As an Outlook user, you are familiar with the OST and PST files. Both files hold Outlook data, but there is a slight difference between them. OST is an Offline Storage Table that saves on the user system when the user configures Outlook with Exchange, Office 365, Outlook.com, and IMAP. On the other hand, a PST file is a database file of Outlook that holds the entire Outlook data can be moved into any other system. Some users look to convert OST file to PST because of several reasons.
This blog has covered reasons behind the user motto to convert the OST files and the conversion solution.
Advantage of converting OST file into PST
Converting an OST file into a PST file format not only has a single benefit, but has multiple advantages which we have discussed below:-
- Want to keep a backup of the Exchange account and restore it at the time of mailbox deletion.
- At the time of the downtime in the Exchange server making changes in the OST file is not possible.
- OST files are not transferrable from one system to another system which creates problems for users to share the data with others.
- At the time of switching the email client, the other email client doesn’t support which requires users to convert them into PST.
- OST file is prone to corruption, due to various reasons and many users want to have a backup of the OST data into PST.
Solutions to Convert the OST files into PST
Using Drag and Drop Method to Convert OST files
This is one of the easiest solutions to convert OST to PST which requires users to perform a few steps to make the conversion. However, it will consume more time of users who want to convert multiple OST files. The process to follow this method has been explained below:-
- To create a new PST file the first step that the user should take is to open Outlook.
- Now, kindly expand the new item option, where you need to select the Outlook data file (PST) option.
- Assign the name to a PST file and specify the location to save it. Click on the OK button.
- Make a folder in the PST file. Go to the mailbox folder and select the required emails, right-click on them to select a move option.
- By doing it, the emails from the OST will moved into a PST file.
Auto Archive Option
By utilizing the Auto Archive option users can convert OST file to PST files. This conversion solution allows to transfer of all the data except contacts from the mailbox into a PST file. Follow the steps to use this conversion approach:-
- Launch Outlook, click on File, and then on Options.
- Go to the advanced option from the left side menu. Now, click on the AutoArchive Settings which will be available under the AutoArchive.
- An AutoArchive dialog box will open where you can modify the already existing settings. Run AutoArchive for every 14 days. After making the remaining changes, click on the OK button.
Export OST file into PST through Outlook Import/Export Option
It is one of the most widely methods to convert OST file to PST. Also, make sure to open the Outlook using the Exchange credentials.
- Open the Outlook account. Thereafter, move your cursor toward the File menu and click on Import/Export.
- In the subsequent wizard, click on export to a file option from the Choose an action to perform.
- Export to a file will prompt you to select any one option. After choosing the PST option, click on Next.
- Now, it’s time to make the selection of the folder. After selecting, click on Next to continue.
- Use the browse button to save the final PST file in your system.
- The last step in the conversion process using this approach is to click on the finish button.
Better Solution to Convert OST into PST
The manual solution discussed requires the user to run the Outlook application with the exchange-configured account. However, third-party tools like Weeom OST to PST converter tool are an example of outstanding utilities that help to transfer the complete data from the OST file into the PST file. It allows users with a preview of all OST file data which ensures to get a detailed overview of all the data.
The tool offers a wide range of user-centric features that make it easier for users to complete conversion quickly and easily. Also, the software possesses the incremental export option, which helps to restrict duplicate items to convert when the user resumes the stopped conversion. Users can also check the software demo version to evaluate its performance.
How to use the software to convert OST to PST files?
- Initially, users need to open the software and add the OST files.
- Once the required files are added to the software, then select the file and choose the OST to PST option from the ribbon bar.
- A new wizard will appear which allows you to select and de-select the sub-folders from the list. After selecting, click on the Next button.
- In the new window, choose export in existing PST or in new PST. Once done, then click on Next.
- Now a filter option appears which users can apply as per their requirement.
- Next, the folder mappings along with the email translation option are given. Apply them and click Next to start the process.
Conclusion
We have checked the different solutions and answered the question of how to convert OST file to PST file. Users can be able to convert OST file to PST by using the solution explained like using the Import/Export option, making use of drag and drop, etc. However, out of all the third-party solution has an edge over others in terms of the data processing speed, capability to handle multiple file conversion, etc. The software showcased here also comes with a free trial version which gives the chance to experience the software working.
