundcube Mailbox at one time. Instead of manually configuring Outlook or converting PST files to another format, the software connects to your Roundcube mailbox through IMAP and uploads the emails without taking much time.

Download the demo version of the software to know more about it.

Procedure to Import PST to Roundcube Webmail

Step 1. Run the Xtraxtor tool on your system.

Step 2. After that, select Open >> Email Data File >> PST File >> Select File or Folder.

Step 3. Here you can view your data file emails and view them.

Step 4. Click on Export and choose the IMAP saving option.

Step 5. Now, if you want to import a few email folders that are needed, then you can select the email folders here.

Step 6. Browse the targeted location and hit on the Save button.

The software has started uploading the emails directly to your IMAP account while preserving the mailbox structure.

Once the process is complete, sign in to Roundcube and verify the migrated folders and messages from your PST file.

Features Of Outlook PST to Roundcube Converter Tool

There are various outstanding features of this automated tool, some of them mentioned below –

• Maintain Data Integrity: While transferring PST file to Roundcube using this automated tool, you can be assured of your email integrity. There will be no alteration or modification in the content of the email and its formatting.
• Email Filter Options: This Import tool offers various email filter options to search and import specific emails from PST file. You can apply filters such as – to, from, cc, bcc, time range, date, subject, name, property id & name, etc.
• Data Extraction: Using this utility, you can explicitly extract attachments from PST file. You can also export phone numbers, calendar events from PST file.
• Selective Folder Migration: The software gives an option to select email folders that are important to you. In this way, you can import the selective emails only and save space.
• Move PST File to Webmail Accounts: Using this utility, users can also import PST to Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo, Yandex, Zoho Mail, and many other webmail accounts.
• Preserve Email Key Attributes: When one move PST file to Roundcube account, this utility import the emails along with their properties. This software transfers email with its key elements such as – to, from, cc, bcc, subject, inline image, hyperlinks, attachments, signatures, etc.
• Email Preview: After you add the PST file, the software shows its content. Here you can view your emails before importing them into Roundcube mailbox.
• Export PST File to Other Formats: This tool not only performs the import process but also performs email conversion. You can use this tool and convert PST to PDF, CSV, EML, HTML, ICS, and other file formats.
• Support Windows OS: This automated tool is compatible with all Windows OS systems. It will efficiently run on Windows 11, 10, 7, Vista, XP, and all other previous OS versions.

Conclusion

As Roundcube does not support importing PST files directly, we have chosen three different methods. Users can opt for free manual methods such as by adding Roundcube account in Outlook using IMAP or converting PST files to Roundcube compatible file format or choose an automated solution.

Manual methods work well for small mailbox but are often consists multiple steps, requires technical configuration and takes long time to process. They may also not be as practical when dealing with large PST files or multiple mailboxes.

Xtraxtor PST Converter helps users to transfer PST file data to Roundcube in a faster and easier manner.

Choose the method that fits your mailbox size and migration needs to successfully move your Outlook emails to Roundcube while minimizing downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I directly import a PST file into Roundcube?

Ans. No, there is no direct way to open PST emails in Roundcube account. However, using the automated tool you can directly move the PST file data into Roundcube mailbox.

Q2. Will the folder structure from my PST file be preserved in Roundcube?

Ans. Yes, while importing PST emails to Roundcube, the tool maintain email folder and sub-folder hierarchy and structure.