4 Proven Tactics to Convert OST to PST in Outlook

Microsoft Outlook has long been a popular choice for personal and professional use. Moreover, Outlook stores its mailbox data in two formats: OST (Outlook Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table). While PST files are easy to transfer and manage, OST files are a bit more complex. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to convert OST to PST file, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step by step. Additionally, users can opt for the Cigati OST to PST Converter to do this.

It helps you to access Microsoft Exchange Server email. Additionally, it provides contacts, calendaring, and task management functionality. Many organizations integrate Outlook with the Microsoft Sharepoint platform for sharing crucial file data. Also, It stores a local copy of the information on your system when you configure an email account with Outlook.

Also Read: Move OST File to Another Drive

Case Studies For Requirement of OST to PST Conversion

The following situations will encounter two compelling reasons to convert OST to PST. Converting the OST files to PST format provides solutions to critical scenarios where data transition and accessibility are paramount.

“Meet Alex, an IT manager at a mid-sized company. One of the employees, Lisa, has decided to leave the organization and move on to new career opportunities. Lisa’s role was pivotal, and she has extensive data in her Outlook account, stored in the OST format. The company needs a smooth transition of her work-related emails, contacts, and calendar entries to ensure business continuity and facilitate the handover to her successor.”

“Mark is a dedicated freelance consultant who relies on Outlook for managing work-related emails and appointments. He often switches between his office computer and personal laptop. While working remotely on his laptop, he encounters a situation where he urgently needs access to an email saved in his OST file on his office computer. It poses a considerable challenge since his office computer is not accessible currently, and his required data is locked within the OST file.”

Understanding OST and PST Files

The following section will discuss the detailed introduction of OST and PST files. You just need to understand each paragraph.

What is an OST file?

OST files, or Outlook Offline Storage Table files, are used by Microsoft Outlook to store a copy of your mailbox data from the Exchange server. In fact, these files allow you to work offline and synchronize any changes when you connect to the server.

What is a PST file?

PST files, or Personal Storage Table files, are a typical format for storing mailbox data in Microsoft Outlook. Unlike OST files, PST files are easy to transfer and can open without installing or using an Exchange server.

Why There is a Need For Converting OST to PST?

The need to convert OST to PST arises from various real-life scenarios, each emphasizing the importance of this conversion process. Here are some key reasons why users find themselves requiring this transformation:

• Converting OST to PST is essential to remember that valuable email data can be seamlessly transferred to the new environment.
• Many users convert OST files to PST as a proactive data backup strategy. Hence, users want to export OST files to PST.
• PST files are an effective way to archive and retain email records, ensuring that historical communication data is readily accessible when needed.
• Converting OST to PST allows users to access their email data remotely, especially when required to work on different devices or without an internet connection.
• In some situations where employees leave a company or when accounts are reassigned, converting OST to PST can simplify the process of transferring email data to a new account holder.
• OST files can become corrupted or damaged, rendering the data inaccessible. As a result, users want to convert Outlook OST files to PST.

Here are some reasons for conversion. Now, we will look forward to performing the exporting procedure.

Free Methods to Convert OST to PST File Format

Many users asked for a free tool to convert their OST to PST files. In such a scenario, two popular free methods to export OST to PST files.

#1. Convert OST File to PST Using Outlook

You can convert Outlook OST to PST with the assistance of the built-in Import and Export feature. After that, execute the following steps to accomplish this task.

• Open the Outlook application and click on the File tab.
• Afterwards, choose Open & Export and then Import/Export.
• Now, select Export to a file and click the Next button.
• Then, choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and follow the wizard.
• Here, select the folder to export and proceed to the next step.
• Define the location for the new PST file on your system. Then, choose to Replace duplicates with the items exported option.
• Now, Click on the Finish button to convert OST to PST file.

#2. Archive OST to PST

You can also enable the Auto Archive method to convert OST to PST manually. It helps to manage your mailbox size. For this, you need to perform the following steps to change OST to PST using the Auto Archiving method.

• First, open the Outlook application and click the File tab.
• Then, choose the Options button and select the Advanced option.
• After that, click the Auto Archive Settings button to set up archiving.
• Once the archiving is complete, you can find the archived PST file.

#3. Drag and Drop Method

• Open Outlook and create a new PST file.
• Select the items you want to move from the OST file.
• Drag and drop them into the new PST file.

Here are some manual solutions to convert OST to PST. Now, we will look over the disadvantages of performing them manually.

What Are The Challenges That Come During The Manual Conversion?

While manual methods for converting OST to PST can be effective in some scenarios, they come with several limitations that users should be aware of. These demerits can make the manual conversion process cumbersome and, in some cases, impractical.

• They often involve multiple steps and settings within Microsoft Outlook.
• Manual conversion methods require careful handling of email data.
• Often dependent on the specific version of Microsoft Outlook being used.
• They may not be suitable for dealing with corrupt or damaged OST files.
• Manual conversion can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with large OST files.

To overcome all the challenges, opt for an efficient solution.

#4. Convert OST to PST Without Outlook Using Expert Solution

Cigati OST to PST Converter is the top-notch and versatile software. It assists users in converting OST files to PST format without losing a single piece of data. Moreover, you can also perform bulk conversion and maintain data integrity. In addition, users can also remove duplicate mail before accomplishing the manual conversion. In fact, this software doesn’t require the installation of MS Outlook to initiate the process.

Steps to Convert Outlook OST File to PST

• Download and launch the OST to PST Converter.
• Then, add the OST files you want to convert.
• Now, users can preview the files and mark them to move further.
• After that, opt for the PST format from the drop-down list.
• Here, you can opt for additional features accordingly.
• Further, set the destination path to save the resultant file.
• Lastly, click the Convert button to begin the conversion process.

The Verdict!

In the world of email management, knowing how to convert an OST file to a PST file is a valuable skill. Whether you’re switching email platforms or need to recover data from a corrupted OST file, the ability to perform this conversion is a lifesaver. By following the manual methods or using professional tools like OST to PST Converter, you can ensure a seamless transition of your mailbox data. In addition, it makes your email management tasks much more efficient and hassle-free.

You May Also Read: Open OST File without Outlook

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