Summary: This guide will disclose top free and paid solutions to convert Microsoft Outlook OST files to PST file format. Also, it also suggests to perform the conversion using a professional solution as it can easily convert corrupt as well as non-corrupted OST file data to PST file format.
OST and PST files both are necessary in MS Outlook. OST files are used to save offline copy of data from Exchange Server whereas PST files are used to store the copy of data on the configured system from MS Outlook. There are plenty of reasons due to which users need to convert OST data to PST format. Let us know the reasons first.
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Top reasons to Convert Exchange OST mailbox to PST
This conversion has many benefits. For example:
- By conversion of OST data items into PST format, you don’t have to bother about the data getting accidentally deleted from Exchange.
- After the conversion into PST file format, you can store PST file at a safe location.
- In case of Exchange maintenance, OST file becomes inaccessible. So, you can use this file after the conversion into PST file format and import it to MS Outlook email client.
- The data become accessible in case you are facing Exchange Server crash because of many reasons.
Challenges faced by users while converting OST file items to PST file manually
In case Outlook is linked with Exchange, then conversion of OST file is simple for all users. But in the absence of Exchange Server, this conversion becomes almost impossible for users. In such cases, users have to go for automated programs to complete the conversion task. Here are a few challenges faced by users while executing OST mailbox data to PST conversion:
Conversion of corrupt OST file: Outlook won’t allow opening corrupt OST files. In case Exchange Server is down, users can’t create a new OST file & replace the corrupt one. Then, manual OST file conversion is impossible.
Same Exchange account is required: Users can’t access OST file with other account or with different Exchange account. You can access it only when you have the Exchange account where it was originally created. This means only Exchange-connected Outlook users are able to convert their OST data items to PST format.
Need proper technical skills: Manual methods are suitable only for those users who are technically sound. We advise novice users to choose a professional solution as it may harm the actual database during the conversion process.
Issues in recovering orphaned Outlook OST files: OST files which are not connected to Exchange are orphaned OST files and there is no manual technique to convert these OST files. You can convert these OST files only by using professional tools.
Top 4 Methods to Convert OST mailbox items into PST format
In this part of this article, we are disclosing 4 different methods to convert Exchange OST file items to PST file format.
Method 1. Conversion using Import/Export feature of Outlook
- Start by opening Microsoft Outlook.
- Open the File menu and then Import & Export option.
- From the next window, go for ‘Export to a file’ option.
- Then, choose the Outlook .pst file option.
- Pick the mailbox folder to export the data from. Also, mark ‘Include subfolders.
- Browse & mention a path to save the PST file. Hit the ‘Finish’ button.
Note: To use this method, Exchange connectivity and Outlook configuration in the system is necessary.
Method 2. Archive method to export OST database items to PST format
- Open the Outlook program.
- Hit the ‘File’ menu and then choose ‘Archive’ option.
- Go for desired file/folder to archive.
- Use the Browse option to save the archived file.
- Finally, go with the ‘Finish’ button.
Note: This method failed to migrate OST file contacts to PST file format.
Method 3. Using drag & drop action in Outlook
This method helps users to move OST file items to a new PST file.
- Launch Microsoft Outlook application.
- Make a new PST file in Outlook profile.
- Drag all mailbox folders to move to this new PST file.
- Drop them into this new PST file.
Note: You can’t drag Contacts, Inbox, and other default folders into PST file with this method.
So, you have seen that the above manual methods have some limitations. Hence, the majority of users prefer to avoid them and go for a better solution that can smoothly export OST file all data items into PST file format.
To help users in such a situation, we are here with such a professional program.
Method 4. Third-party Utility to Convert OST file entire data to PST file
By using Dailysoft Exchange OST to PST Converter, you can safely move all items like emails, contacts, notes, default folders, attachments, calendars, etc. to PST file from OST file. This utility efficiently works with corrupt, orphaned, and non-corrupt OST files. Without the need of experience in technical field, users can utilize this program. Both professionals and novice users can smoothly operate the software.
This program offers you a lot of benefits with its amazing features that makes it the best solution to convert Exchange OST mailbox items to PST file.
Highly beneficial features of this professional tool:
- The software comfortably exports all OST file items directly into PST file format.
- Safely convert all items from Outlook OST file into a PST file without any hassle.
- Both ANSI and Unicode OST files are effortlessly converted into PST file format.
- You don’t need Exchange connectivity and Microsoft Outlook configuration for the conversion process.
- This program is well suitable with all the versions of Windows and Outlook.
- This app has no restrictions for file size and it can effectively export any large OST file into PST format.
- A free evaluation of the toolkit is provided to all users to convert the first 10 items per folder.
Also Read:– Convert Outlook .ost files to Lotus Notes .nsf file format
Easy steps to convert OST email items to PST file:
- Open the software for OST to Outlook PST Conversion on your local windows system.
- Choose the OST file that you need to export.
- Set the required path for saving the new PST file.
- Finally, hit the ‘Convert Now’ button to start the process of exporting data items into PST file.
Conclusion
I believe after checking this post, you have come to know about 4 solutions for the conversion of OST mail data to PST file format. You can go through these different solutions and pick the best one for you. However, the perfect & simplest method is the discussed third-party software. You can check its demo edition and can make sure of the functionality of this software for you prior investing in it.
