Microsoft Outlook, in the offline (Cached Exchange) mode, saves all the Exchange mailbox data in a local file named OST file. The changes made by the user in the offline mode are later updated to the server mailbox when the Exchange connection is re-established. As the OST file resides on the user's computer, it is unaffected by Exchange Server crashes and disasters, Exchange mailbox deletions, etc. So, Exchange administrators and end users can use OST files to restore user mailbox data in the occasions of such eventualities.
Here are some situations when converting an OST file to PST becomes very helpful:
- A few Exchange mailboxes get deleted from the server
- Want to back up a few Exchange mailboxes
- An Exchange user wants to rebuild his OST file, but the user has some unsaved data in the OST file
- EDB files are inaccessible due to Exchange corruption, Server crash, etc. and users want their emails urgently
Use the amazing and 100% safe OST to PST Converter which has the advanced algorithms to recover the corrupt Outlook mailbox containing various components like Emails, contact, calendar, journal task, drafts, notes, deleted items, and attachment etc. You can convert single and multiple mailboxes which make this tool effective and interesting and smart for every Outlook users who are suffering. Aryson OST to PST Converter is a professional tool which can swiftly convert OST file into PST format. It is capable of repairing your Offline Exchange OST file and can export all mailbox items into MS Outlook PST, EML, MSG formats. It let users convert normal as well as corrupt OST files and creates a LOG file of the full conversion process.
Instant Solution
Try automated tool Kernel for OST to PST Converter to Convert OST File to PST, EML, MSG, Office 365, and Exchange.
There are multiple methods to convert any OST file into PST provided you can log in to Outlook with the same Exchange profile. Some native methods to convert OST to PST are presented here:
Method 1: Export mailbox as a PST file
Here is best FREE Microsoft OST to PST Converter solution, it help you to recover and convert OST to PST file with all mails, email, contacts, calendar, attachments, contacts, folders, notes. Converts Large OST Files to PST without causing any damage to data. Recovers orphans OST files and then export it to PST. Displays all the items of OST file and converts them with full integrity. Save OST files into various file formats like PST, MBOX, PDF, DBX, EML/MSG, etc.
Login to Outlook with the Exchange account that was used to create the OST files. And to export the OST mailboxes to PST, follow the simple procedure:
- Go to Files >Open & Export and click Import & Export.
- Select Export to a file; then click Next.
- Select the second option—Outlook Data File (.pst)—and click Next.
- Select the folder which you want to export and click Next.
- Browse the location where you want to save the new PST file and choose the options regarding the duplicate items.
Note: There is an optional choice to provide a password to the PST file, but you can easily move ahead without choosing it.
Method 2: Use ‘Archiving' to save OST emails to PST
By enabling the Auto Archive method in Outlook, you will be able to save the items of OST file in a separate PST file. This method helps you to keep the size of your mailbox manageable. When the size of the mailbox grows and there are multiple messages that are older and you do not require them to be in the mailbox, then you can put them in the archive folder easily. Follow the simple steps to enable auto archiving in Outlook.
- Launch the Outlook application, go to File, and click Options.
- Go to Advanced and click Auto Archive Settings.
- Now select the number of days in which you want to run auto archiving. Select the folder to save the archived file; also, provide the archiving options and finally click OK.
With this, mailbox items from your OST file will be saved to the PST file as per your archiving settings.
Convert OST to PST without Exchange profile or server connectivity
Kernel for OST to PST is a professional tool which can freely convert 25 items from each OST folder to PST. Its advantage is that it can convert offline OST files to PST without an Exchange profile or Exchange Server connectivity. It has a highly user-friendly interface which lets the user select OST file(s), recover items including the deleted ones, and convert them to PST format. Also, it can convert multiple OST files to PST at a time. Let's see the working of the tool:
- Open the OST to PST tool. It will open a wizard to select single or multiple OST files. Select the OST file from its location.
- When the tool displays the OST file content, you can choose a folder and view its content in the preview pane. To convert the OST file into PST, click the Save option on the toolbar.
- To save in PST, click PST file (MS Outlook) as the Output type.
- Select the filters – From, To, Subject, Folder name, Item type, and Date range.
- You have the option to split the PST file after a certain size. Provide the required details.
- Browse the destination path and provide the required details. Lastly, click Finish.
- When the conversion is complete, the tool shows a message showing the PST file name and its location.
You can manually convert OST to PST only when you are using Outlook with the original Exchange account. But the software converts the OST into PST format even without the original Exchange profile and Exchange Server connectivity. Also, it provides many advanced filtering and saving options. Also, you can convert 25 items from each folder to PST for free.
