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What are the Easiest Ways to Convert OST to PST

Introduction:

Outlook’s OST and PST files are responsible for managing and storing entire mailbox data. These files store folders ranging from emails and contacts to calendar events and tasks. Offline storage tables are created with the creation of an Exchange Account in Microsoft Outlook. OST files are attached to Outlook profile and strongly secured. Most importantly, these data files (.ost) facilitate users to access mailbox data files even in the absence of server connectivity. Modifications in the data files are later synced with the restoration of the internet connection.

Difference Between OST and PST Files:

Characteristics	OST	PST
Definition	Stores a local copy of data files from Exchange, IMAP, Office 365, or Outlook.com accounts, ensure offline access	Stores mailbox data files on your local computer
Server Compatibility	Compatible only in Exchange Server environments	Compatible with many email servers, including Exchange Server
Creation	Created automatically when the user configures Outlook to work in caching exchange mode	Created automatically while setting up a POP3 email account, can be created manually for archiving or backing up data files
File Size	OST files are typically large	Comparatively smaller than an OST file
Backup	Backups will be taken automatically	Need to take backup manually
Security	More secure due to encryption	Less secure as these files are stored on a local computer
Accessibility and Portability	Not importable or open in another Outlook profile when linked with an Outlook profile using a MAP Entry ID GUID key.	Easily portable, can be opened with different Outlook profiles and versions

Why OST to PST Conversion is Required?

Some common reasons need to convert OST files to PST format are listed below:

OST Data Import: When the user wants to import OST file content to a different system or Outlook profile, the conversion is required. It is so because the OST file is linked with a MAPEntryID GUID key and can’t be accessed from a different profile. First, we need to convert this data file (.ost) to PST.
Data Backup: There is a high possibility that the Exchange OST file may become large and get corrupted. To ensure the safety of valuable data, we can convert OST to PST.
Accidental Exchange Deletion: To prevent accidental deletion of exchange owing to some technical glitch, we can use the previously converted OST to PST files.
Orphaned or Inaccessible OST Files: An OST file becomes orphaned or inaccessible due to corruption in Exchange databases. To access the data stored in such a file, you need to first convert the OST file to PST.
Switching Email Clients: Besides Microsoft Exchange and Outlook, the OST file is incompatible with other email clients. To relocate old mailbox items while switching from one email client to another, you must convert OST to PST.

Easiest Ways to Convert OST to PST?

Some of the proven methods to convert Outlook data file (.ost) to PST are discussed below:

Method 1: Archiving Method: This is one of the proven methods where users can save the OST file contents in a distinctive PST file. It prevents the piling up of data in the file and assures mailbox optimization. Follow the below instruction guide to start the archiving process:

Explore the Outlook app.
Hover the cursor on the ‘File’ menu and press ‘Archive.’

If you come across a screen, select the ‘File’ or ‘Folder’ that needs to be archived.
Give the path of the location where the archived file is to be saved.

Press ‘Finish’ to conclude the process.

Method 2-Import/Export Wizard: We can also use Import/Export Wizard to export OST mailboxes to PST format. Follow the below instructions to initiate this process.

Login to Outlook with the same Exchange account.
Go to Files >Open & Export and press the ‘Import/ Export’ option.

Now choose the ‘Export to a file’ option from the dialogue box dropdown, then press Next

To export the data file, select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option, then click Next.
A dialogue box will appear and ask for the folders that need to be exported. Select the targeted folders, you can also choose the subfolders, then press Next.

Give the location path where you want to save the new PST files and mark Replace duplicates with items exported. Click Finish to end the process.

Method 3: Drag and Drop Mailbox Items: It is a trusted method to convert OST to PST file format. First of all, create a blank PST file. After this, select/ drag the desired OST mailbox items to the newly created PST file. Only you can drag and drop individual mail items.
For dropping entire folders like Inbox, Sent Items, etc. you need to click right on the folder and select the ‘Copy Folder’ option. Even though this method is simple, it has some limitations. Firstly, it is time-consuming. Secondly, this manual process requires meticulous attention and any error requires repetition of the entire process.

Method 4: Using Third-Party OST to PST Converter Tool: Sometimes the above-mentioned methods may fail to complete the conversion process. Such a situation poses a risk to crucial data files. In such a case, we can use a third-party OST to PST converter tool. Based on complex algorithms, it can convert even encrypted, corrupted, or orphaned Outlook data files (.ost). The tool supports all Outlook versions.

This converter software converts Outlook data file (.ost) to PST in just three steps.

Step 1: Select the targeted OST file

Step 2: Convert the file

Step 3: Save the file

The software is available in 3 different editions-Corporate, Technician and Toolkit. Some major highlights of this software are listed below:

Corporate	Technician	Toolkit
Quickly converts OST into PST	Converts OST into PST	Equipped with all features of Technician
Converts all Mailbox items	Unlimited Mailboxes Conversion	Provides unlimited Mailboxes Conversion
5 Mailboxes Conversion	Converts multiple OST files in batch	Recover the mailbox items
Free Updates for 1 Year	Compacts & Splits PST file	Removes duplicate emails
	Export to live Exchange/ Office 365	Recovers lost password of PST
	Exports contacts in CSV file	Restores the deleted emails
	Free Updates for 1 Year	Free Updates for 1 Year

Conclusion:

The above guide defines as well as differentiates Outlook data file formats—OST and PST. The post also explained that OST files cannot be imported or accessed using any Outlook account other than the original MAPI profile. To access mailbox data stored in the Outlook data file (.ost), we need to convert the OST data file to PST. We have discussed 3 manual methods for conversion viz- Archive Method, Import/ Export Wizard, and Drag and Drop Method. Since all these methods are manual and time-consuming, any error may pose a threat to the valuable data stored in the OST file. We have also explored a quick approach to convert OST data files to PST using third-party converter tools like Stellar Converter for OST. It has a user-friendly interface and is based on an advanced algorithm to rapidly convert even an oversized file. This software not only recovers all mailbox data from an OST, but also converts an inaccessible, or encrypted OST file into PST format.