This technical guide intends how to convert OST to PST format error-free and efficiently. MS Outlook is a client for email that is utilized frequently by commercial enterprises and offices to facilitate communication. Most users set up their accounts to function with MS-Exchange Server, which maintains synchronization and stores data in the Offline Storage Table (.ost) file format.
Otherwise, Outlook stores the data in a file type known as the Personal storage table (.pst). The information included inside an OST file and a PST file is kept in the local directory.
Regardless, there are various circumstances in which OST data can no longer be accessed. The user will need to convert the OST file into PST format to handle the problem effectively. In order to provide convenient data access while the system is not online. The following section describes how to convert OST to PST and the reasons behind this.
OST to PST: Why?
There may be different conditions when the users choose to convert OST files to format; some explanations are explored below:
- MS Exchange servers may break abruptly for various causes, including power outages, malicious software attacks, etc. Converting OST to PST is a simple way to repair data.
- Due to Exchange System downtime and unavailability, it might not be easy to retrieve mailbox data in certain instances. Data is stored in the mailbox using the .ost extension, which synchronizes with the server and makes it unavailable. Users must convert their emails from OST to PST format to access the data.
- Data migration may also benefit from OST to PST conversion. It is simple to migrate PST data from one location to another in cases when the user wishes to move from one location to another. So users can look at how to convert OST to PST.
- The OST file becomes an orphan when the Exchange profile is inactive. In this case, your only option is to convert the OST file to PST format and access all the data.
Convert OST to PST: Methods
The following section will discuss different methods to convert OST files to PST.
Method 1: Manually Convert OST to PST for Free:
To manually convert OST to PST files, Outlook and a connection to an MS Exchange server must be installed on your PC. The technique’s succeeding steps are as follows:
- Firstly, you must launch Microsoft Outlook, click “File,” and choose “Import/Export.”
- A new dialogue box appears requiring “Choose an action to perform.” Designate “Export to File” to begin.
- The following screen will prompt you to select the file type to import. Select “Outlook data file (.pst)” and then click “Next.”
- Next, select the folder from which to export data. Click “Next.”
- Choose one of the options under “Allow duplicates to be made,” then click “Finish.”
- After it, a new pop-up came up to ask for an optional password. You can easily move forward without accessing it.
This is how to convert OST to PST using the manual export method. Afterward, manually converted the data from the Microsoft OST file into the PST file for Outlook. You can check your OST files at the specified place, even though they’ve been converted to PST file format.
Note: This method is free and appears simple and clear, but it has limitations that you should be aware of.
Limitations:
- It is necessary to configure an Outlook account with the Microsoft Exchange Serveron this machine.
- The slow process in comparison to those that involve manual tasks.
- The use of this method risks the data the possibility of being duplicated, corrupted, or lost.
- It is necessary to follow the method with the assistance of a technical specialist.
We should use an automated tool without Outlook in order to overcome the limitations. Let’s focus on the next province to comprehend how to convert OST to PST with specialized software.
Method 2: Convert OST to PST using specialized software:
Shoviv OST to PST converter is one of the greatest professional tools that make this procedure convenient for a user. It involves only a few simple steps to complete the conversion process.This program converts OST mailboxes to the PST equivalent file format for different Outlook versions. Users can also recover, backup, and retrieve all items of offline OST files.
The tool also aids in this conversion with no file size restrictions. It lets users see a preview of data before converting it, such as emails, contacts, attachments, etc. Moreover, the Shoviv OST to PST converter can preserve OST items in HTML, MSG, EML, vCard, and other file formats.
Conclusion:
The manual approach is free and helps convert. But it has restrictions and is time-consuming. On the other hand, the specialized software mentioned above simplifies how to convert OST to PST easier and more effectively.
It offers a free demo version that allocates only 50 items per folder. If pleased, the users can locate a licensed version with no constraints.