Watch Video: To View the complete process of OST to PST Conversion
User Reviews for OST to PST converter tool on Reddit
Summary: While both OST and PST files perform specific functions, sometimes users face a deadlock when it comes to OST files. They cannot access their mailbox information in the case of non-availability of Exchange Server. And Exchange can face downtime, crash, or other technical issues at any instance. In such an event, converting the OST to PST remains the only viable option. But the process to convert OST to PST manually is a challenging task that involves multiple steps. So how can the users achieve OST to PST conversion, easily?
While both OST and PST files perform specific functions, sometimes users face a deadlock when it comes to OST files. They cannot access their mailbox information in the case of non-availability of Exchange Server. And Exchange can face downtime, crash, or other technical issues at any instance. In such an event, converting the OST to PST remains the only viable option. But the process to convert OST to PST manually is a challenging task that involves multiple steps. So how can the users achieve OST to PST conversion, easily?Offline Storage Table or OST plays an important role in saving Microsoft Exchange mailbox data in an offline folder. It helps the users to work in offline mode when there is no Internet connection, limited connectivity, or Exchange unavailability.
It simply represents a local cache of Microsoft Exchange account and syncs all the changes automatically to the Exchange server, as soon as you are connected to the Internet. Personal Storage Table or PST stores all the email data like emails, notes, contacts, tasks, calendar, etc. of the users in a local system. It is used for the actual storage and not cache storage. It keeps the emails in the same hierarchy as the main Inbox and is quite flexible.
When both OST and PST files have their distinct roles and functionalities, why do users feel the need to convert OST to PST manually? Let us find out.
Why Is OST To PST Conversion Needed?
Some of the main reasons why users need to convert OST to PST include:
- Exchange server crash: If due to any reason Microsoft Exchange Server crashes or there is a system failure or a virus attack, you will not be able to connect to the Exchange server. These kinds of situations can impact your work/business, and your Outlook profile might not work properly. Therefore, by converting OST to PST, you can avoid such a situation.
- Accidental deletion of Exchange Server account: If your Exchange Server account gets accidentally deleted or there is any data loss, it can be easily recovered by converting OST file to PST format.
- Data Migration: You can easily migrate data from one machine to another by converting OST to PST. This is helpful in organizations where they are planning to shift their data between machines.
- Exchange server maintenance: When there is an outage due to the maintenance of Exchange Server, it is crucial to still have access to all the mailbox items. This is necessary because the downtime can be long enough and your business can get impacted. Therefore, converting OST to PST is a good idea in such cases.
- Rebuild OST file: Suppose you want to rebuild your OST file but it has unsaved data present in the OST file. In that case, you need to convert OST to PST.
Now that we know the need for OST to PST conversion, let us see how to convert OST to PST.
Quick Solution: If you wish a speedy & fast OST to PST conversion process, then go ahead with Stellar Converter for OST. Supports Office 365 & all versions of MS Outlook. |
Three Methods For Convert OST To PST Manually
Import and Export mailbox as PST file
Note: For this method to work, you must be connected to the Exchange server and have Outlook installed on your computer or laptop.
- First, you need to open Microsoft Outlook and click the 'File Menu' present at the top left corner of Outlook.
- Now select 'Open and Export' option from the list.
- There you will see 4 options. You need to click the 'Import/Export' option.
- A new dialogue box will open up asking you to 'Choose an action to perform'. Click on 'Export to a file' and then click on the 'Next' button to continue.
- On the next screen, you will be asked to select the file type to import. Choose 'Outlook Data file (.pst)' and click on 'Next' button to continue.
- Now choose the folder to export from. Here you need to select the files to be exported and click on the 'Next' button to continue.
- Choose the option from the list 'Allow duplicates to be created' and then click on the 'Finish' button.
- Once done, a new pop-up will come up asking you to provide an optional password. You can move ahead without providing it and click on the 'OK' button and your OST file will be automatically saved in PST format at the selected location.
Method 1: Export mailbox as a PST file
Here is best FREE Microsoft OST to PST Converter solution, it help you to recover and convert OST to PST file with all mails, email, contacts, calendar, attachments, contacts, folders, notes. Converts Large OST Files to PST without causing any damage to data. Recovers orphans OST files and then export it to PST. Displays all the items of OST file and converts them with full integrity. Save OST files into various file formats like PST, MBOX, PDF, DBX, EML/MSG, etc.
