Convert OST to PDF Format Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

MS Outlook failures often leave emails locked inside the OST files, which may still exist but have become inaccessible. It is quite frustrating and usually happens due to mailbox corruption, employee offboarding, or Exchange outages. At such times, it is ideal to convert OST to PDF either for free or with a trusted OST to PDF Converter Tool, as recommended by experts. In this guide, we will learn all the methods for a reliable, quick, and efficient OST to PDF conversion without data loss. 

Why Convert OST Files to PDF?

For IT teams, consultants, and even individual professionals in the global market, data stuck inside OST creates difficulties. PDF is neutral, portable, readable everywhere, and importantly, isn’t bound to any Outook profile. Once you convert the OST file to PDF, it becomes independent and free from Exchange, Outlook profiles, and authentication. 

Emails in PDF format are static records, best suited for audits, compliance reviews, internal documentation, or long-term archiving. Furthermore, they are easy to store, share, and secure through password encryption. 

Some more benefits of choosing PDF over the OST format are:

  • You can easily print email documentations and communications. 
  • Maintain a backup of Outlook mailbox for archival and long-term storage. 
  • PDFs preserve the original layout, formatting, and structure of the OST data. 
  • PDF files aid in record-keeping and legal purposes for teams and enterprises. 

Ideal Methods to Convert OST to PDF Format Safely 

When you need to move only a few OST emails and save them as a PDF document, then the manual method is fine. However, if you need to deal with 100s or 1000s of OST files at once, then using professional software is a more optimal choice. This is because the tool provides guaranteed conversion with data security and accuracy. Moving ahead, find out the complete step-by-step procedure for both free and paid solutions. 

Traditional Method to Change OST File into PDF

The freeway only works when Outlook is functional, and the OST file is actively connected with the Outlook mailbox. Here, you must ensure that the OST file is healthy and not orphaned. Also, you need to convert only a limited number of emails. The steps are as follows:

  1. Open MS Outlook and make sure that the mailbox is completely synchronized and OST files are present. 
  2. Then, move to the folder containing your OST emails and open the one to convert. 
  3. After that, click on File and choose the Print option from the menu. A dialog opens up. 
  4. In the dialog, select Microsoft Print to PDF and apply other settings. Tap Print
  5. Finally, pick a destination to secure your OST emails as PDF and click Save. 

Modern Method to Convert OST to PDF Format

The SysInfo OST to PDF Converter is built for real-world situations like when Outlook is inaccessible, OST files are orphaned, and timelines matter. It ensures that all the data is securely and instantly converted into structured PDFs without data loss or alterations in minimal time. Additionally, it doesn’t require the Outlook application and keeps the folder structure intact while dealing with bulk OST files at once. Moreover, the smart software works on all OS, and makes conversion feasible with a self-explanatory interface for all technical and non-technical users. 

What is the Tool’s Working to Export OST to PDF?

Follow the steps mentioned here to change OST file to PDF format with ease:

  1. Launch the OST to PDF File Converter and click the Next button. 
  2. Then, select the OST emails from the system and click Next again. 
  3. After that, preview the folders in the OST file, select them, and tap Next
  4. Furthermore, select the PDF file format from the list and use filters. 
  5. At last, choose a Destination Path for the PDF and click Convert to finish. 

Use Case Scenario:

In the UK, a compliant consultant needed emails from a former employee’s OST mailbox after MS Exchange access was revoked. Using a professional OST to PDF Converter Software, he was able to convert OST to PDF while retaining the email, attachments, folder structure, and metadata. Around 18 GB+ data was exported securely in minimal time and submitted for audit without restoring the Outlook mailbox. 

Note: For teams that require editable documentation of their Outlook OST emails, can convert OST to DOC with this software. Its demo version will help you understand the utility better and also convert upto 50 emails per folder at zero cost. 

Besides this, if you want to skip the hassle of software installation and require bulk conversion with special customizations, you can avail of SysInfo One-Time Service. 

Export OST to PDF Roadblocks You Avoid With Expert Tool 

When Outlook is stuck in an inaccessible state, it is likely that you face issues like mailbox sync failure, server-side error, or OST corruption. In cases like these, resolving core issues like fix Exchange is currently in recovery mode, is the primary task. Before you carry on with the process for the OST file to PDF conversion, you must resolve this. 

OST Converter often bypasses these errors and, therefore, is considered a better option to convert OST files to PDF. 

Conclusion 

OST files are accessible but only with Outlook. PDFs are not dependent on any platform and require no server or subscription for access. Hence, this blog specifies how you can flawlessly convert OST to PDF for free or with the ultimate OST File to PDF Converter. Once you do so, your data becomes scalable, platform-free, and ready to use on all platforms and devices without hassle and risks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I convert orphaned OST files to PDF without Outlook?

Ans. Yes, use the OST Recovery Tool to first ensure your files are healthy. And then, with the OST to PDF converter, save them into PDF without Outlook.

Q2. Can I convert OST to PDF without Outlook installed?

Ans. Yes, if you want OST to PDF conversion without Outlook installation, then use the strategic OST File Converter Tool. 

Q3. Is it possible to convert orphaned OST files to PDF?

Ans. Of course, change OST files into PDF with the SysInfo OST to PDF File Converter. It has no restrictions on healthy or orphaned OSTs and supports files of all sizes and counts. 

Q4. Does converting OST to PDF keep email formatting intact?

Ans. Yes, you can retain the email formatting when you convert OST files to PDF with the dedicated converter software.

Q5. How long does it take to convert OST Files to PDF?

Ans. The time for conversion depends on factors like the file size, count, and method chosen. Manually, it takes a few hours to days, whereas professionally, it completes the conversion in the least possible time. 

Q6. Which is the best tool to convert OST to PDF?

Ans. The best software to save OST file as PDF is SysInfo OST to PDF Converter. It is easy to use, has advanced capabilities, and supports batch processing on all Windows and Mac OS.

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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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