Free Methods to Convert OST to PST in Outlook 2019

It is possible to experience deadlocks when working with OST files, even though both OST and PST files perform the same function. If the Exchange server is not available, you will be unable to access your mailbox information and correspondence. Furthermore, the Exchange may be subject to downtime, crashes, or other technical problems at any time in the future, without notice. As a result, converting OST to PST is the only option still viable in this situation. An OST to PST conversion that is carried out manually is a time-consuming task that involves several steps.

So here the question arises: how can a user convert OST to PST as quickly and easily as possible?   

Microsoft Exchange mailbox data is saved in an offline folder using an OST file, the Offline Storage Table (or simply OST). When an internet connection is not available, it enables users to work offline, which is convenient. It simply serves as a local cache for your Microsoft Exchange account; once you connect to the internet, all of the changes you made while not connected to the internet are automatically synced with your Exchange Server. Personal Storage Table (or PST file) is a file format used to save users email data, including email, notes, contacts, tasks, journals, etc., in a local system. It is not utilized for cache storage but rather for actual storage. It is quite adaptable and retains the emails in the same hierarchy as the main Inbox.

Why Is It Necessary To Convert OST To PST?

Some of the most common reasons why we need to convert OST files to PST files are as follows:

Exchange Server crashed or failed: If the Microsoft Exchange server crashes, a system error occurs, or a virus attacks the Exchange server, the ability to connect to the Exchange server will be disabled. These types of situations can negatively affect your work/business, and it may happen that your Outlook profile may not work properly. To avoid this situation, you are advised to convert OST to PST file format.

Exchange Server account deletion by accident: If you have an Exchange Server account accidentally deleted or suffered data loss, you can easily recover it by converting your OST file to PST format.

Data Migration: Migration of data from one machine to another is made simple by converting Outlook OST files to PST files. It is beneficial in an organization that plan to move their data between machines in the future.

Maintenance of Exchange Server: When an interruption occurs due to maintenance on the Exchange Server, all mailbox items must be still available for access. It is necessary because the downtime can be prolonged enough to harm your company’s operations. As a result, converting OST to PST is a good idea in these circumstances.

Rebuild OST file: Consider the following scenario – you want to rebuild your OST file, but there is unsaved data in the OST file. It is necessary to convert OST file to PST in this case. 

After knowing the necessity of OST to PST conversion, let us know how to convert OST to PST in more detail.

Three Ways to Manually Convert OST to PST

Import and Export mailbox data to PST

Note: Keep in mind that your computer or laptop must be connected to the Exchange server and have Outlook installed on it for this method to work.

1. To begin, open Microsoft Outlook and select the “File Menu” option from the drop-down menu located at the top left corner of the window.
2.  From the available options, select the “Open and Export” option.
3. You will be presented with four options. You must select the “Import/Export” option from the list.
4. A new dialogue box will appear in the fourth step, asking you to “Choose an action to perform”. To proceed, select “Export to a file” from the list and then click on the “Next” button.
5. On the following screen, you will be prompted to select the file type you wish to import. To proceed, select “Outlook Data file (.pst)” and click on the “Next” button.
6. Select the folder from which you want to export. In this section, you must select the files that will be exported and then click on the “Next” button to proceed.
7. Select the option “Allow duplicates to be created” and then click on the “Finish” tab given below.
8. Once you’ve finished, a new pop-up window will appear, asking you to enter an optional password. You can proceed without providing it and simply click on the “OK” button, and your OST file will be automatically converted to PST format and saved at your selected location.

Use ‘Outlook Archive Feature’ for the conversion.

Note: It is necessary to enable the Archive Settings before using this method to save OST files on your system as a separate PST file. It also contributes to keeping the mailbox size under control by saving older emails in a separate archive folder for easy retrieval.

If you want to create an archive mailbox, follow the steps outlined below:

1. To begin, open Microsoft Outlook and select the “File Menu” option located at the top left corner of the window.

Select “Options” and then “Advanced” from the available list.

• Click on the “Auto Archive Settings” option that appears on the screen.
•  Next, specify the number of days for which the Auto Archive should be active.
• After that, specify the desired location for the archive file to be saved by clicking on the “Browse” button. Then, to proceed, click on the “OK” button.
• After that, the procedure is initiated, and all messages are saved to the PST file without any intervention.

Drag and drop to a new PST file 

1. You must first open Microsoft Outlook and create a new PST file for your Outlook profile to get started.
2. To do so, go to the Toolbar and select “New Items”. Alternatively, you can select “More Items” -> “Outlook Data file.”
3. Enter the file name and optional password in the file name and optional password boxes, and click “Save.”
4.  The PST file is created after you click on the OK button.

Drag and drop all the mailbox folders you want to export into the newly created PST file you just created. Please keep in mind that you will not drag the Inbox or Contacts folders to the PST file during the process. It is necessary to copy the folder from OST to PST to accomplish this task.

OST to PST Converter Software [Professional Method] 

The various manual methods that we have discussed above to convert OST to PST have some drawbacks, which include:

1. They are time-consuming compared to automated methods.
2. Manual methods carry a high risk of data loss and file corruption.
3. There is a greater chance of human error while performing the process.

It is recommended that you use a professional method for OST to PST conversion to overcome these drawbacks. 

In this case, OST to PST Converter is a sophisticated solution that makes the process quick and simple, with no risk or chance of human error involved. The software enables users to quickly and easily extract all mailbox information from OST files and convert them into PST file format with a few simple clicks. It has the capability of converting encrypted OST files as well as IMAP OST files without imposing any file size restrictions. There is no charge for the enhanced preview of the email, calendars, contacts, notes, tasks and other mailbox items provided by this software. Furthermore, it maintains the mailbox hierarchy and minimizes the risk of data loss during the conversion process.

Conclusion

The blog recommended and discussed various methods for converting OST files to PST files, including archiving OST File Recovery, exporting OST files to PST using Outlook’s Import/Export function, dragging and dropping to a new PST file, and using a professional OST to PST Conversion application. This conversion is useful in various situations, including when the server is down or unavailable, and OST data must be retrieved.