Secure Ways to Convert OST to PST with Attachments

Summary: Both OST and PST files are data files of MS Outlook, which are used to store all the mailbox folders, including email messages, contacts, calendar, journals, notes, tasks, and others. But the server crashing down due to malware, spam emails, virus attacks, power problems, etc. is not unusual. This creates the necessity to convert OST files to PST format. So, in this blog we will discuss about the ways to convert OST to PST free. You may convert OST to PST file format by using the Import/Export feature, auto archive settings, etc. In addition to the manual method of converting OST to PST, users can also utilize the OST to PST Converter Tool, which helps users to convert numerous OST files into Outlook PST format concurrently. 

What is the Difference Between OST and PST Files?

Read the OST vs PST file comparison here for better understanding of why OST to PST conversion is a must.

• While OST files have been automatically synchronized with email server updates as long as you have an internet connection, PST does not allow you to do that; it only allows you to control it in MS Outlook, provided you have an internet connection.
• OST files are only compatible with Microsoft Exchange Server; however, PST files are also compatible with other services such as Microsoft Exchange client and Microsoft Outlook.
• The client stores all emails and appointments from IMAP and MAPI accounts in an offline storage table (.ost) file after Microsoft Outlook 2016. The PST file is used for IMAP or MAPI accounts from Outlook 2013.
• If there are some small corruption or inaccessibility issues with the OST, you can utilize the ScanOST.exe utility. But in case the PST file is corrupted or damaged, Microsoft Outlook provides the ScanPST.exe program that helps users in fixing all PST file issues of Outlook.

Why Convert OST to PST Format?

There are many reasons for which there is a need to convert OST to PST. Some of the common reasons are as follows:

• Import OST Data: Often users wish to move their mailbox data from one system to another; however, with the help of OST files, it can be a bit tough.
• Combat Data Loss Dangers: The Exchange OST file can be corrupt, damaged, or huge. To deal with mailbox size, you can convert OST to PST.
• Deleted Exchange - Accidentally: Suppose your Exchange Server is not working or the Exchange data is erased for whatever reason. Then, converting OST to PST files beforehand is a better choice for you.
• Accessing the Data in Online Mode: If you wish to access or manage your offline-stored OST file in PST format in Outlook.
• Changing Email Clients The OST file won’t work with any other email client other than Exchange and Outlook. So, you need to convert OST to PST for migrating old mailbox items to other email clients.

Best Ways to Convert OST to PST for MS Outlook

Here I have listed the 3 best ways to convert an OST file to PST file format. But before you start the process, make sure that you use the Outlook account sync with the exchange profile and valid login data. Also, we encourage you to take the backup of mailbox data at a safe location since no manual technique is completely safe.

Method 1: Export OST to PST with Auto-Archive Setting

Options are provided by the Outlook email software to archive data and to change the OST mailbox folders to PST file format. It can convert all the items in the OST mailbox to PST format. This feature does not archive contacts, but it lets you move other mailbox objects. The way to do the process is

• Launch the MS Outlook application and click on the File tab.
• Go to the Options, and then in the Outlook Options wizard, point your cursor towards the Advanced area.
• You need to click on the AutoArchive Settings… here.
• The AutoArchive window will appear on your screen; choose the one you need:
• Select the desired option, and then click OK.
• And finally, your OST file elements will be migrated to the PST file with the specified archiving parameters.

Method 2: Import/Export Feature to Convert OST to PST

Follow the following mentioned procedures, and make sure you utilize the Outlook credentials with the Exchange account for exporting OST files to PST format.

• Open Outlook and click on the File menu.
• Select the Open & Export area and hit the Import & Export function.
• Here, select "Export to a File" and then click "Next."
• Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and then click Next.
• Now, choose the folder you want to export and click Next.
• Click the Browse button to select the output directory.pst file. Do not add any information. Do not add any further text to the output.
• Pick the other option to handle duplicates and click Finish.
• Optionally, set a password for the PST file and click "Ok" to end the process.

All these manual techniques may be beneficial for you to convert OST files to PST format in MS Outlook. But these procedures are time-consuming for users and possess some more limitations, like

1. The manual procedures are lengthy and time demanding.
2. Manual conversion of OST to PST files is a hard method.
3. Professionals warn that there are dangers of data loss.
4. If you do the technique wrong, the process will hang up.
5. No guarantee of backup for all mailbox items.
6. If the OST file size is huge, then the OST to PST conversion may get stopped.
7. This process is not meant for corrupted or damaged OST files.

Method 3: OST to PST Conversion by using Professional Solution

OSTFileExporter OST to PST Converter is the best and most dependable tool to convert OST files to PST format. It will convert your single & multiple OST files to the Outlook PST file format. Moreover, you can also convert OST file data in other formats like PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, HTML, etc. The software is capable of opening OST files without Outlook on all Windows platforms or others.

How to Convert OST to PST? 

Here are some simple procedures of OST to PST converter software that helps users to convert OST files to PST format easily:

1. Download & Install OST to PST Converter.
2. Run as administrator and Click on browse
3. Select the file that you want to convert.
4. Now, view the email with attachments of the OST file.
5. Check the folder in the tree structure. Click continue.
6. Select the PST saving formats from the given options here.
7. Choose the default program features.
8. Click on the "path to save" button and select the save location.
9. Finally, click the "convert" button to initiate the conversion.
10. The conversion procedure is complete and saved to the path you specified.

Must-have professional software features

1. Convert Exchange OST file to Outlook PST file format.
2. Export multiple OST files and one OST file to PST at one go.
3. Shows the preview of OST file data before starting the OST to PST conversion procedure.
4. OST to PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, and more formats.
5. Import OST to Gmail, Live Exchange, Office 365, IMAP, Outlook.com, etc.
6. Delete duplicate emails in specified OST folders.
7. You can also separate the produced PST files by size.
8. Support PST files of multiple Outlook versions like 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and so on.
9. Intuitive interface for technical and non-technical end-users.
10. The app works with all the Windows Versions like 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, etc.

Conclusion 

Above I have discussed about the free techniques to convert OST to PST format in outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 etc. And there is a potential that manual methods don’t meet your expectations. In such a situation, you need to select an OST to PST converter tool to convert OST files to PST format. Hope this information helps to solve your query about converting OST to PST files.