Free Convert OST to PST or Use Paid OST Converter Tool
The OST file is a copy of the Exchange server mailbox that has been encrypted using server-side encrypting techniques. As a result, OST files that do not share the same Exchange profile and server connectivity cannot be accessed. In this case, the user must convert OST to PST. I will explain both the free manual method and the paid OST to PST converter tool in this article.
MS Outlook, one of the most popular desktop-based email clients, is popular due to its ease of use and ability to work offline. Outlook stores its data in PST files when configured via POP3 protocols, and in OST files when configured with Exchange Server or IMAP protocol.
Even though OST and PST files are from the same parent application, they differ greatly in structure and functionality. Because their structures differ, it is not possible to convert OST to PST for free without Exchange/IMAP profile. If the OST file is damaged, the situation becomes even worse.
In this blog, we will discuss how users can convert OST to PST format when the OST is healthy or when it has been corrupted, orphaned, offline, or inaccessible. Before we go any further, let's define OST and PST files.
OST stands for Offline Storage Table files exist when Outlook is configured with Exchange Server or IMAP protocol and store all of Exchange Server's data. They are correctly designated as a duplicate of the data stored on the Exchange server.
The OST files serve as a backup for the data on the Exchange server. It should be noted that OST files created for a specific Outlook profile cannot be accessed from any other profile or machine. To accomplish this, first convert the OST file to PST format and then access it.
When it comes to OST files, this factor proves to be a major disadvantage. The reason for this is that if the profile is deleted and the user requires access to the OST file, the OST file cannot be accessed in any other profile.
PST files, or Personal Storage Table files, are used when Outlook is configured using the POP3 protocols. PST files, unlike OST files, can be accessed in any profile and even on a different machine that has Outlook installed. You can easily convert orphaned OST to PST without an Exchange profile or server access.
Reasons to Convert OST to PST File Format
Several times, users find themselves in situations where OST to PST conversion is required. When synchronisation fails while working, all previous work is rendered ineffective. However, users must convert OST data in cases such as account deletion from Exchange, server crash, virus infection, server downtime, and so on.
- Exchange Profile is Not Accessible
- Exchange Server Connectivity Disturbed
- Having Orphaned OST File
- Want to Access Another Users' OST Files
- Take Backup for Future Need in Accessible Format
Methodology to Convert OST to PST for Free
Users can carry out the conversion process as described below using a variety of methods for OST to PST. Any process can be used in this manner. All methods have been tested and are capable of converting offline OST to PST for free. You can easily convert your content from OST to PST format by using any method.
Free Convert OST to PST Using Import/Export Option
Outlook must be running on the system before beginning the conversion procedure. Users should stay connected to the Exchange Server while converting the data. They will be unable to access the offline profile if there is no proper connectivity with the Exchange server. The steps below will assist you in free converting OST to PST.
It is not advisable to perform this method to convert OST to PST without Exchange profile and server connectivity.
- Step-1: To begin, launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
- Step-2: Go to File Menu and Select Import and Export Option.
- Step-3: Select Export to File Option and Click on Next Button.
- Step-4: Choose PST and Click on Next Option.
- Step-5: Select One by One to Transfer The Data Items, Which are Required.
- Step-6: Save all the data items at particular location on your system and click on Finish option after completing the process. Convert OST to PST for free has been completed.
Archive Option to Convert OST to PST Manually
This method is useful if users want to convert their OST file to PST format. AutoArchive allows users to specify the number of days after which they want the data to be archived. To manually archive an OST file to PST format, follow these steps:
The archive option does not apply to orphaned OST, inaccessible OST, or OST without an Exchange profile. Using Outlook, use this method to manually convert OST to PST.
- Step-1. Open MS Outlook >> Tools >> Options
- Step-2.Go to Other > AutoArchive > OK
- Step-3. In the option Run AutoArchive after every select the no. of days.
- Step-4. Choose the desired location to store the AutoArchive file >> click OK.
NOTE: The archive feature does not archive contacts from OST files. If you want to export complete data then use IMAP OST to PST converter software.
Move The OST Items to A New PST File
Users can convert mailbox items from OST to PST files. To do so, open Outlook and create a new PST file. Then, one by one, drag all of the folders from the OST file that need to be converted into the newly created PST file.
NOTE: It should be noted that by using this method, users will be unable to move the default OST file folders such as inbox, calendars, contacts, and so on.
Convert Orphaned OST to PST Manually
It is quite unfair to Outlook users that they cannot convert orphaned OST files without the assistance of third-party software. If you are technically savvy, you can follow the steps below to convert orphaned OST to PST for free.
- Launch Microsoft Outlook and Dissable Automatic Send/Receive.
- In Outlook, create a new mailbox (testing) that will serve as a container.
- Go to the storage location by right-clicking on the newly created mailbox and close Outlook.
- Copy and paste the OST file that you want to convert to PST format into the same location.
- Launch Outlook after renaming your original OST file as the newly created mailbox.
- After that, use the Outlook import/export feature to convert OST to PST.
Best OST to PST Converter Software
The methods suggested above can be carried out manually. These methods, however, do not guarantee data preservation when converting from OST to PST file format. This is because it is not possible to convert all of the default folders of the OST Files using these methods.
In this case, it is best to use a third-party tool to migrate outlook OST to PST. These tools provide the dependability and efficiency that users require when converting. Even if the Offline folder is corrupted, the application can convert an OST file to PST file. It fixes the corrupted file before converting it to PST format.
Users will have complete data in their PST files because the tools convert all data such as emails, contacts, calendars, journals, and so on from the offline folder to the personal folder. As previously stated, the third-party utility should include the following additional features:
- Perform conversion without Exchange environment
- Support all editions of Exchange Server and MS Outlook
- Convert encrypted and password protected Exchange mailbox
- Compatible with all Windows operating system to convert data
- Convert Orphaned OST File into PST Format for Microsoft Outlook
- Offline OST to PST Converter Software for All Windows OS Users
- Convert OST to PST Without Exchange Profile and Server Connectivity
- Convert Your OST content to the PST format using IMAP OST to PST Converter
SysTools OST to PST Converter
SecuraSoft OST to PST Converter
QuickData OST to PST Tool
Converter Software for OST to PST