Login to Outlook with the Exchange account that was used to create the OST files. And to export the OST mailboxes to PST, follow the simple procedure:
- Go to Files >Open & Export and click Import & Export.
- Select Export to a file; then click Next.
- Select the second option—Outlook Data File (.pst)—and click Next.
- Select the folder which you want to export and click Next.
- Browse the location where you want to save the new PST file and choose the options regarding the duplicate items.
Note: There is an optional choice to provide a password to the PST file, but you can easily move ahead without choosing it.
Method 2: Use ‘Archiving' to save OST emails to PST
By enabling the Auto Archive method in Outlook, you will be able to save the items of OST file in a separate PST file. This method helps you to keep the size of your mailbox manageable. When the size of the mailbox grows and there are multiple messages that are older and you do not require them to be in the mailbox, then you can put them in the archive folder easily. Follow the simple steps to enable auto archiving in Outlook.
- Launch the Outlook application, go to File, and click Options.
- Go to Advanced and click Auto Archive Settings.
- Now select the number of days in which you want to run auto archiving. Select the folder to save the archived file; also, provide the archiving options and finally click OK.
With this, mailbox items from your OST file will be saved to the PST file as per your archiving settings.
Convert OST to PST without Exchange profile or server connectivity
Kernel for OST to PST is a professional tool which can freely convert 25 items from each OST folder to PST. Its advantage is that it can convert offline OST files to PST without an Exchange profile or Exchange Server connectivity. It has a highly user-friendly interface which lets the user select OST file(s), recover items including the deleted ones, and convert them to PST format. Also, it can convert multiple OST files to PST at a time. Let's see the working of the tool:
- Open the OST to PST tool. It will open a wizard to select single or multiple OST files. Select the OST file from its location.
- When the tool displays the OST file content, you can choose a folder and view its content in the preview pane. To convert the OST file into PST, click the Save option on the toolbar.
- To save in PST, click PST file (MS Outlook) as the Output type.
- Select the filters – From, To, Subject, Folder name, Item type, and Date range.
- You have the option to split the PST file after a certain size. Provide the required details.
- Browse the destination path and provide the required details. Lastly, click Finish.
- When the conversion is complete, the tool shows a message showing the PST file name and its location.
You can manually convert OST to PST only when you are using Outlook with the original Exchange account. But the software converts the OST into PST format even without the original Exchange profile and Exchange Server connectivity. Also, it provides many advanced filtering and saving options. Also, you can convert 25 items from each folder to PST for free.
Watch Video: To View the complete process of OST to PST Conversion
User Reviews for OST to PST converter tool on Reddit
Summary: While both OST and PST files perform specific functions, sometimes users face a deadlock when it comes to OST files. They cannot access their mailbox information in the case of non-availability of Exchange Server. And Exchange can face downtime, crash, or other technical issues at any instance. In such an event, converting the OST to PST remains the only viable option. But the process to convert OST to PST manually is a challenging task that involves multiple steps. So how can the users achieve OST to PST conversion, easily?
While both OST and PST files perform specific functions, sometimes users face a deadlock when it comes to OST files. They cannot access their mailbox information in the case of non-availability of Exchange Server. And Exchange can face downtime, crash, or other technical issues at any instance. In such an event, converting the OST to PST remains the only viable option. But the process to convert OST to PST manually is a challenging task that involves multiple steps. So how can the users achieve OST to PST conversion, easily?Offline Storage Table or OST plays an important role in saving Microsoft Exchange mailbox data in an offline folder. It helps the users to work in offline mode when there is no Internet connection, limited connectivity, or Exchange unavailability.
It simply represents a local cache of Microsoft Exchange account and syncs all the changes automatically to the Exchange server, as soon as you are connected to the Internet. Personal Storage Table or PST stores all the email data like emails, notes, contacts, tasks, calendar, etc. of the users in a local system. It is used for the actual storage and not cache storage. It keeps the emails in the same hierarchy as the main Inbox and is quite flexible.
When both OST and PST files have their distinct roles and functionalities, why do users feel the need to convert OST to PST manually? Let us find out.
Why Is OST To PST Conversion Needed?
Some of the main reasons why users need to convert OST to PST include:
- Exchange server crash: If due to any reason Microsoft Exchange Server crashes or there is a system failure or a virus attack, you will not be able to connect to the Exchange server. These kinds of situations can impact your work/business, and your Outlook profile might not work properly. Therefore, by converting OST to PST, you can avoid such a situation.
