Summary: OST and PST are file formats utilized by MS Outlook to contain your emails, contacts, calendars, and other relevant mailbox items. Users may lose access to their OST files because of server crashes, Outlook errors, or account deletion. In those scenarios, OST to PST conversion is needed to access, restore, or backup critical information. Outlook offers an Export feature and an Auto-Archive option to OST to PST conversion. These methods are helpful only when there is access to Outlook. If these methods are helpful only when there is access to Outlook. If these methods are helpful only when there is access to Outlook are available, but there is a corrupted OST file, the most secured and easiest method to Recover OST files is with the best OST to PST converter tool without data loss and learn how to convert OST file into PST.
Reasons to Change OST to PST
It is essential to convert OST file into PST files in several instances. Outlined below are the most frequent cases:
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Exchange Server outages, whether due to crashes, power interruptions, or other technical issues, hinder access to mailboxes. OST to PST conversions enables independent access to data of mailboxes without relying on server repairs.
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Retrieving Information from a Different System: OST files are permanently tied to an Outlook profile and specific personal computer. In case you're moving to a new system or an Office 365 subscription, you would need to transform the OST file to PST format to unlock your emails and other pertinent information.
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Accidental Deletion of Exchange Account OST files become inaccessible when a mailbox is purged from the Exchange Server due to employee terminations. The data can be reclaimed if the OST file is transformed into a PST file.
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Backup Purposes: The ease of storing and relocating PST files makes them advantageous. OST files can be converted to PST files to backup your mailbox especially when planning to uninstall Outlook or remove the Exchange account.
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Sharing Outlook Data: PST files are indeed portable and can be accessed on any configuration of Outlook. When it comes to sharing mailbox data with other users, it is best to share it in PST format.
Method 1: Manual Method that Convert OST file into PST
If Microsoft Outlook is installed on your computer, you can try this manual solution. It entails using Outlook’s Import/Export functionality. Follow this procedure to backup OST to PST:
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Launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer and head over to the File section.
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Look for the Open & Export function and select it > then click on Import/Export.
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As you have done before, proceed to click Export to a file then click Next.
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Again, choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option from the list and click Next.
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Choose the complete mailbox folder or the complete account to be converted > Next.
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Specify the location for the resultant PST file, configure the settings for file duplicates, and the other options.
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Finally, click on the Finish button to complete the conversion from OST to PST file.
Consequently, this is how you manually convert OST to PST. However, what about orphaned OST files? Indeed, every approach comes with some difficulties and this procedure is no exception.
Method 2: Convert OST to PST Without Outlook using the OST to PST Converter
Using the offline OST to PST Converter you can safely convert OST files into PST format . It ensures complete data accuracy while supporting multiple file formats and email platforms. Ideal for both individual and professional use, this software helps users easily manage, back up, and migrate their Outlook data without any risk of data loss. Procedure to convert OST file into PST using the SysInfo OST Converter:
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Download and complete the installation of the OST to PST Converter. Make sure to run the tool as an administrator.
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In the initial screen, both Log File and Temporary File paths can be set.
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From the initial wizard, you can either go with Select Folder or Single File/Multiple Files according to your needs. After your selection, click Next to continue.
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To add a single OST file or a collection of OST files, click on the Select file(s) tab. Select folder to add an entire directory containing folders or files.
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Navigate to your OST files, selecting the file for conversion, and clicking Open. Optionally, any extraneous files can be removed using the Remove or Remove All buttons. Proceed by clicking Next.
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Upon clicking Next, a pop-up window stating, “Import Successful. Please Expand the Tree Hierarchy” will appear. Click OK to continue.
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Subsequently, expand the specific tree structure associated with the OST file to display the containing files and folders. Review the folders to be exported.
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To access an email’s details and associated documents, simply double-click on it. Select files by checking the boxes located on the left sidebar. Afterwards, press Next.
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To save, select an appropriate file type from the list provided. Let’s assume we select PST to convert OST file into PST.
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Furthermore, additional options and filters may be implemented to improve the final output. Choose the filters Remove Duplicate, Maintain Folder Hierarchy, and Date Filter, among others.
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Afterwards, designate the location in the Path to Save column, and click the Convert button to perform OST to PST conversion.
Here are the advantages of using an OST to PST converter instead of manual method:
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Faster and More Efficient: Unlike manual techniques which can be tedious and slow, this method rapidly converts multiple OST files.
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No Data Loss – Guarantees complete accuracy and integrity of data, tracking every detail without the risk of data omission or corruption which occurs with manual methods.
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Supports Corrupted Files: Automated methods are capable of recovering and converting damaged or orphaned OST files which are beyond the capabilities of manual methods.
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Selective Conversion – This feature enables filtering by date, folder, or duplicates in ways which are not supported by manual processes.
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Preserves Folder Structure - Unlike manual exports which may disrupt the hierarchy structure, the automated exports preserve the original mailbox hierarchy without any issues.
Conclusion
Converting OST to PST is crucial for issues like server crashes, migration, or backups. Manual Outlook methods work only if Outlook is accessible and have limits with corrupted files. A dedicated OST to PST converter is more reliable and efficient, ensuring data accuracy, supporting damaged files, preserving folder structure, and offering advanced features. For a smooth conversion, especially without Outlook, using a professional converter tool is the best option to convert OST file into PST format.
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