How to Convert OST to PST with Complete Data Manually — Solved
Every Outlook user has felt a need to convert OST to PST file format. There are multiple reasons for this file conversion. Similarly, there are various techniques to perform the task. However, one method may not be suitable for all users. Therefore, in this blog, we suggest some of the best methods to import OST to PST without losing your data. Read the article carefully.
Difference between OST and PST
Offline Storage Table (OST) and Personal Storage Table (PST) are both Outlook data files. However, there is a key difference in these file types. When you add an email account that works on a POP3 server, it will store the offline copy of your mailbox in your system in PST file format.
On the other hand, Office 365, Outlook.com, and other IMAP-enabled email accounts will save your data in OST file format. Both these files contain your mailbox items like emails, contacts, calendars, etc.
It is the key difference between these file types. Now, it is time to learn what are the advantages of converting exchange OST to PST file format.
Why Convert OST to PST File Format?
When you want to export OST file to PST file format, you will experience various advantages that we will discuss below.
- Sometimes, the exchange server gets crashed and you become unable to access your data. In such a case, the best option is to export OST to PST to read all your mailbox data.
- You can back up your emails into your system before it gets deleted from the Exchange server.
- Outlook OST files are prone to file corruption. Therefore, it is suitable to change them into a robust file type like PST. It will save your mailbox data.
- PST file format is ideal for sharing your data. So, you can easily share your mailbox items after converting them from OST to PST.
These reasons help you understand why you should convert your Outlook data file. Let us see how you can convert Outlook OST file to PST file format.
How to Convert OST to PST via Manual Methods
MS Outlook provides you with various inbuilt features to convert OST to PST file format. Here, we provide you with two simple techniques that do not require much effort. The first method is to use the import/export feature. It takes only a few seconds to back up your OST data in PST file format. Below are the steps to convert OST file to PST file using the Import/Export feature.
#1. Use the Import/Export Feature of Outlook
- Open MS Outlook application in your system.
- Click on the File button from the top menu section.
- Next, choose the Open & Export tab and select the Import/Export option.
- In the appeared wizard, select the Export to a file option and hit Next.
- After that, select the Outlook Data File(.pst) option and click Next.
- Now, choose the mailbox folder you want to convert and press the Next button.
- At last, define the destination for the resultant file and click Finish.
If the above technique is not suitable for you, you can opt for the next method. The AutoArchiving feature of MS Outlook allows you to convert OST to PST free.
#2. Use the AutoArchiving Feature of Outlook
- In the Outlook application menu bar, click on the File button.
- Choose the Options tab from the left section.
- In the Outlook Option wizard, select the Advanced tab.
- Now, click on the AutoArchive Settings button.
- Specify the AutoArchive settings and click OK to save changes.
- It will automatically create a backup of your mailbox as per defined settings.
These are the two most prominent methods to back up manually. Although both these techniques are effective, they have some restrictions. So, we suggest you opt for the best OST to PST converter tool if you want a precise, fast, and effective conversion.
Conclusion
Although both OST and PST files are Outlook data files, it is more convenient to convert OST to PST file format. There are different techniques to change the file type, but we suggest choosing the professional tool as it provides various innovative features to make the conversion more efficient and swift.
