Karan SinghIf you use Microsoft Outlook with an Exchange or IMAP account, you may have encountered the challenge of migrating mailbox data from an OST (Offline Storage Table) file to a different Outlook account. This guide will provide you with comprehensive insights and step-by-step instructions for converting an OST file to PST format using both Outlook’s built-in features and third-party tools.
Understanding the OST File and Why You May Need to Convert It
The OST file acts as a locally saved copy of mailbox data from the server, allowing you to work offline. However, it cannot be directly imported into another Outlook account, making migration a challenge. Converting an OST file to PST format can provide a portable, user-friendly file that can be moved between Outlook accounts.
Reasons for converting OST to PST include switching devices, backing up data, and restoring orphaned OST files when the connection to the Exchange server is lost.
How to Export Outlook OST to PST Using Outlook’s Built-In Features
If you still have access to the Outlook account connected to the OST file, you can manually export the OST data to a PST file using Outlook’s Import/Export Wizard.
Step-by-step guide to export OST to PST:
- Open Outlook
- Launch Microsoft Outlook and go to the File tab from the top menu.
- Select ‘Open & Export’
- From the options on the left, click Open & Export.
- Click ‘Import/Export’
- Choose the Import/Export option to open the Import and Export Wizard.
- Choose Export to a File
- In the wizard, select Export to a file and click Next.
- Select PST Format
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) as the format to export your data and click Next.
- Select the Folders to Export
- Choose the mailbox folders you want to export, such as your Inbox, Sent Items, and Calendar. Click Next.
- Save the PST File
- Choose a location to save the PST file on your computer, and decide how to handle duplicates if any exist. Click Finish to start the export.
Handling Orphaned OST Files
If the OST file becomes "orphaned" — meaning it's disconnected from the server — you won’t be able to use the Import/Export Wizard. In this case, you’ll need to use specialized software to convert the orphaned OST file to PST format.
How to Convert Orphaned OST to PST Using a Third-Party Tool
When your OST file becomes orphaned, a third-party OST to PST Converter tool is the most effective solution. One of the best tools for this purpose is Stellar Converter for OST, which is designed to recover mailbox data from inaccessible or orphaned OST files and convert it to PST.
The benefits of using Stellar Converter for OST include the ability to recover orphaned files, easy conversion with a user-friendly interface, and maintaining data integrity.
Conclusion
Converting an OST file to PST can be a straightforward process if the file is still linked to an active Outlook account. Using Outlook’s built-in Import/Export Wizard can easily create a PST file. However, if the OST file becomes orphaned, third-party tools like Stellar Converter for OST can provide an effective solution for converting and recovering mailbox data.
In conclusion, by understanding the different methods available for converting OST to PST, you can ensure successful migration and backup of your mailbox data in Microsoft Outlook. Whether using built-in features or third-party tools, the process can be seamless and efficient, providing you with a portable and accessible PST file for your mailbox data.
