What are OST and PST Files?
When we talk about Outlook, two files come to our minds OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Portable Storage Table), which Outlook users use to store their data. PST files store Outlook data, whereas, OSTs contain email and other items in an Exchange account. This allows you to share PST files and can be transferred from one Outlook client to another without any IT expertise. Whereas you cannot share or open an OST file. Well, there are many benefits to convert OST to PST, some of which are mentioned below.
Why Need to Convert OST to PST?
Here, we have pointed out a few reasons that can lead users to convert Outlook OST File To PST files.
- Converting OST files into PST assures you a data backup for future reference.
- It saves you from accidental deletion of your data.
- Transfering your OST file to PST facilitates offline access to your data anytime anywhere.
- By creating a backup of your Outlook data, you can protect it from getting lost.
- Since OST files cannot be shared, so you have to change it into PST to make it portable.
These are some benefits of OST to PST conversion. Now, let’s move ahead to learn the methods to export Outlook OST to PST with maximum security and authenticity.
Methods to Convert OST to PST Format
There are different ways to convert Outlook OST file To PST but most of them are complex and hard to perform. Therefore, in this section, we are going to outline the secure and easy solutions that can help to convert OST files into PST.
Method 1: Using Import/Export Feature to Convert OST to PST
To perform this method, you need to download the Outlook application on your system and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Run Outlook on your system.
- Go to File >> Open&Export >> Import/Export.
- Choose Export to a file feature and click Next.
- Select Outlook data file (.pst) and click Next to move forward.
- Click on the account you need to transfer to PST, then hit Next.
- Select the folders you require and press Next.
- Browse the destination to save the resultant file then click Finish.
Method 2: Transfer Outlook OST file to PST Using the Archive Option
Outlook has this built-in feature to convert OST to PST without relying on any other application. So let’s continue to explore the workings of this process.
- Launch and navigate to the File tab in Outlook.
- Click on the Tools option.
- Select Clean up old items.
- Choose the folders that you want to turn into PST.
- Lastly, click OK to finish the process.
These methods are capable to Convert Outlook OST File To PST by using MS Outlook. However, if you are a professional and seeking the quickest solution that can convert OST files to PST files without any data loss then the above manual methods are not the reliable option. They are only useful for small data conversions. In that case, we suggest an automated Sysinfo OST to PST Converter that allows you to change OST to PST with ease and facilitates an attractive GUI with a straightforward procedure. You can also convert OST to MBOX using this Tool.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have described several methods to convert OST to PST. Two manual solutions can solve your OST conversion process if you have a small size of OST files. Moreover, if you are choosing any of the explained procedures then you should be aware of the fact that they are quite slow, hence they take time to complete the whole process. Well, go with methods that suit you the best, or try the automated approach for excellent results.