Solve Cannot Import Messages. ‘The Import Messages from a Directory’ is Light Grey Error

Many Thunderbird users face this situation when they need to import MBOX file in Thunderbird account but cannot import messages. "The import messages from a directory" is light grey - this is the problem they face. In this write-up, we will discuss this problem and how to solve it. First of all, we will learn the causes of this error.

This import MBOX file option greyed out issue may arise due to different reasons. The most common reason is MBOX file corruption. If MBOX file gets corrupt, Thunderbird detects it and greys import MBOX option to stop the damaged file from being transferred. If it is not an updated version of Thunderbird, then it may also show this problem. Apart from these, a bug or virus can also be responsible for this issue. Now that we know the reasons, we will know its remedy.

This error is surely an annoying one for all the Thunderbird users who face this problem. Users may try to update Thunderbird, but this does not work in most cases. To resolve this issue, users need to take help of some third-party applications, since there is no easy manual method. With a number of applications available in the market, it is normal for the users to get confused. Moreover, most of the products do not function as they claim to do. Rather than getting deceived by a random software, it is better to take suggestion of market experts. Thunderbird Import Wizard is one tool that can be relied upon to solve Thunderbird import messages from a directory option is light grey error.

Through this application, users can easily transfer multiple MBOX files in their Thunderbird account. After import, it keeps the data integrity and folder structure intact. This tool is capable of importing multiple MBOX files in a batch. All in all, this is the smart solution to Thunderbird import messages from directory option greyed out issue. It can import any size of MBOX files to Thunderbird without any trouble. Now we will see how to solve import message form directory option is greyed issue can be solved.

These are the steps to resolve the mentioned issue using the tool.

First of all, you have to install Thunderbird Import Wizard on your system.

There will be two options on the tool, namely, Add File and Add Folder. For these two options, there will be a different set of instructions. We will describe both for the benefit of the users.

If you click Add File to add MBOX file, follow these steps:

1. Select the MBOX file(s) you need to import and then click Open.

2. Enable Apply Filter option and then click on Set.

3. Use Date Filter option to choose specific emails from your chosen date range.

4. Choose Maintain Folder Hierarchy option to keep the same folder structure in Thunderbird.

5. Click on Import to start the process.

6. After the process is done, you will be notified. Click OK on that notification.

7. Click Save Report to save the import report in the destination location.

8. Thus, you will get rid of import messages option is grey problem.

If you click Add Folder to multiple MBOX files, follow these steps:

1. Select the folder of your choice that has required MBOX files and click OK.

2. You will see all MBOX files lists on the screen. Click on Next.

3. Select Apply Filter >> Set to enable filtering.

4. Enter the date range you want to use for email filter.

5. Now choose the option Maintain Folder Hierarchy.

6. Click Import to get MBOX files imported to Thunderbird. After it is done, you will get a message. Click OK on the message.

7. Save Report for future reference. Now you have the MBOX files imported into Thunderbird email client.