Introduction:
Both OST and PST files are data files that MS Outlook uses to contain all of the mailbox folders, such as email messages, contacts, calendars, journals, notes, tasks, and more. But the server is crashing for no good reason because of malware, spam emails, virus attacks, power outages, and other things, as indicated by the fact that OST files need to be exported to PST files. In this blog post, we'll talk about how to export an OST file to PST for MS Outlook.
Overview of OST and PST Files
OST files, which stand for Offline Storage Table, store a copy of the mailbox data on the server. It lets users work even when they can't connect to the server. You can easily edit, compose, add attachments, save emails, and delete email messages and other mailbox items as a user, and these changes are up-to-date when you connect with the Exchange Server next time.
PST, on the other hand, stands for Personal Storage Table. It is the most common Outlook data file format and works with or was made by MS Outlook. It keeps copies of all the mailbox objects, like emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and journals, on the user's local drive from the account set up in Outlook through POP. Using the Import/Export Feature's Export to File option, you can simply create the PST file. You can also encrypt your PST file with a password that you have to input every time you open it.
Also Read: How to Open an OST File in Outlook When It Is Not Accessible?
Need to Export an OST file to PST format?
There are a number of reasons why you may have to convert OST files to PST files. Here are some of the most popular reasons:
Importing OST Data: Users may want to move mailbox data from one system to another, but it might be hard to do with an OST file.
Get rid of the risks of losing data: Your Exchange OST file may have gotten too big, broken, or corrupted. So, you can export OST to PST to get around the mailbox size.
Deleting Exchange by mistake: Let's say that your Exchange Server isn't working or that the Exchange data gets erased for any reason. If that's the case, converting OST files to PST files is a better option for you.
In online mode, you can access the data if you want to open or work with your OST file that you saved offline in Outlook PST format.
Switching Email Clients: The OST file doesn't work with any other email clients save Exchange and Outlook. So, if you want to move old mailbox items to other email clients, you need to change the OST file to a PST file.
There are several reasons to change OST files to PST format. Now, let's look at several ways to change OST files into PST files.
Techniques to Export OST files to PST formats for Microsoft Outlook
Here are the three most effective methods to convert an OST file into a PST file. But before you start, make sure you have the right login information and have synced your Outlook account with your Exchange profile. We also recommend that you back up your mailbox data in a safe place because no manual approach is completely safe.
Technique 1: Using the Import/Export Wizard for Exporting OST to PST
To export OST files to PST format, follow the instructions below and make sure you utilise the Outlook credentials with the Exchange account.
Open Outlook and click on File.
Click on the Import & Export link in the Open & Export section.
Select Export to a File here, and then click Next.
Select the Outlook data file (.pst) option and then click Next.
Now, choose the folder you want to export and click Next.
To choose the output path, click the Browse button.file.pst
Click Finish after choosing the other option for dealing with duplicates.
If you want to, you can set a password on the PST file and then click Ok to finish.
Technique 2: Auto Archive Setting to Export OST file to PST
The Outlook email software has archiving features that let you change the OST mailbox folders into PST files. It can change all of the items in the OST mailbox to PST format. This functionality doesn't save contacts, but it does let you move other mailbox items. To do this, follow these steps:
Open MS Outlook and click on the File tab.
In the Outlook Options wizard, click on Options and then move your mouse to the Advanced area.
You need to click on "AutoArchive Settings" here...
An AutoArchive window will appear on your screen. Click on the one you need:
Click the Ok button when you choose the right choice.
Lastly, the objects in your OST file will be saved to a PST file with the archiving settings you choose.
Drawback of Manual Techniques
The manual techniques take a long time and are hard to do.
It can be hard to manually export OST files to PST files.
Professionals respond that there is a risk of losing data.
If you follow the wrong steps, the process may become stuck.
There are no guarantees that all of the mailbox items will be backed up.
If the OST file is too big, the conversion from OST to PST may stop.
This process does not work for OST files that are broken or corrupt.
Expert Solution to Export OST file to PST for MS Outlook
GainTools OST to PST Converter is the best and most reliable tool to convert OST files into PST format. It can export your single and multiple OST files to the Outlook PST file format. In addition, you can also convert OST file data into other formats like PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, vCard, etc. The advanced software works flawlessly and smoothly in all editions of Windows OS.
Steps to Export OST file to Outlook PST
Download and Run the OST to PST Conversion Tool
Browse & Add the OST file for converting
Take a preview of the OST file
Choose the PST file from the file list
Select the desired path for storing data.
Lastly, click on the export button.
Conclusion
Above, I provided free and best techniques for exporting OST to PST format for Outlook; manual operations may not meet your expectations. If this is the case, you should use an expert tool to export OST files to PST format. I hope this information helps you figure out how to export OST files to PST files.
