Convert OST to PST to export OST file of Outlook into Personal Storage Table

It is a very common query among users to convert OST to PST. Keeping this in view, the blog is maintained that explains the reasons to convert OST to Outlook PST and various methods to convert OST 2 PST format. Let’s start the blog with the introduction.

Introduction

OST file is offline storage file of Outlook which is generated when you lose connection with Exchange Server. You need to access your mailbox, at that time, OST file becomes helpful to view, read and create any message which will later be updated once the server gets connected.

PST is personal storage table format of MS Outlook that stores all emails, contacts, notes, journals and many more. PST file s of two types – ANSI & UNICODE. ANSI PST file was generated in earlier versions of Outlook and UNICODE is generated in Outlook 2003 and later versions.

Reasons behind OST 2 PST Conversion

  • OST files are prone to corruption so for backup, user need to convert OST 2 PST
  • OST files cannot be transferred to another system. If you want to move your OST file to another system, OST 2 PST Conversion is needed.
  • Unexpected crash in Exchange Server due to viruses, power failure and software issues.
  • During maintenance of Exchange Server, you can’t access the mailbox data.

How to perform OST file conversion to PST?

There are various ways to convert OST 2 PST but the choice of methods is done keeping in mind data security and safety. Get various manual tricks here to perform the conversion.

  • With Archive feature of Outlook
  • Export to a new PST file
  • Drag and drop method

Limitations with the manual tricks

The above manual tricks have some disadvantages –

  • You can use the above tricks if you are working on the same system where your OST file is created.
  • MS Exchange Server should be available
  • OST files should not be corrupt

Third-party OST to PST Converter

If manual tricks do not suit you, you can use the third-party OST file to PST Converter solution which seamlessly convert OST mailbox to PST without asking for anything. There are many vendors that are providing the tool. One application is Datavare OST to PST Converter that works perfectly without making any changes to the mailbox data and with no data loss.

Working of OST 2 PST Converter

The software works with few simple steps –

Step 1. Download and Install the software

Step 2. Adding OST file for conversion

Step 3. Choose PST file format

Step 4. Select a location to save the conversion results

Step 5. Click on the Convert Now button