Learn Direct Method to Import OST to IMAP Server

Email infrastructure in modern organizations heavily relies on cloud and IMAP servers for effective communications. But some legacy Outlook accounts leave orphaned OSTs when the server crashes, profiles are corrupted, or an account is deactivated. As OST files are copies of Exchange data, they are bound to Outlook profiles, which makes it difficult to import OST to IMAP. This blog breaks down a clear and optimized free solution along with a reliable OST Converter Tool to help import data in a timely and precise manner.

Real World Scenario

Jennifer faces a common situation where she needs OST to IMAP migration. She states, “I’ve recovered an old OST file from a damaged system, but now I want to move all my data to an IMAP server. Outlook won’t open the OST file directly, and I need access to the data in the IMAP environment as soon as possible. How can I import Outlook OST emails to IMAP without folder structure, formatting, or data loss?” This reflects the number of queries regularly received from many individual users, those on support desks, or in an enterprise.

Reasons to Import OST Emails to IMAP Server

Often, users find this migration beneficial for the significant factors mentioned below:

  • Easily open and read your Outlook cache emails on any connected network.
  • Transfer OST emails to any webmail account rapidly and feasibly.
  • Swift collaboration when you are working in a team by sharing data over shared mailboxes.
  • Create a backup of your OST emails in case your files are corrupted, damaged, or lost.

Considering these, it is quite suitable to save OST emails on an IMAP server. Then, you can access them on Gmail, AOL, Yahoo, iCloud, Hotmail, Office 365, or any other client with ease. Furthermore, explore the suitable methods of conversion accompanied by a step-by-step guide.

How Do Users with a Few Files Import OST to IMAP?

They follow a simple manual method, but with one strict condition.

“You must have access to the original active Outlook profile to which the OST belongs.”

In any case, if the profile is lost, inactive, corrupted, or unavailable, then the method won’t work. Below are the complete steps that you have to follow:

  1. Initially, convert OST to PST in your Outlook profile.
  2. Open the Import/Export wizard and, with the “Export to a file” option, simply save emails as PST.
  3. Once done, configure your IMAP account of choice in the MS Outlook profile.
  4. To do so, navigate to File and, after that, click Add Accounts.
  5. Further, enter the credentials of (Gmail/Thunderbird/Yahoo/etc) and set up the account successfully.
  6. Later, verify the setup and open the exported PST in your Outlook account.
  7. At last, drag and drop PST emails into the synced IMAP mailbox folder.
  8. Allow Outlook to sync the emails and wait patiently until the process to import Outlook OST to IMAP completes.

What are the Shortcomings of This Method?

  • Requires the original Outlook, Microsoft 365, or Exchange profile.
  • It is time-consuming and requires technical skills and expertise.
  • Breaks if the OST file is corrupted or orphaned.
  • Slow sync process for large mailboxes and risk of data loss.

This is why a demand for a direct solution prevails more and more. You can find one down here.

How Do Users with Large Files Import OST to IMAP Server?

They prefer the SysInfo OST to IMAP Converter Tool for migrating the OST files. Whether your file is orphaned or exists in the current Outlook profiles, this excellent software transfers it easily. Plus, you do not require an Outlook installation or any technical expertise to run this tool. Moreover, this software offers several advantages over the manual methods, making it an ideal choice for IT admins and other users.

Steps to Directly Open OST File in IMAP Server

  1. Launch the OST Conversion Tool on Windows/Mac and tap Next.
  2. Then, choose the OST files to upload, press Open, and click Next.
  3. After that, preview the email content and attachments, choose, and tap Next.
  4. Furthermore, select IMAP from the list of email clients and enter credentials.
  5. Complete the sign-in, apply filters, and click the Convert button to complete the import.

Prominent Features of the OST Converter Tool

  • Helps convert OST to PDF, EML, CSV, and other formats and import directly to all IMAP and other web and cloud-based email clients.
  • Supports bulk conversion of OST files from legacy or active Outlook profiles.
  • Instantly maps OST folders to IMAP folders while preserving the integrity.
  • Offers filters for duplicates, selective migration, attachments, and more.
  • Delivers fast and accurate migrations with 100% guaranteed results and no loss.
  • Provides a Demo Version to import OST to IMAP for free (50 emails per folder) and to evaluate performance.

Value-Driven Benefit of OST to IMAP Migration With Software

This specialized tool simplifies operational overheads for businesses and other users. Instead of individually configuring multiple IMAP profiles or manually exporting PST files, the OST File Converter by SysInfo directly uploads files into the target IMAP Server. This helps the team manage huge mailboxes in minimal time without downtime or losses.

Pro Tips & Hidden Insights for Accurate Migration

  • If your OST file is corrupted or inaccessible, use OST Recovery to repair it first. Make sure their integrity is maintained.
  • Apply Date Range filters from the software to avoid uploading unnecessary folders.
  • Test the process with a few OST files first before migrating the entire mailbox.
  • Many IMAP Servers have storage, per-folder bandwidth, and attachment limits. Even a 12-20 GB OST may sometimes exceed it. So, ensure to archive large attachments separately and reduce OST file size.
  • Manually, contacts, calendars, and other data may not be moved correctly. Therefore, use the software to ensure they are received as in the original file.
  • Use the One-Time Service by SysInfo if you prefer not to deal with the manual hassle or software installation.

Conclusion

If you need to import OST to IMAP, then a method that bypasses Outlook synchronization is a must. The manual method is alright when you have limited OST files of small size. Yet for most users with bulky mailboxes and orphaned OSTs, using the professional software is the optimal solution. It is scalable, reliable, and verified by experts and users around, ensuring the best results. Still, if users have any concerns, they can Contact Our Tech Experts anytime.

FAQs

Q. How can I import OST emails to IMAP Server without attachments?

Ans- You can use the OST to IMAP Migrator Tool for this task. It has a migrate or backup emails without attachments filter if you need to transfer only the OST emails.

Q. Is there any size limit to import Outlook OST to IMAP?

Ans- The manual way restricts the OST file size to some extent in the IMAP mailbox. But with the comprehensive OST File Converter Software, you can migrate single and multiple OST files of any size simultaneously, worry-free and error-free.

Q. Which is the direct method to import OST to IMAP?

Ans- Directly open OST file in IMAP Server with the OST to IMAP Migration Tool. It doesn’t require Outlook or conversion to PST before the migration.

5/5 - (1 vote)

About The Author:

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.

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