Summary: As we know, both OST and PST files are similar data files of MS Outlook to store all the mailbox folders, including email messages, contacts, calendar, journals, notes, tasks, and others. OST files are possible for the user to work offline and then synchronize changes with the Exchange server the next time they connect. PST files are backups of Outlook data and are commonly used to manage mailbox size, transfer data between computers, or create archives. If you need to convert OST to PST format, then this article discusses two working solutions, including a manual method and an OST to PST converter tool. However, you must understand both file types before diving into specifics.
Overview of OST and PST
What is an OST?
OST file is an offline repository in Microsoft Outlook. It is a table file that contains Emails, calendar events, contacts, and other mailbox contents. By using an OST file, users may work offline and synchronize their changes with the Exchange server when they reconnect.
What is a PST file?
PST file keeps copies of calendar events, mail, and other things in Microsoft programs, including Outlook, Windows Messaging, and Microsoft Exchange Client. It’s essentially a way to archive or back up Outlook data and is commonly used to manage mailbox size, transfer data between computers, or create archives.
Why Save OST Files in PST Format?
There are various advantages of converting OST files to PST, including easier sharing, storing, and protecting your emails. We listed a few of the main advantages of completing this conversion:
- Data Backup: OST to PST conversion creates a trustworthy backup of mailbox contents for later use.
- Access Without Exchange: PST files are accessible on their own without requiring an Exchange server connection.
- Prevent Data Loss: Data from damaged or orphaned OST files can be recovered by saving it in PST.
- Simple Migration: Moving mailbox contents to a different Outlook profile or machine is made easier by the PST format.
- Better Data Management: PST files are easier to organise and store by splitting or managing.
- Offline Accessibility: Even when offline or without server connectivity, users can open PST files in Outlook at any time.
How do I Export OST Files? Methods
You can convert OST files to PST for free using Outlook’s simple manual method. Both a free manual approach and a paid program for converting OST files to PST have been covered in this section.
Method 1: Export OST to PST Manually
Simply follow these easy instructions to use this free manual technique. Please take note that this approach has several drawbacks, which we will discuss after the steps:
- Select the OST file or profile you want to export by opening Microsoft Outlook.
- Navigate to the File Menu in the upper-left corner, select File.
- Select Open & Export from the left sidebar, then click Import/Export.
- Click on “Export to File.” Click Next after selecting Export to a file in the Import and Export Wizard.
- The Outlook Data File (.pst) needs to be chosen. Click Next after selecting Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Choose the mailbox folder that requires exporting. You can also include subfolders.
- Select “Save Location.” To choose the location and name for the exported PST file, click Browse.
- Complete Exporting. After selecting “Finish,” you can optionally create a password. The export procedure will start.
Limitations of this Manual Method
Outlook must have an active profile and a linked account in order to use the manual way. With a risk of data loss, it is time-consuming for big mailboxes or multiple files, does not handle broken or orphaned OST files, and lacks batch conversion.
Method 2: Best Tool to Batch Convert OST to PST Without Outlook
If the manual approach mentioned above seems too busy, utilise the ConverterTools OST File Converter software. Time and effort can be saved by using this perfect program to convert several OST files to PST at once. Furthermore, this software has an intuitive user interface that even non-technical users may use with ease. The program provides a number of capabilities, including duplicate elimination and a date filter, for bulk conversion.
Steps to Batch Convert OST File to PST File
- Install the OST File Converter Tool after downloading it. Start the application.
- After that, click Next after adding your OST file and selecting Select File or Select Folder.
- Here, choose and examine the file or folder from the tree structure. Click Next.
- Select PST as the saving format. Now, make use of this software’s other features.
- Finally, selects a location to save the converted file and presses the Convert button to begin the conversion process.
Why Professional Software?
- OST can be converted to a variety of file formats, such as PST, MSG, MBOX, and EML.
- Easily import OST files into Thunderbird, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Office 365, IMAP Server, Gmail, and other well-known email programs.
- It is completely compatible with every version of Windows and consistently produces dependable, excellent results.
- This utility can also be used to convert OST files, with or without attachments, to PST.
Also Read: How to Export Gmail to PST Format: A Foolproof Guide
Final Words
We have covered a number of OST to PST conversion techniques in this post. OST files become more broadly compatible, safer, and easier to exchange when converted to PST. However, performing this conversion by hand has a number of drawbacks and might be tiresome for many people. Use expert software to ensure a seamless conversion. Using this tool to preserve email attachments and convert numerous files at once is simple. Furthermore, both technical and non-technical users would be wise to use this tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I convert an OST file to PST without Outlook installed?
No, the manual method for converting OST to PST requires Microsoft Outlook to be installed and configured with the same Exchange account. Without Outlook, the OST file remains inaccessible. However, you can use a professional OST to PST Converter tool, which works independently of Outlook and allows you to convert even orphaned or corrupted OST files directly.
2. What is the difference between an orphaned OST file and a connected OST file?
A connected OST file is linked to an active Outlook profile and Exchange server, allowing real-time synchronization of mailbox data. An orphaned OST file, on the other hand, becomes disconnected when the original Outlook profile is deleted or the Exchange server is unavailable. Orphaned files cannot be accessed directly through Outlook, and conversion to PST is often the only way to recover their data.
3. Is it safe to use free OST to PST converters available online?
Free OST to PST converters may work for small, healthy files but often come with limitations such as no batch conversion, lack of support for corrupted files, or risks of data loss. Many free tools also limit the size of files you can convert. For secure and complete conversion—especially with critical or large mailboxes—using a trusted professional tool is highly recommended.
4. Can I recover deleted emails during OST to PST conversion?
Yes, many professional OST to PST converter tools come with the capability to recover and include deleted items during the conversion process. However, this is only possible if the deleted data still exists in the OST file and has not been overwritten. Always choose a tool that offers a preview feature, so you can verify the recoverable content before conversion.
5. What is the best format to save emails from an OST file if I don’t want to use Outlook?
If you don’t want to use Outlook, you can convert your OST file to other formats like EML, MSG, MBOX, or PDF using advanced converter tools. These formats are compatible with various email clients such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and more, giving you the flexibility to access your data without relying on Outlook.
