Transfer Outlook PST File to New Computer Without Losing Data

Do you wish to transfer PST files from one computer to another? This guide explains both manual methods and the use of an automated PST recovery tool to help you accomplish this task efficiently.

Microsoft Outlook, with over 400 million users worldwide, is a trusted email platform offering a variety of secure features. Outlook stores its data in two file formats: OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table). OST files allow offline access, while PST files are ideal for data backup and include advanced encryption options, making them a secure choice for storing email data.

There are instances where users may need to transfer Outlook PST files from one system to another. Common scenarios include upgrading to a new computer, switching between operating systems (e.g., Windows to Mac or vice versa), or backing up data when a system is at risk of corruption.

In some cases, if you’re working with OST files (e.g., from an Exchange or IMAP account), you will need to convert them to PST format before migration. For this purpose, an OST to PST Converter Tool is invaluable.

This article explores reliable methods to transfer PST files effectively, including the use of such automated tools.

Also Read: Open PST File without Outlook

Methods to Move PST File from One Computer to Another

Transferring PST files manually requires some technical knowledge. If you’re new to this process, ensure you back up your data to avoid potential loss. Here are the methods:

Method 1: Manual Transfer Using Copy-Paste and Import/Export Commands

This process can be broken into three main stages:

Stage 1: Backup Outlook PST Data to a Hard Drive

• Open Outlook and go to the File menu.
• Choose Open & Export > Import/Export and click Next.
• In the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a File and proceed.
• Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) as the format to export.
• Select the mailbox folder you wish to back up.
• Browse a location to save your PST file and configure duplicate handling options.
• Click Finish to create the PST file.
• Locate the newly created PST file on your computer and copy it to an external hard drive or USB drive.

Stage 2: Move the PST File to the New Computer

• Connect the external drive to the new computer.
• Copy the PST file from the drive to a location on the new system.

Stage 3: Import PST into Outlook on the New Computer

• Open Outlook on the new computer and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
• In the wizard, select Import from another program or file and choose Next.
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and browse to the PST file’s location.
• Choose the handling option for duplicate items and select the folder where the imported data should go.
• Click Finish to complete the import process.

Method 2: Use an OST to PST Converter Tool for OST Files

If your email data is in an OST file format, you cannot migrate it directly. In such cases, use a reliable OST to PST Converter Tool to convert the OST file to PST format before transferring it.

Recommended Tool: Cigati OST to PST Converter

The Cigati OST to PST Converter simplifies the process of converting OST files and ensures data accuracy.

Key Features:

• Converts OST files to PST and other formats like EML, MBOX, MSG, and HTML.
• Maintains the original folder hierarchy and metadata during conversion.
• Recovers data from corrupt OST files with advanced scanning modes.
• Supports bulk conversion of multiple OST files simultaneously.
• Compatible with encrypted and password-protected OST files.

Steps to Use the Tool:

• Install and launch the Cigati OST to PST Converter.
• Add the OST file(s) you wish to convert.
• Select PST as the output format.
• Choose the destination to save the converted file.
• Click Convert to start the process.
• Use the manual or automated methods to transfer the newly created PST file to the new computer.

What To Do If Outlook Emails Are Corrupt?

In cases where the PST file is corrupt or damaged, the Cigati PST Recovery Tool is an excellent choice for repairing and transferring data without loss.

Conclusion

This article has outlined multiple approaches to transferring PST files from one computer to another. The manual method is viable but complex, especially for novices. For OST files or when dealing with corrupt PSTs, automated tools like the Cigati OST to PST Converter and Cigati PST Recovery Tool offer efficient and secure solutions.

You May Also Read: Restore PST File in Outlook

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