Methods for Converting OST to PST in Outlook | Trusted Solution

An OST file is an offline folder in Microsoft Outlook. This can be used offline and will automatically sync when connected to the internet, whereas PST files are used to store on the server (except for Exchange servers) on the user’s hard drive. This blog will go over the best way to convert an OST file to a PST file format. It will also differentiate the advantages and disadvantages of each of these OST to PST manual approaches and recommend using a Definite Software to convert OST to PST.

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Differences Between Outlook OST and PST File Formats

PST is a personal storage folder, whereas OST is an offline storage folder.
PST is used locally, whereas OST is available online.
OST only supports the Microsoft Exchange server, but PST files can be used on servers other than the Exchange setup.
Unlike PST files, OST files allow users to read, view, and compose emails even when they are not connected to the internet.

Why Convert an OST File to a PST File?

When mailboxes are removed from the server.
An Exchange application that allows users to rebuild the .ost folder, but the .ost file contains some unsaved items.
To view a .ost file saved in Outlook 2013 on another device, the user must use Outlook 2016.
A server error causes the .ost files to become inaccessible.

Converting an OST File to a PST File Methods

This will discuss the top three methods for converting an OST file to a PST file. A third-party solution is recommended for a safe and secure conversion process.

Solution 1: Make Use of the Archiving Method

When Archiving is enabled, Outlook emails from an OST file are saved in new PST files. It also helps to maintain the size of your mailbox.

To accomplish this, follow the steps outlined below:

In the Outlook application on your computer, click File.
After you’ve chosen File, go to Options.
Now, from the drop-down menu, select Auto-Archive settings.
Choose which days you want auto-archiving to run.
Then, choose the folder to save to, then the Archiving option, and finally the OK button.
After you complete these steps, the items in your OST file will be saved in your PST file. You can see your migrated OST in the PST file.

Solution 2: Make Use of an Exchange Account

Follow the instructions below:

Select Open & Export from the Files menu.
Choose the Import and Export tab.
Then, choose Export file and click Next.
After selecting Outlook Data File, click Next PST.
Then, choose the folder to export and press the Next button.
Explore the location where the file should be saved.
Your OST file was converted to PST format.

It is critical to understand that OST files must be converted to PST files when Exchange is unavailable, either temporarily or permanently. Manually converting OST files to PST files has numerous drawbacks.

Let’s Go Over Some of the Limitations of Converting OST to PST:

An Exchange mailbox cannot be recovered from orphaned OST files: Orphaned OST files are .ost files that are linked to an Exchange server. After Exchange is destroyed or crashes, such.ost files are the user’s only source of information, and there is no way to convert them manually.

It is necessary to have a similar type of Exchange account: It is not permitted to access the .ost file using a different Exchange account. Only the original Outlook user has the ability to convert OST files to PST files. Another disadvantage of manual conversion is this.

Time Consumption: Different Outlook versions store.ost files in different locations. That is why they are so scarce. The procedure for retrieving or converting them to PST varies. Overall, the process is time-consuming.

Only experienced or technical experts are willing to manually convert OST to PST. If you are not an expert and need to convert a file, avoid making manual changes and instead use software for a better and more time-saving option.

Solution 3: Technical Assistance with OST to PST Conversion:

To convert your data file, use beneficial or trusted software. Based on my previous experience, I recommend that you convert OST to PST file format using Dailysoft OST to PST Converter Software. You can easily convert using this software in a short period of time. This software has a slew of advanced features. Let’s take a closer look.

The following features are included with Dailysoft OST To PST Conversion Software:

Converting email, events, calendars, contacts, Tasks, Journals, and other data is possible.
Export in bulk and auto-locate.
Demonstrate the recovery of deleted data.
It is possible to convert Outlook .bak files to PST files.
The OST migration tool works with Microsoft Outlook and Windows versions.

Users’ Most Commonly Asked Questions:

How do I convert an OST file to a PST file in Outlook?

I hope that everything we discussed above will undoubtedly help you find your answer. Using the above free solution and technical method, you can easily import Exchange server OST into Outlook.

Conclusion:

As we all know, OST files contain all of the important data on the Exchange Server. Importing is a difficult process. As a result, the user will have to deal with a slew of issues. We discussed the Manual Solution, limitations, and Facts to better understand the scenario. The manual procedure has some benefits, but it also has some drawbacks. As a result, it is recommended to use a simple method to convert OST to PST files.