This article explores the conversion of Microsoft Outlook’s OST file to PST format and highlights the necessity of this conversion for tasks. Learn the manual process within Outlook to conver an OST file to PST format.
It also suggests using third-party software like Stellar Converter for OST in inaccessible or inconsistent OST files. The article provides a concise overview of the reasons behind and methods for converting OST files to PST, ensuring adequate data migration, backup, and mailbox data management.
Microsoft Outlook is a popular business-class email management and calendaring app from Microsoft that uses the Offline Storage Table (OST) file format, also referred to as Offline folders. OST allows Outlook to store your mailbox data locally and continually access your emails, contacts, and other mail items, even if the system is offline or disconnected from the internet or the server.
The OST file is encrypted by default with a MAPIEntryID GUID key that prevents anyone from opening or importing the OST file to another Outlook account, client, or profile on the same or another system.
However, there are times when you may need to move your mailbox data from an offline OST file, especially if you are switching the system or the OST file needs to be more consistent or orphaned (inaccessible).
In this article, we will understand the need to convert the OST file to PST and share some methods to convert your OST file to PST format manually. You will also learn to convert an inaccessible, orphaned, or inconsistent OST file to PST format using a Stellar Converter for OST tool.
Why Convert OST File to PST?
Although OST file serves as a convenient way to access mailbox data offline, there are situations where converting them to PST becomes necessary. These include:
- Switching from one email client to another
Since OST file is encrypted to the associated Microsoft Outlook account, it cannot be opened by other email clients. By converting OST files to PST, users can ensure seamless migration of their mailbox data to a new email client.
- Data Backup
OST file are susceptible to corruption or damage, which can result in data loss. By converting them to PST, users can create a backup of their mailbox data, allowing them to restore it in case of unfortunate events.
- Cross Platform Compatibility
PST (Personal Storage Table or Personal Folder) file are widely supported by various email clients, including Outlook for Windows, Office 365 (Microsoft 365), and Exchange Server, making it easier to access mailbox data regardless of the email client being used. This flexibility eliminates any restrictions that may arise from using OST file.
- Efficient Mailbox Data Management
Unlike OST file, PST files offer enhanced data management capabilities. OST file is limited and specific to the user’s local machine, while PST file can be easily organized, archived, moved, and backed up.
Users can create separate PST files for different email accounts or mail folders/categories, making it easier to manage and retrieve specific mail items when needed.
Solutions to Converting OST file to PST
Converting OST files to PST may seem like a complex task, but it can be done smoothly with the right approach. Below are the manual approaches to convert OST file to PST format with complete integrity. However, this only works when your Outlook and email account is accessible and your email profile is active:
- Launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer and go to File> Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Export to a File in the Import and Export Wizard, and click Next.
- Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) from the options as the file type to export and click Next.
- Select the specific email account with which the OST file you want to convert to PST is connected (belongs to) from the list and click Next.
- Click Browse to specify the save location where you want to save the converted OST file to PST file format. Also, select the desired options for handling duplicates and click Finish.
- If you want to secure the PST file with a password, enter it in the provided field; otherwise, leave it blank and click OK.
- Depending on the size of the OST file and the performance of your computer, this process may take some time to complete.
- After the conversion is complete, verify the converted PST file by opening it in any Microsoft Outlook or other supported email client.
Using Software for Converting OST Files to PST
While Microsoft Outlook provides a built-in method for converting an OST file to PST, the technique does not work if there is an issue in accessing Outlook or emails due to errors, such as xxx.OST is not an Outlook data file, etc.
In such cases, where Outlook or OST is inconsistent, orphaned, or inaccessible, you can use a third-party OST to PST converter tool or software, such as Stellar Converter for OST, that offers additional features and flexibility for OST to PST conversion.
Stellar Converter for OST is a popular and reliable tool for OST to PST conversion developed by Stellar®, a renowned and trusted brand in data recovery, email recovery, email repair, etc., with over 30+ years of expertise.
The software offers some of the exclusive benefits over manual methods and other software tools available in the market:
- The software converts an orphaned or inaccessible OST file to PST format.
- It converts large or oversized OST file up to 50GB or larger with complete integrity and precision.
- Advanced search options to find and save individual messages from the OST to PST, and other file formats such as MSG, RTF, EML, PDF & HTML format.
- Convert multiple OST files simultaneously to PST format with the batch conversion option available in the Technician edition.
- Export all mail items from the OST file directly to Microsoft 365 or Live Exchange in a few clicks.
Conclusion
Converting OST file to PST is often required when the user needs to migrate, backup, or manage data. Converting OST to PST format also offers several benefits as PST files can be opened or imported in any Outlook, including Office 365 (Microsoft 365), and Exchange Server. The article explains the manual process of converting offline OST to PST format along with some pro tips and troubleshooting steps to ensure smooth and error-free OST to PST conversion. It also highlights when you can use the manual method and when you should opt for a reliable OST to PST converter tool, such as Stellar Converter for OST.