- Accidental deletion of Exchange Server account: If your Exchange Server account gets accidentally deleted or there is any data loss, it can be easily recovered by converting OST file to PST format.
- Data Migration: You can easily migrate data from one machine to another by converting OST to PST. This is helpful in organizations where they are planning to shift their data between machines.
- Exchange server maintenance: When there is an outage due to the maintenance of Exchange Server, it is crucial to still have access to all the mailbox items. This is necessary because the downtime can be long enough and your business can get impacted. Therefore, converting OST to PST is a good idea in such cases.
- Rebuild OST file: Suppose you want to rebuild your OST file but it has unsaved data present in the OST file. In that case, you need to convert OST to PST.
Now that we know the need for OST to PST conversion, let us see how to convert OST to PST.
Quick Solution: If you wish a speedy & fast OST to PST conversion process, then go ahead with Stellar Converter for OST. Supports Office 365 & all versions of MS Outlook. |
Three Methods For Convert OST To PST Manually
Import and Export mailbox as PST file
Note: For this method to work, you must be connected to the Exchange server and have Outlook installed on your computer or laptop.
- First, you need to open Microsoft Outlook and click the 'File Menu' present at the top left corner of Outlook.
- Now select 'Open and Export' option from the list.
- There you will see 4 options. You need to click the 'Import/Export' option.
- A new dialogue box will open up asking you to 'Choose an action to perform'. Click on 'Export to a file' and then click on the 'Next' button to continue.
- On the next screen, you will be asked to select the file type to import. Choose 'Outlook Data file (.pst)' and click on 'Next' button to continue.
- Now choose the folder to export from. Here you need to select the files to be exported and click on the 'Next' button to continue.
- Choose the option from the list 'Allow duplicates to be created' and then click on the 'Finish' button.
- Once done, a new pop-up will come up asking you to provide an optional password. You can move ahead without providing it and click on the 'OK' button and your OST file will be automatically saved in PST format at the selected location.
Use 'Archive' for the conversion
Note: In this method, you need to enable the Archive Settings so that OST files get saved as a separate PST file in the system. It also keeps the mailbox size at an optimal level by saving the older emails in the archive folder.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to create an archive mailbox:
- First, you need to open Microsoft Outlook and click on 'File Menu' present at the top left corner of Outlook.Click 'Options' and then navigate to 'Advanced'.
- Click 'Auto Archive Settings' button present on the screen.
- Now provide the number of days for which to run the Auto Archive.
- Then provide the desired location by using the 'Browse' button to save the archive file. Then click on the 'OK' button to continue.
- The process will start and the mailbox items will be saved to the PST file automatically.
Drag and drop to a new PST file
Ost To Pst Free Full
- First, you need to open Microsoft Outlook and create a new PST file for your Outlook profile.
- To do so, click 'New Items' from the Toolbar. Go to 'More Items' -> 'Outlook Data file'.
- Enter the file name and you can provide a password as well in the optional password box.
- Click on OK button and PST file is created.
OST To PST Converter Software [Recommended]
The different manual methods to convert OST to PST have a few drawbacks, as follows:
- They are slow as compared to automated methods
- They involve a risk of data loss
- There are more chances of human error
In order to overcome these shortcomings, it is recommended to use an automated method for OST to PST conversion.
Stellar Converter for OST is an advanced OST to PST conversion software that makes this task quick and easy, without any risks or chances of human error.
Ost Pst Files
This tool extracts all mailbox information from OST files and converts it into equivalent PST files. The mailbox hierarchy is preserved and none of your data is lost during the conversion process.
Free.ost To .pst Conversion Tool
It also converts encrypted OSTs and IMAP OST files and has no file size limitations. It provides a free enhanced preview of emails, calendars and other mailbox items.
The best part is that it offers to do free OST to PST conversion for first 20 emails per folder. To know more, visit this link.
Compared Sheet – Manual Method VS Paid Tool
To sum up
The OST to PST conversion is needed for avoiding hindrances to workplace tasks and productivity due to Exchange Server crash or unplanned downtime.
There are a few manual methods that can help achieve OST to PST conversion, which -though don't cost – pose a few limitations. For instance, you can only convert OST to PST manually if you are using Microsoft Outlook with your original Exchange account. Also, these manual methods take longer to convert the OSTs and therefore wouldn't suit a mass conversion need.
A software-based method is more effective for converting OSTs to PSTs, due to faster execution, comprehensive functionality (multi-format output, batch conversion, etc.), no chances of error, and a more seamless overall experience. The software is also available for free download and evaluation.