From Outlook to Mail.app with libpst
Joe Tan at Tan Tan Noodles has written up a way 
to switch from Outlook to Mail.app using the open source utility, libpst , which was originally developed for Linux but runs fine on Mac OSX.
There are already a number of tried and true ways to crack open Outlook’s PST files and make the transition, either using Mozilla or (for Outlook Express users) DbxConv.
Or you could use the shareware utility, O2M (formerly known as Outlook2Mac) which only costs USD 10.
Still, some people get a kick out doing this kind of thing for free, and libpst offers another way.
Joe outlines just twelve steps from downloading the source code, compiling (not as hard as you imagine) and running it, to the end result.
If I had a PST file to hand, I’d try it myself. Fortunately, I don’t.
Tags: Apple Mail, freeware, mail.app, microsoft, outlook, outlook express, pst files, switchingRelated posts
February 15th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Anyone know of a free way to convert lotus notes (.nsf) to apple mail?
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:28 am
This doesn’t work I am afraid. There is no way to compile as make is not recognised by the terminal. Also the version downloadable is different to that mentioned in this tutorial. The version available is from 2004. No surprise it won’t work in OS X.
March 20th, 2007 at 1:13 am
Another way is to import Outlook mail files into Eudora and then import the Eudora files to Mail.app. This is basically the same thing the libpst is doing without the hassle of compiling and whatnot.
I’m unsure what actually changes (is lost or gained) in the conversion. I’m looking into this more as my dad is looking to switch and this is the major holdup as he has a zillion messages in Outlook from the dawn of time that he just can’t get rid of.
March 20th, 2007 at 8:57 am
I’d be interested in hearing how it goes in the end. It sounds too simple to be true! :)