Ever felt frustrated when Exchange Server crashes and you’re unable to access your OST file? What happens when, try as you might, you aren’t able to access your data? This issue is more common than you might’ve imagined. Countless Outlook users lose access to their data on a daily basis due to OST file issues. What if we told you that you can resolve this issue?
We’ve compiled the easiest ways to convert OST to PST without losing data. We’ve also provided some compelling reasons for performing this conversion. Additionally, we’ve talked about a powerful tool to address your conversion-related worries.
Why convert OST to PST?
Reasons to convert OST files to PST vary depending on different users. Given below are some of the recurring reasons for this conversion:
- Server independence: Converting OST files to PST allows users to work without accessing Exchange Server. Downtime in Exchange Server can have adverse effects on productivity.
- Efficient backup: Backing up your data is essential for easy recovery in case of data loss. The easiest and safest way to backup OST files is to convert them to PST format.
- Storage management: Archiving old OST files in PST format helps in clearing up mailbox space. This promotes better mailbox storage management and improved performance of Outlook.
- Corrupt OST file: Corruption in OST files makes the data inaccessible and might cause permanent data loss. Recovering data from a corrupt OST file and saving it in PST format helps to recover data safely.
- Enhanced collaboration: PST files are the format of choice for Outlook users looking to collaborate. Since you can access OST files only by their configured Outlook profile, they’re not the best choice for collaboration.
How to convert OST file to PST?
Read below to learn two simple methods to convert OST to PST format without losing essential data. These methods can be easily executed with the help of Outlook. Let’s learn about them in detail.
Method 1: Convert OST file to Outlook PST using Import/Export feature
Import/Export is an exceptional feature of Outlook that allows an easy transfer of mailbox data among Outlook users. Given below are the detailed steps to use this feature:
- Launch Outlook, go to File and select Open & Export.
- Tap on Import/Export icon and then choose Export to a file, under choose an action to perform. Then, click Next.
- Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) from Export to a file wizard and click on Next.
- Choose the folder that you wish to export from and click on Next.
- Browse the saving location of exported file and click on Finish.
Method 2: Export OST file to PST using the AutoArchive feature
AutoArchive feature of Outlook is a game-changer for users with high email traffic and low storage space. It automatically archives all the old emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, etc. Get to know the steps of this feature in detail:
- Open Outlook and navigate to File > Options.
- Click on Advanced tab in the Outlook Options window.
- Click on the AutoArchive settings option and open the AutoArchive wizard.
- Make changes as necessary and apply the required filters, then click OK.
- Periodically, your data will start moving to the archive folder according to the settings applied.
Common challenges of the manual conversion process
Even though these methods are easy to perform, they carry certain risks of their own. Some recurring challenges that users face while performing these methods are:
- Server dependency: Orphaned OST file conversion isn’t possible with the given methods. It’s necessary to connect to Exchange Server to access the data of OST files.
- Size restraint: You can’t convert an OST file exceeding the 50GB limit of Outlook to PST manually. Oversized OST files impact Outlook’s functionality and slows it down. Due to size limitation, this process can take a long time to complete.
- Encrypted OST files: Conversion of password-protected OST files with the built-in tools of Outlook isn’t possible.
- Corrupt OST file: You cannot import data from a corrupt OST file to PST using the given methods.
Best alternative to manual methods
Manual methods come with several risks that can have a negative impact on your crucial data. It’s very important to choose the correct procedure for OST to PST conversion and avoid data loss. Out of the multiple methods available, how can you choose the right one? Using a reliable OST to PST converter tool is the best choice for a risk-free conversion.
According to popular opinion, Kernel for OST to PST Converter is the best tool for this task. This expert-recommended tool can convert OST files to PST format while keeping meta data safe. Recover entire data from damaged OST files easily using this tool. After recovering the data, save it in different formats like PST, MSG, EML, PDF, etc. Additionally, this tool performs bulk conversion of OST files to PST while maintaining data integrity.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has addressed most of your queries on how to convert OST to PST without losing data. We’ve described two simple manual methods to perform this conversion. Although the manual methods may not be suitable if you’re dealing with severe OST file corruption. To avoid all the risks, use a professional tool for OST to PST conversion.