How Can You Convert OST File to PST?

Summary: The blog summarizes the best methods to convert OST mailboxes to PST format. It also mentions the benefits and drawbacks related to each of these OST to PST conversion methods, and advises the suggested method towards the end.

(Offline Storage Tables) An OST file provides an effective medium to access Exchange Server mailbox folders on the local system, on the Outlook email app, when a good internet connection is not available. It always supports the Outlook mailbox functionality in the offline mode, such as without connecting to the Server. But OST files cannot be affected simply by external disturbances; various reasons make OST data inaccessible and disturb the routing business operations.

Irrespective of the Outlook edition, whether it is MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, or any earlier ANSI edition, an unreachable OST file needs troubleshooting in order to recover access to the data saved within. The simplest method to solve all types of OST issues, regardless of the amount of damage or loss, is to migrate from OST to PST file format.

Different Methods to Convert OST Mailbox to PST Format

Method#1. Use the Outlook Archive Feature

Use the Archive feature in MS Outlook to copy or export mailbox items to PST. It saves all the items of OST mailbox into PST format. This feature does not allow archiving Contacts, but all other mailbox items can be exported. Follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and open the OST file from which the data needs to be exported
2. Press on the File tab, hit Info, and then click on the CleanUp Tools
3. Next, choose Archive from the options
4. In the Archive dialog box that displays, ensure that Archive this folder and all subfolders option is chosen (it is chosen by default)
5. Next, choose the folder that you want to export into PST (e.g., Inbox)
6. In the Archive items older than: box, give an appropriate date. All the items that were received before the identified date will be archived
7. Under the Archive file: option, give the destination path to save the new PST
8. Press OK to complete the export process

Method#2. CubexSoft OST Converter for OST to PST Conversion

The professional OST Converter software gives an automatic utility to convert bulk OST files to Outlook PST, and export all the mailbox database intact. Moreover, it also directly converts the OST file data to Office 365, which greatly helps in case you’re exporting your mailboxes to the cloud. For these reasons, the program-based OST to PST conversion method is suggested by experts.

How Can You Convert OST File to PST with OST Converter?

Step 1. Download and Install the OST to PST Converter on your Windows OS.

Step 2. Select OST Files/Folder using Add Files…, Add Folders…, or Load Outlook Profile option.

Step 3. Now, select or deselect all the listed OST folders to convert into PST.

Step 4. Click on the Saving Options and choose the Export to Outlook PST option to save the OST as PST.

Step 5. Now, choose the sub-options under the PST option, and select Destination Path using the Folder icon. Then, hit the Convert button to start the OST to PST conversion.

Step 6. Once the software accomplishes the process, it will display the message of Conversion Completed Successfully. Then, click OK to complete the process.

Other than moving OST files to Outlook PST file, the program allows exporting OST files to various file formats and different email platforms such as - PDF, MSG, EML, MBOX, RTF, DOC, HTML, XPS, MHT, EMLX, Mac OLM, Maildir, Thunderbird, Zimbra, Lotus Notes, Office 365, Gmail, G Suite, Exchange Server, Hosted Exchange Server, Yahoo, Outlook.com, and many more. So, the OST Converter software is the complete package for every user to convert their OST files to any desktop-based or cloud-based email client directly without any errors.

Final Words

Most users believe that manual techniques are difficult, and there is a high chance of data damage or loss. But the fact is, it completely depends on your exact situation. For example, suppose you have the required technical skills and your Microsoft Outlook account is configured. In that case, you can safely go with the manual techniques like – Outlook Archive feature, Import-Export Wizard, or Drag and Drop Mailbox Items to resolve the issue of “how can you convert an OST file to PST”. But, you would anyway require to spend extra efforts and time because of repeated performance of manual steps, close manual checks on the process, and devoted manpower utilization.