Summary: Users often wonder how to convert Outlook OST to PST without Outlook but can’t find a reliable solution. This blog will help you with quick and feasible solutions for conversion. It describes the manual method and OST to PST Converter for moving emails easily across systems. Further, let’s find more about it below.
Comparison Between OST and PST
Offline Storage Table (.ost) and Personal Storage Table (.pst) are MS Outlook data files. OST shows files even when offline by using the Exchange Server. It provides the facility to save a copy of the data file in the system. Furthermore, if you wish to have better editing features, you can convert OST to MSG. However, when you need to import OST file data to Outlook, you need to convert it to PST first.
Whereas, PST files archive and backup email storage. It is a storage space that includes all items with attachments and more. Also, it is compatible with different versions of Outlook. These files are stored in the UNICODE format for enhanced readability. Thus, it is better to export OST to PST.
Why Change OST to PST?
There
are various reasons why a user wishes to do the conversion. Some of these are
mentioned below:
●
A
crash of the Microsoft Exchange Server may lead to data being inaccessible.
●
Errors
in the Exchange Server may tamper data and result in loss of files. So, it is
better to convert Outlook OST to PST beforehand.
●
Moreover,
until maintenance is completed, users need to move data from OST to Outlook for
access. So, converting OST to PST is needed.
●
Additionally,
using PST will help in the quick recovery of OST data files.
Methods to Convert OST to PST
Without Outlook
OST to PST conversion seems to be a major challenge. Therefore, they need a manual method or an automated tool to make this process faster without complexities. Through, these methods, an individual can copy an OST file to another computer. Also, they can access their data files even if they are damaged or inaccessible.
Get
to know more about these methods with the steps mentioned below.
Method 1: Manual Method to Convert
Outlook OST to PST
To convert OST
to PST free online without any problems, the user can go through
the below-given steps. However, for manual conversions, the user must have an
Outlook account. You have to use the Import/Export of Outlook to convert OST to
PST. Follow the conversion instructions listed below:
1.
Login
to your Microsoft Outlook account.
2.
Select
File > Open & Export >
Import/Export.
3.
Then,
choose Export to a File option and
click Next.
4.
Now,
select Outlook Data File(.pst) as
your file type and click Next.
5.
Subsequently,
select the mailbox/folder to convert OST file to PST. Checkbox if you want to
include the subfolders. Click Next.
6.
Later,
enter the name of your file and specify the location by browsing to save your
file.
7.
Finally,
hit the Finish button to start
converting.
This
free-of-cost manual method is useful to users in many ways. However, some
limitations are to be considered with this method.
Limitations of Manual Method
The
manual method is beneficial only in some situations. Otherwise, it poses
difficulties such as:
●
The
process of file conversion takes a longer time, depending on the file size.
●
Any
mistake in either of the steps can lead to data loss.
●
When
you convert OST files to PST, there is a high risk of files being corrupted.
Therefore, technical knowledge is required.
●
In
addition, changing contacts, calendars, and more is difficult with this method.
●
Also,
new files need to be created every time there is a reorganization of data.
Hence,
it is right to state that changing OST to PST will be beneficial by using a
professional method.
Method 2: Best Automated Tool to
Convert Outlook OST to PST
It is
established that OST to PST conversion manually requires Outlook and a
connection to the Exchange Server. Moreover, it is also essential that files
are secure and undefective. In this case, it is better to use OST to PST Converter because of its
many extraordinary features. These are:
●
Maintains
data integrity, authenticity, and folder hierarchy while converting.
●
It
converts OST files in bulk and enables different file formats.
●
It is
simple to use and compatible with all the system versions.
● This tool also imports OST files to different web/cloud-based email clients.
Steps Given Below to Convert OST to PST without Outlook
1.
Download
and finish installing the tool on your system. Run it as an administrator.
2.
Select
a single/multiple file or folder according to your need. Click Next.
3.
Then,
click Select Files/Folders to import
OST files to convert Outlook OST to PST, and click Next.
4.
You
will find a tree hierarchy containing all your folders. You can view folder
contents in the preview panel and check attachments. Check and select the
folders you want to convert. Click Next.
5.
Now,
select PST (.pst) as your
file-saving format. Select the optional features if required to remove
duplicates or maintain folder hierarchy.
6.
Specify
the destination path in the Path to Save column to save your converted file.
7. Lastly, hit the Convert button.
Click
OK once the process completion message pops up in the window. You can convert
again and download the converted report from the tool itself.
Conclusion
This
blog provides all the solutions for OST conversion. You can convert Outlook OST
to PST using the manual method. However, this method is lengthy and doesn’t
ensure the security and success of the conversion. Therefore, to avoid hassle,
professional tools are recommended. It gives users an effective and quick way
to manage data without affecting it.