Microsoft Outlook stands as one of the world’s most widely utilized email services today, boasting millions of users globally. It finds application in both small and large businesses thanks to its versatile features. Additionally, it extends a complimentary cloud storage option to its users, permitting them to access their stored data on any device with a reliable internet connection. Before moving on to the methods to export OST to PST, let’s discuss how does Outlook saves the files.
In basic terms, Microsoft Outlook stores emails in two different file formats, known as OST and PST. When a person uses Outlook without an internet connection, all the information is kept in OST format. However, it’s not possible for the user to directly bring this OST data into Outlook or access it unless it’s converted into PST format. This article will explain two efficient methods for converting an OST file into PST format. For fast and reliable conversion of OST to PST use Sysinfo OST to PST Converter. Before we proceed to the methods to export OST to PST it is necessary to understand the basic difference between OST and PST Files.
Difference Between OST & PST
The following section will highlight the basic differences between OST and PST Files.
| Aspect of Distinction | OST | PST |
| Definition | OST, or Offline Outlook Data, is a format employed by MS Outlook to store data for synchronization with the Exchange server. It offers both online and offline accessibility and holds crucial data. | PST also referred to as Personal Storage Table, is utilized for storing Outlook emails and various items, preserving them directly on your computer. |
| Internet Connection | Alterations in OST can be made without the necessity of an Internet connection. Any changes carried out in MS Outlook will seamlessly synchronize within the OST file. | An Internet connection is a prerequisite for making modifications to the PST file. |
| File Compatibility | OST files are exclusive in compatibility, functioning solely with the Exchange server. | PST files exhibit broader compatibility, functioning with both Exchange servers and MS Outlook. |
Reasons to Convert OST to PST
There might be several reasons to convert Outlook OST to PST. But some of the prominent ones are mentioned below.
- Exchange server failure can occur due to sudden power outages, server crashes, software corruption, and similar issues.
- After a server crash, it might not be possible to reconnect to the Exchange server.
- OST files can become corrupted because of improper termination, insufficient storage, and related issues.
- To access and view damaged OST files, they need to be converted into PST files.
Now let’s move on to the Methods to change OST to PST.
Methods to Change OST to PST
In this section, we’ll explore two reliable approaches to Export OST to PST. These techniques involve utilizing Outlook’s Import/Export Feature and employing the Sysinfo OST to PST Converter. While the manual method is effective, it does have some limitations. Before proceeding, let’s explore these limitations so you can make an informed choice regarding the most suitable method for your situation. The drawbacks of the manual method are as follows:
- This approach demands a significant amount of time and is quite time-consuming.
- Mistakes during the process can lead to potential data loss.
- The application may crash when handling large files.
- It’s not possible to convert corrupt or damaged files using this method.
Method 1: Import/Export feature to Convert OST File to PST Files
The Import/Export feature is a built-in feature of Outlook. The steps are as follows:
- Firstly, open Outlook and navigate to the desired file.
- Click the File option in the top-left corner.
- Choose Open & Export and then click on the Import/Export feature.
- In this step, opt for Export to a file and proceed by clicking Next.
- Select the Outlook data file (.pst) option and click Next.
- Now, pick the folder you wish to export and click Next.
- Finally, click Finish.
After following the steps you will successfully export OST to PST. However, for a more reliable and fast approach refer to the next method.
Method 2: Professionally Export the OST File to PST
Sysinfo OST to PST Converter is a fully automated tool. It can export OST to PST hassle-free. Furthermore, it is loaded with many useful features. Some of these features are:
- Remove duplicate Emails during the process.
- Selective conversion using the Date Range Filter.
- Increase your server space using the option Free-up the Server Space.
- Interactive user interface.
- Runs smoothly on all the versions of Windows OS.
The steps to convert OST to PST using the software are:
- Firstly, Install and launch the SysInfo OST to PST Converter as an administrator.
- Click on Browse, add the OST files from your PC, and click Next.
- Select the files/Folders from the tree structure format and click Next.
- Specify the saving format as PST and define the destination path.
- Finally, apply the filters and click Convert.
After the conversion, you can even download a detailed log file.
Conclusion
We’ve finished this article. But before we finish, let’s remember what we talked about. We started by explaining the main differences between OST and PST. Then, we discussed why it’s important to export OST to PST. We also looked at two ways to do this. The manual way takes a lot of time and can be tricky. The Sysinfo OST to PST Converter is quicker and easier to use. Plus, there’s a free demo version so you can see how it works.
Author Bio:
Ranjan Chaurasiya is a content writer specializing in Email Migration, Data Recovery, Email Backup, and File Management. He embarked on his writing journey two years ago, driven by his fascination with the wealth of information in these fields and the latest techniques and technology.
