Summary: This post explains a free and paid method to convert OST to PST file format with entires data such emails, contacts, calendars, tasks notes, etc. You will also find a professional way to convert OST to PST file format. You can swiftly convert corrupt & non-corrupted OST files to PST format with this professional program.
OST and PST both data files are important in Microsoft Outlook. OST files are utilized to save copy of mailbox data of Exchange Server whereas PST is utilized to store copy of mailbox data on the configured system from Outlook. There can be varied reasons to convert OST to PST file format. Here, we will explore the reasons before jumping to the solutions.
Possible Reasons to Convert OST file data to PST format
In this section, we will elaborate reasons for performing OST data to PST conversion.
- Maintenance of Exchange Server
- To backup Exchange mailboxes
- Exchange Server crash
- Sudden deletion of Exchange account & data
- Corruption in Exchange Server database
- OST data transfer to another system
- Recreation of OST file
- Thus, users need to convert Offline Outlook (.ost) file to .pst format.
Challenges Come Across while Trying to Convert OST to PST Manually
When Outlook is connected to Exchange Server, recreating OST file is not an issue for users. But when the case is opposite which means Exchange Server is down, recreating OST file is impossible. In such a situation, you need a special automated tool to convert OST to PST file format. Now, let us talk about the challenges that come across when users try to manually convert OST to PST file format with entire data.
Conversion of corrupted OST file: We are well aware that opening corrupt OST files is impossible in Outlook. In the absence of Exchange Server, one can’t recreate OST file & replace the corrupted one. In this situation, manual OST file conversion to PST format is impossible.
Need same Exchange user account: Accessing OST file with another account or a different Exchange account is not permitted. You can only open OST file within the Exchange account where it was created. In short, only Exchange-connected Outlook users can convert offline storage table .ost to .pst Personal Storage table files with entire data.
Need Technical efficiency: Manual solutions are not meant for those users who don’t have any knowledge of Outlook and data migration. Therefore, only technically sound users are advised to go for manual solutions for OST to PST Conversion free.
Unable to convert orphaned OST files: OST files not connected with Exchange Server are known as orphaned OST files. When users face crash in Exchange Server, they can only access the data from orphaned OST files. Unfortunately, there is no manual way that can convert orphaned OST data files into Outlook PST file format. The manual solutions can convert only those OST files which are connected to Exchange Server.
Top – Class Solutions to Convert OST to PST free
You have three free ways to convert OST to PST file. The first one is an old way for OST data file migration.
Let us explore how we can manually perform the conversion with both free methods:
Method 1. Using Native Import/Export Feature of MS Outlook
- From Outlook, go to File menu
- Then, select Import & Export
- Go for the Export to file option in the appeared window.
- Mark Outlook .pst file option.
- Pick the required mailbox folder. Also, choose subfolders
- Browse & set folder to store PST file.
- Finally, tap on the ‘Finish’ button.
Note: You must have Exchange Server connection and Outlook configured on your system to use this method.
Method 2. Using Archive option
- From the File menu in Outlook, go to Archive option.
- Mark desired file/folder to archive.
- Set a location to save the archived file.
- Lastly, hit the Finish button.
Method 3. Drag and Drop action
This method will drag items from OST file & drop to a new PST file.
- In Outlook, build a new PST file.
- Drag all mailbox folders and move to the newly built PST file.
Note: Items like Inbox, contacts, etc. default folder to new PST file.
So, this is all about free methods that one can use for the conversion of OST mailbox data to Outlook PST file. However, these free solutions are not recommended due to the complexity & data loss risk associated with them.
Here are Some Major Limitations of Free Solutions:
- Very slow and time-taking process
- Complex in nature hence novice users can’t understand them
- No data safety assurance
- Limitation of file size for conversion
- Not all items are able to convert
- Not suitable for conversion of orphaned & corrupt OST files
- Outlook is compulsory for the conversion process
Professional Solution to Convert OST 2 PST
To come out of all worries of manual solutions, we suggest users to go for WholeClear OST to PST Converter free download. This is a well-examined and perfect solution for all users to safely & quickly convert OST to PST file without any trouble. It allows smart conversion of all OST file types into PST file format.
This tool will provide you lot of advanced features to make the conversion task simpler & effective.
Steps to Convert OST to PST files
Using the software, only few steps you need to follow for OST file migration to PST file format:
1. Install and start opening the OST to PST Converter software by its installation.
2. Now, select one or more OST files that you want to change OST to PST.
3. Select PST file format under the Export options.
4. Suggest a path for saving the output PST file.
5. Press the ‘Convert’ button to start the conversion.
Some beneficial Features offered by the OST to PST Converter are
- Allows multiple files from OST to PST conversion at once.
- Maintenance of folder hierarchy while converting OST to PST files.
- Smartly convert inaccessible OST to PST file format files directly.
- No Outlook & Exchange connection is required for OST file export into PST file format.]
- Easy recovery of deleted OST file items.
- Free conversion of first 25 items per folder with the demo version.
- Convert multiple OST files at once into PST file without Outlook using the software.
Conclusion
We believe once you go through this post, you came to know about all possible ways to convert Offline storage table OST to PST file format. However, we recommend you use automated OST to PST Converter solution for safe & smooth conversion without Outlook.