How to Resolve “Thunderbird Import Greyed Out” Option?

Summary: You are also a regular Thunderbird user & facing the error “Thunderbird Import MBOX Greyed out” while working your MBOX data. Then, don’t worry! In this guide post, we are going to resolve this issue by using various manual steps. Also, what can be the reason behind this problem, and a secure professional way to permanently fix it. First, we should say something about the Thunderbird before fixing the error. As, it is an open source email client for users to import their MBOX files for smooth email transfer throughout the process.

Also Know: Transfer Thunderbird From one Computer to Another?

Why Thunderbird Import Option Greyed Out?

There are common reasons which users usually do and end of facing this greyed out option. Let’s get it into those factors and prevent this error from happening.

• Thunderbird does not directly support MBOX files to import. For this, you need an external add-on to be installed that is your ImportExportTools NG.
• You may experience compatibility problems if you are running an old version of Thunderbird. As, it does not support all the newest add-ons.
• A corrupt Thunderbird profile or an incomplete installation of the software can cause certain features to become disabled.
• The MBOX import feature will not be there if there is no local folder present in your application.
• You need to clear the memory and cache which runs behind the Thunderbird in safe mode. It will disable all addons including your ImportExportTools NG extension.
• If the add-on is not installed correctly the import menu option may not be an option.

How to Fix Thunderbird Import MBOX Greyed Out? Manual Ways

As there are multiple ways of correcting this error after it occurs. Below are the steps to do it and ensure a smooth Thunderbird issue.

#1. Install ImportExportTools NG Add-on

Thunderbird does not natively support MBOX imports. You should install the ImportExportTools NG extension. Follow the steps given below:

1. Open Thunderbird application on your system.
2. Visit Tools > Add-ons and Themes.
3. Search for ImportExportTools NG.
4. Tap on the Add to Thunderbird button and follow the next process of installation.
5. Close and again start Thunderbird to see if the import extension is now possible or not.

#2. Create a Local Folder

If Thunderbird doesn’t recognise a local folder, it won’t permit import of MBOX files.

1. Open Thunderbird.
2. Right click on either your email account or Local Folders.
3. Choose New Folder and name it when prompted.
4. Then right click on this folder > ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX File should not be greyed out.

#3. Disable Safe Mode

This is one criteria to check as it can be the reason for this. And also try it while running Thunderbird on safe mode.

1. Close Thunderbird completely.
2. Relaunch Thunderbird normally.
3. Make sure it runs in Normal Mode.
4. Attempt to import the MBOX file once more.

# 4. Update Thunderbird Client

If you are currently working on an older version, then it can cause compatibility problems with your ImportExportTool NG extensions. So lets move on to the below steps to upgrade the newest release of mail client to get all of the features.

1. Firstly, launch Thunderbird.
2. Click Help > About Thunderbird.
3. If one is available, download and install it.
4. Again, restart the application in your system.

#5. Reinstall the ImportExportTools NG extension

Now, if it’s not working and showing “Thunderbird import MBOX greyed out”. Reinstall the extension again.

1. Reinstall If the addon was not installed properly, and reinstall it.
2. Launch Thunderbird and navigate to the Add-ons section.
3. Look for ImportExportTools NG and Remove.
4. Restart Thunderbird.
5. Lastly, again reinstall it from the Add-ons Repository to see the changes.

Permanently Fix “Thunderbird Import MBOX Greyed Out” - Automated Approach

If you are continuously facing the error of “Thunderbird Import Greyed Out”. Then, it is probably because of a missing import feature on the Thunderbird side or a corrupt Thunderbird profile. To permanently resolve this error, opt for the smart SysTools Thunderbird Import tool. It can fully import MBOX to Thunderbird without the help of any add-ons or manual methods. It allows batch importing and keeps folder structure as it is. Also, it will not stop if your Thunderbird account has not been set up completely. Quickly download & run our software, which is suitable for professional as well as personal users.

Conclusion

We have discussed various manual solutions such as enabling the ImportExportTools NG add-on, updating, or reinstalling to solve the error “Thunderbird Import MBOX Greyed out”. But, all these approaches are for one time fix. To get rid of this permanently, we have mentioned our professional solution to save time and reduce the chances of any Thunderbird error.