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Written By
Yousuf Hasan -
Published on
December 16th, 2022 -
Updated on
January 19, 2023 -
Read Time
14 minutes
Check out the Difference between an OST File and a PST File before you start the conversion process. See, how a PST File is different from an OST file and why you need to convert OST to PST.
Basis of Difference | OST File | PST File |
---|---|---|
Meaning | MS Outlook stores Offline Outlook Data File ( or OST) format for synchronization with Exchange Server. It contains the essential data that you can easily access online and offline too. | Personal Storage Table( or PST) contains your email messages and other Outlook items and saves them on your computer system. It helps to move or copy emails, attachments, and other items from your Mail server account to your computer. |
Internet Connectivity | When you made any changes in MS Outlook then OST File automatically synchronises the changes and doesn’t need an internet connection. | When you manage MS Outlook, the PST File needs an internet connection to make changes in the PST File. |
File Compatibility | OST Files are only compatible with the Exchange Server. | PST Files are compatible with both Exchange Server and MS Outlook. |
IMAP and Mapi Emails and Appointments | All Emails and Appointments in IMAP and MAPI Accounts are stored in OST from Outlook 2016. | Earlier in Outlook 2013, all emails and appointments in IMAP and MAPI Accounts were stored in a PST file format. |
In-Built Tool Used to Fix Minor Corruption | ScanOST.exe Tool is used to fix minor corruption of OST Files. | ScanPST.exe or Inbox Repair Tool is used to fix minor corruption of PST Files. |
Automated Tool used to Repair OST and PST File | OST Recovery Tool | PST Recovery Tool |
I’ll discuss the various methods of OST to PST conversion, which will help you upload all offline OST files’ offline data into your Outlook account. It will hardly take 5 to 10 minutes program to convert OST to PST.
OST Files have copies of Exchange information, that’s why it is not necessary to backup .ost files. Users can create a new copy at any time. If you don’t have an OST file and you want to extract it and then convert it to PST then you can follow the steps given below for OST File extraction.
After having an OST file you can import it to any Outlook Account once you convert it to PST. If you have an OST file of one Outlook Account and you want to import it to another Outlook Account then the conversion of OST to PST is Mandatory. Once you have a PST file, you can import it to any Outlook Account
First, you must log in to your Outlook account using the exchange server from where the OST files have been created and export OST to PST through the following:-
Go to the File tab click on the Open & Export option and then click on the Import/Export option.
Now, Click on the Export to a File option and then click on the Next Button to Continue.
Then you will see two options in which you will have to choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and then click on Next.
Now Select any Folder(s) or the whole Account which you want to import to the New PST file and then click on Next
Now, you should Browse the Location where you have the new PST Files. Then select the appropriate option for Removing or Adding Duplicates items.
Click on the Finish Button and your OST File data of the Outlook Account will convert to the new PST file.
Now, you can view all the emails and mailbox items of the PST file in your Outlook Account. The above method will help you to convert OST to PST in Outlook 2019, 2016, and 2013 by implementing a program. It can work for all Outlook Versions. But there are certain drawbacks of the above method and the major drawback is you can’t convert an OST file to PST if it is saved separately on your local machine. You will need Professional Software to perform the conversion.
But let’s explore certain drawbacks of the manual conversion first and then find out how OST to PST Converter can be a good option for OST to PST Conversion.
The only possible way to save OST as PST in Outlook 2019, 2016, and 2013 without an exchange server account is OST to PST Converter. This is a professional tool and has a lot of features that allow you to export OST files to PST within 5 minutes and also help you to convert OST to PST without losing a single data from the file. Additionally, this software will overcome all the drawbacks of the manual method and perform the OST to PST conversion with ease. Some of the multifunctional features of this tool are:-
We are advising you to convert an OST File to PST through a professional tool because the manual method will consume a lot of time and you will be technical expertise to implement it. Therefore, the automated software will just add the OST file and displays all the emails, you will have to choose your desired emails, and in the end, convert OST File to PST. Here you can check out the steps to convert and export OST file emails to PST.
First, you will have to download the program to convert OST to PST.
Click on the Select Files button and then Browse the OST file you want to Convert.
The Scanning Process will start and now you will be able to view all the Mailbox items of the OST file.
Then Select the Mailbox Items which you want to convert to PST and then click on Save Button.
Choose the location where you want to save the OST files as PST.
After the completion of the saving process, you’ll receive a Confirmation Message.
Summary
Well, for OST to PST conversion in Outlook 2019, 2016, and 2013 you can follow the manual methods as well but they are not easy to follow for a novice user. Moreover, it is totally up to you which conversion method you follow and save the OST offline mailbox to PST. If you are using the SysInfoTools OST to PST Converter software, you must forget the risk of data loss because this software never fails to convert OST to PST. Experts suggest this software for conversion because manual conversion might not be easy to apply for novice users.
You can clear all your doubts through the questions asked by our readers in the context of this article.
Q1. How can I Move OST File Emails to PST without Outlook?
A1. If you want to move OST file emails into PST without installing Outlook, then use the Automated OST to PST Converter tool mentioned in the article.
Q2. How can I import OST to PST using MS Outlook?
A2. You can follow the steps given below to import OST to PST through MS Outlook:-
Q3. Why are OST Files Created?
A3. In offline mode, the OST file represents the local cache of your Exchange account. The OST files develop when users are offline or not have the Internet connection.
Q4. Can I Open an OST File in Outlook?
A4. Yes, you can open an OST file in Outlook with the help of this write-up.
Q5. What is an OST File?
A5. An offline folder file in Microsoft Outlook is an OST file (.ost). Users can work offline and synchronize changes with the Exchange server when they next connect, thanks to offline folders. Working offline is advantageous in settings with poor or unstable connectivity.
Q6. Can I Change the OST File Format to PST?
A6. Yes, you can easily change the OST file into PST format. You can either follow the manual method or use the best OST to PST Converter Tool for the conversion.
Q7. Will the above methods also convert OST to PST in Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016?
A7. Yes, with the help of the methods mentioned above, you can easily convert OST to PST in outlook 2013 and also in Outlook 2016
Q8. How Can I Convert OST File to PST Online?
A8. Follow these methods to convert the OST file to PST:-
Q9. Why should I use OST to PST Converter for converting OST Files to PST?
A9. The manual methods have certain limitations and that’s why experts have recommended using the OST to PST Converter. It is an exclusive solution to convert multiple OST files into PST format. Moreover, the tool offers multiple advanced features while performing the conversion process.
Q10. What would be the conversion accuracy in OST to PST Conversion?
A10. If you want 100% accuracy in OST to PST Conversion process then OST to PST Converter is the perfect solution for you.
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