Yes, if you are looking for the best way to migrate an OST file to a PST file, you will find it here, and you will get a solution. This article will show you an effective solution to convert OST to PST files in Outlook. Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand what OST and PST files are.
At a Glance: OST and PST Files
In Microsoft Outlook, an OST file is an offline file folder that allows users to work offline and then synchronize changes with Exchange Server the next time they connect. In contrast, a PST file, also known as a Personal Folder file, is an open proprietary file format used to store copies of messages, calendar events, and other items within Microsoft applications such as the Microsoft Exchange client and Microsoft Outlook.
What is the Difference Between Outlook Express (OST) and Outlook (PST) Files?
Microsoft Outlook and servers use the OST file format to store offline copies of data. PST, on the other hand, is an Outlook personal storage table that is used to store emails in the Outlook application. Users create it to store, among other things, email, contacts, and calendar entries. PST files are ideal for backup because they can be stored and transferred between machines.
As long as you have an Internet connection, OST files will automatically sync with the email server, but PST files will not.
OST files are only compatible with Microsoft Exchange Server, but PST files can be used with a variety of other services.
PST files were also used for IMAP or MAPI accounts until Microsoft Outlook 2013. With Outlook 2016, however, the client saves all of your emails and appointments from IMAP and MAPI accounts in an offline storage table (.ost) file.
Why is it Necessary to Migrate an OST File to a PST File?
Every user may face unique challenges when converting Exchange IMAP .ost to.pst. The following are some of the most important reasons:
- When a small number of exchange mailboxes are removed from the server.
- An Exchange user wants to rebuild his OST file, but the OST file contains some unsaved data.
- When they try to back up a few exchange mailboxes, the OST files are inaccessible due to Exchange corruption, or the server may have crashed, and users need their emails right away.
Accessing mailbox data can be difficult in some cases due to Exchange Server maintenance and downtime. After synchronizing with the Exchange server, the mailbox data is saved with the .ost extension and is inaccessible. The user must convert OST to PST file format in order to access OST mailboxes.
How to Convert an OST (Offline Folder) File to a PST (Personal Folder) File
Converting OST files to PST can be done in a variety of ways. The following are some examples of manual techniques:
Archiving is the First Method.
The Outlook email client allows you to archive data by converting OST mailbox folders to PST files. It has the ability to convert all of the items in an OST mailbox to PST format. This feature does not allow you to archive contacts, but it does allow you to move other items in your mailbox.
To Migrate an OST File to a PST File, Follow the Steps Below:
- To begin, open MS Outlook, then open the OST file containing the phenotype data to be exported.
- Navigate to the File tab -> Cleanup tools can be found by going to Info -> Cleanup tools.
- Select Archive from the drop-down menu.
- Make sure the option to archive this folder and all subfolders is selected in the dialogue box that appears.
- Choose the folder you want to convert to PST.
- Provide an appropriate date in the Archive items older than the box section. All previously received email items will be archived until the specified date.
- Now, under the option: Archive File, specify the new PST file’s destination path.
- Then, to complete the export process, click Ok.
Method #2: Create a PST file from your mailbox.
Log in to Outlook using the same exchange account that was used to create the OST file.
- Outlook OST to PST conversion.
- Navigate to Files, then to Open & Export, then to Import & Export.
- Click Next after selecting Export to a File.
- Click Next after selecting Outlook data file (.pst).
- Select the folder you want to export and then press Next.
- Browse to the location where you want to save your new PST file and make the appropriate duplicate item selections.
Note: While all of these manual techniques can convert OST files to PST format in Outlook, they are time-consuming for users; therefore, you should try a professional tool that can convert OST files to PST format in Outlook without losing any data.
How to Convert an OST to a PST without an Exchange Server or a Profile
OST to PST Converter is a powerful tool that converts OST files to PST format without the need for an Exchange connection or profile. It can repair your Offline Exchange OST file and export all mailbox items to PST, EML, PDF, MBOX, HTML, and MSG formats in MS Outlook. With this software, you can easily import OST files to Office 365 and Live Exchange Server. It allows users to convert both normal and corrupt OST files, as well as create a LOG file detailing the entire conversion process. This software’s free demo version is a must-try.
Conclusion
I mentioned the free methods to convert OST to PST format in Outlook above, but there’s a chance that manual processes won’t meet your needs. In this case, I recommend using an OST to PST converter tool, which will undoubtedly assist you. I hope this article aids you in resolving your issue.
If you’re having trouble converting OST to PST. You can watch our online video tutorial, which will walk you through the process step-by-step. This tool also allows users to migrate OST files directly into cloud-based emailing platforms such as Office 365 Cloud, Gmail, and Yahoomail without the need to install Outlook on their computers first.
