Summary: This blog will help you to learn how you can convert OST to PST in Outlook 2019/2016/2013/2010/2007 and other versions. Also, we will learn about automated solution to convert OST file to PST file format that will quickly and safely perform the conversion.
Microsoft Outlook OST file is a copy of Exchange Server mailboxes on local system. Also, it can be accessed with the account where it was created. But there might come a need to access OST file on different system via Outlook and this can be possible only after converting OST file to PST file format.
Here are other situations that needs users to convert OST to PST format –
- When OST file become inaccessible due to crash in Exchange Server
- When you need to access OST data and your mailbox account is deleted or removed from Exchange
- When the Exchange Server is under maintenance
Before we move to the solutions to convert OST to PST in Outlook 2016/2013 and other versions. Let us first get an overview of Outlook OST i.e. Offline Storage Table and PST (Personal Storage Table).
Overview of OST and PST files
OST files are created when IMAP/Exchange Server is used for configuration of Outlook. It offers users the facility to access Exchange Server mailbox folders locally on Outlook when internet connectivity is not available. It allows to continue Outlook mailbox functionality without connecting with Exchange Server. OST files are not easily affected by outer disturbances but they are many reasons that make OST data inaccessible.
PST files are created when POP account is used to configure Outlook. It can be used to archive or create backup of data from Outlook account. Also, users can easily transfer data from one machine to another using PST file.
Methods used for conversion of OST file to PST file
To convert OST file to PST file format, one can go for either manual ways or for a specialized OST to PST Converter Tool.
Convert OST file to PST manually
Method 1. Archive OST email items
Note: With this method, only emails can be moved into PST file. Contacts can’t be moved using this method.
Outlook provides the facility to archive OST mailbox data into PST file. Therefore, OST mailbox folders to PST conversion is performed with it. Given are the steps –
- Launch Microsoft Outlook email client.
- Click on File tab and then select Options
- In Outlook Options window, select Advanced and then click on AutoArchive Settings
- In AutoArchive settings window, perform these –
- Add number of days as per your choice to run AutoArchive
- Select period of deleting old items
- Click on Browse and select location to save the archived file
- Click OK
All mailbox items are transferred into PST file.
Method 2. Import/Export option
Given are the steps to convert OST data to PST using Import/Export option –
- Open MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, or older version.
- Go to File menu and then select Import & Export
- Under Import and Export wizard, select Export to a file.
- Select Outlook .pst file and click Next.
- Now, choose the files that you want to export. Also, make sure to choose Include subfolders.
- Browse the location to save the exported data. Then, click Finish
This will export mailbox data into PST file format. Then, it can be easily transferred to new location in your system or to an external storage drive.
Method 3. Drag & Drop items to new PST file
Users can create a new PST file and drag & drop all mailbox items from OST file to it. However, default folders like Inbox, Contacts, and Calendars are not dragged with it. You need to copy these folders from OST file into PST file.
A few limitations are associated with these manual solutions –
- Lengthy and time-consuming process
- No assurance of complete OST mailbox items conversion
- If OST file is turned inaccessible or orphaned, you can’t use these manual solutions
- Chances of data loss are high
- Possibility of human errors in following the manual steps
- Outlook installation and Exchange Server connectivity is must to use these methods
Convert OST file to PST file format in a trouble-free manner with OST to PST Tool
To get rid of all limitations of manual solutions, users can use automated solutions like Datavare OST to PST Converter that offers smart, quick and 100% error-free conversion results. Without any risk of losses, inaccessible and orphaned OST file is converted into PST file. The software is designed with multiple advanced features to make the conversion process easier and smarter.
Conclusion
You can convert OST data to PST format in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and previous versions using manual solutions described in this post but they are not safe to use and no assurance of complete mailbox conversion is there. So, to simplify the conversion, an automated solution is offered which can be evaluated by users with free trial version.
