Methods to Convert OST to PST from all Outlook Versions

 

What are OST and PST Files?

MS Outlook is one of the most popular email clients which is a part of the MS Office suite. It uses two data files: OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table) to store your mailbox data locally. An OST file is an offline replica of your Outlook profile and includes every email associated with that profile. Any modification to your mailbox account will update these files automatically. However, OST files are unsuitable for data backup and sharing.

On the other hand, PST files are excellent for backups. Your Outlook emails are available locally in PST file format. A PST file also makes it simple to relocate and share your mailbox data. So you have to convert the OST files into PST format in order to open and access mail items from an OST in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, or previous versions.

Differences Between OST and PST Files

Before you begin the conversion procedure, be sure you understand the differences between an OST file and a PST file. See how an OST file and a PST file differ, as well as the requirement to convert Outlook OST to PST.

Basis	OST File	PST File
Internet Connectivity	You can access your inbox data through OST files, without an Internet connection.	PST files give you the ability to locally backup and restore the contents of your Outlook mailbox.
Compatibility of File	The Exchange Server is the only platform that can open OST files.	Both Exchange Server and MS Outlook can open PST files.
Emails and appointments with IMAP and MAPI	Outlook 2016 stores all emails and appointments from IMAP and MAPI accounts in an OST file.	Earlier versions of Outlook 2013 kept all emails and appointments in PST file formats for IMAP and MAPI accounts.
Use of an built-in Tool to Correct Minor Corrosion	OST Files can have minimal corruption fixed with the ScanOST.exe Tool.	The Inbox Repair Tool or ScanPST.exe are used to repair PST files that have mild damage.

 

Why You Need to Convert OST File to PST File Format

Well, if you want to open an OST file to recover some data then you have to convert it into a PST file. There are also some more benefits to exporting OST to PST. For instance:

1. You won’t need to be concerned if you convert OST files to PST format about your data being inadvertently erased from the Exchange.
2. If your Exchange Server crashes for any reason, you can still access your data.
3. After converting an OST file to a PST file, you can save the PST file in a secure location locally.
4. Offline OST files become unreachable while Exchange is being maintained. Therefore, you must export OST to PST and then import those files into the MS Outlook program if you wish to use those files.

The above needs lead users to change their OST files into PST files. Therefore, ahead in this article, we are going to explain the best methods to change OST to PST. So let us get started.

Best Methods to Convert OST to PST for MS Outlook Free

Here, we have specified the 03 reliable methods to convert OST file to PST. However, make sure you have the correct login information and have utilized the Outlook account sync with the Exchange profile before beginning the procedure. Additionally, there is no manual technique that is completely secure, so we advise you to take a backup of your mailbox data at a secure location.

Method 1: Convert OST Files into PST Using the Import/Export Feature

Make sure you need to utilise the Outlook credentials with the Exchange account when performing the steps listed below to export OST files to PST format.

1. Open Outlook and navigate to File.
2. Click on the Import & Export function under the Open & Export section.
3. Click Next after selecting Export to a File.
4. Click Next after selecting Outlook data file (.pst).
5. Choose the folder you wish to export then click Next.
6. To choose the output.pst file’s path, click the Browse option.
7. Select the other duplication management option, then click Finish.
8. If you like, set a password for the PST file, and then click OK to complete the procedure.

Method 2: Export OST to PST Using the Auto Archive Setting

Outlook provides archiving data options that allow you to convert the OST mailbox folders to PST file format. It has the ability to convert every item in the OST mailbox to PST format. Although you can move other mailbox items using this function, it does not archive contacts. So follow the steps below to convert OST file to PST.

1. Launch the MS Outlook application on your system and click on the File tab.
2. Go to the Options, and in the Outlook Options wizard, then move your to the Advanced section.
3. Here, click on AutoArchive Settings.
4. An AutoArchive window will pop-up on your screen; enable the required one.
5. After selecting the necessary option, click on the Ok button.
6. Finally, your OST file data is saved into a PST file with assigned archive settings.

Method 3: Convert OST files to PST With a Professional Solution

OST to PST Converter is the best and most trustworthy software for converting OST files into PST format. It allows users to convert OST files to Outlook PST file format, both individually as well as in bulk. You can also export the data from an OST file into other formats, including EML, MSG, MBOX, HTML, and CSV. Additionally, import OST files to Gmail and other email clients, including Office 365, Zoho Mail, Yandex Mail, etc.

Follow the Given Seven Steps to Convert an OST File to PST

1. Download and Run the OST to PST Converter.
2. Click the Add File button to select the OST file that you want to convert.
3. Hit the OK button after the scanning process is complete.
4. Now, previews the OST mailboxes before converting the OST file as a PST.
5. Click the Save button and select the destination folder to save the exported OST file.
6. After that, click on the OK button to convert the OST to a PST file.
7. Finally, your selected OST file successfully converted into the PST file.

Conclusion

In brief, we have discussed the best and most reliable methods to convert OST files to PST. Furthermore, there are three methods which include two manual and one professional method. There is a chance that manual processes could fall short of your expectations. Therefore, to convert OST files to PST format in such a situation, you can use the OST to PST Converter Tool. I sincerely hope that this article answers your question about converting OST to PST files.

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