An Outlook data file is where Microsoft Outlook keeps mailbox data. The outlook may create an Offline Storage Table (OST) file or a Personal Storage Table (PST) file based on the email account type to save a synchronized copy of mailbox items on the local machine, such as emails, contacts, attachments, and so on. You must convert an OST file to PST format if you need to backup, relocate, or move mail items from an Outlook account with an OST file to another computer, Outlook profile, live Exchange Server, or Office 365.
Outlook users can access their mail items via an OST file even if the system is down or the server is momentarily unavailable. It can’t be read or imported into other Outlook profiles because it’s encrypted by default using the MAPIEntryID GUID key. PST, on the other hand, is a portable Outlook data file format that may be used for email backup and migration from one Outlook profile to another. Both Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac makes it simple to open and import PST files into any Outlook account.
A PST file can also be imported into a live Exchange Server or Office 365 account. OST to PST conversion is also required when an OST file becomes orphaned or inaccessible for a variety of reasons, including:
- The mailbox profile was removed from the Exchange server.
- Sudden system failure or shutdown
- OST with the large file size (oversizing)
- Intrusion by a virus or malware
- Add-ons that are faulty or incompatible
Exchange administrators may also need to convert an OST file to PST in order to recover a mailbox that was unintentionally deleted or removed from the server. In this article, we’ll go through how to convert OST files to PST files in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019.
Methods to Convert an OST File to PST Format Manually
You can use Outlook Import Export Wizard or third-party OST to PST converter software to convert OST to PST.
Use the Outlook Import Export Wizard as the first step.
Outlook users can export mail items and contacts to PST and CSV formats using the Outlook Import Export Wizard. As a result, the wizard can export mail items from an OST file to a PST file.
Outlook 2010 is a program that allows you to create
- ‘Options’ can be found by going to File > Info and then selecting ‘Options.’
- To open the Outlook Import Wizard, go to ‘Advanced’ and then ‘Export.’
Outlook 2013, 2016, or 2019 are the most recent versions of Outlook.
- Import/Export may be found under File > Open & Export > Import/Export. The Outlook Import Export Wizard appears.
- Click Next after selecting Export to a file from the Import and Export Wizard window.
- Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) in the Export to a File box and click Next.
- Check the ‘Include subfolders’ checkbox and select the mail folders and items you want to convert to PST. Then press the Next button.
- Select a saving location for the converted PST file by clicking ‘Browse’ and then ‘Next.’
- Finish by clicking the ‘Finish’ button. After that, either enter a password or click ‘OK’ without entering one.
- The emails and other mail items in the Outlook OST file will be converted to an Outlook importable PST file format.
Export mail data into numerous PST files if the OST mailbox is huge. You can do this by manually exporting certain mail folders, then repeating the process for the remaining folders. Due to its vast size, this will assist prevent PST file corruption.
Step 2: Move Emails to a New PST File by Dragging and Dropping
Emails can also be moved from an OST file to a PST file. To do so, use Outlook’s settings to create a new PST file. The procedure is as follows:
- Select New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File from the drop-down menu.…
- To create a PST file, select a location, type the PST file name, and click OK.
- Now drag and drop all of the mail items from the OST mailbox you wish to convert to PST into the freshly formed PST file.
Step 3: Make use of the Outlook Archive feature.
You may also use the Archive Settings to automatically save mail items in a separate PST file. The procedure is as follows:
- Select File > Options > Advanced from the File menu.
- Select “Auto Archive” from the drop-down menu.
- Enter the number of days you wish the Auto Archive to run for.
- Choose a save place for the resulting archive PST file by clicking ‘Browse.’
- Then click “OK” to proceed.
The mailbox items will automatically save to the PST file.
Professional Solution
You can use a professional OST to PST converter program, such as SysTools OST to PST converter, to get over the above limitations. When you can’t get into your Outlook account or launch the Import Export wizard, this utility comes in helpful. It allows you to convert single or numerous Outlook OST files to PST format, whether they are unavailable or orphaned. The mailbox items from the OST file can also export directly to an existing Outlook profile, Office 365, or live Exchange.
The software is available for free download, and the demo version lets you convert and store up to 25 emails per folder. Activate the software with a valid activation key to save all mailbox items to PST or other formats.
Additionally, the software retrieves email that is remove by mistake during the OST to PST conversion.
Conclusion:
A Technician version of the software requires to export the OST directly to an existing Outlook profile, live Exchange, or Import OST to Office 365. (free demo version available).
Although Outlook Import Export Wizard helps to convert an OST file to PST by exporting mailbox items from your Outlook profile to PST format, it’s not suggestible if you have several or big OST files to convert. It also lacks the ability to break large OST files into smaller PST files. Furthermore, it exports all mail items into a single PST, which might cause corruption and integrity issues.
You may convert big OST files, as well as inaccessible and orphaned files, to PST format using an OST to PST converter application. You can also save the OST file to an existing Outlook profile, Office 365, or a live Exchange server. To convert OST to PST, you can get the software for free.