In this blog, we are going to explain three methods to convert OST to PST in Outlook 2019 and other versions. Simply read this post and perform the steps as instructed. After this, you can use the exported PST file in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and others.
MS Outlook is a widely used email client by business organizations, offices for their communication purpose. Most users configure Outlook account with Exchange Server which works in synchronization and saves data in OST file format. OST file contains data in offline mode on a hard drive.
When users configure Outlook with an IMAP account, the data is synchronized and downloaded in OST format to the users’ system.
However, there are circumstances when these files become inaccessible. In this situation, users need to change the Outlook OST file to another compatible file format with Outlook-like PST.
Reasons when it needs to Convert OST file to PST file format
Here are different situations when users need to convert OST items into PST format. Some reasons are discussed below:
1. Sometimes MS Exchange server crashes unexpectedly due to reasons like:
• Power Failure
• Malicious software
• Virus attacks
Such situations are difficult to handle when data become inaccessible.
2. In some cases, when Exchange Server is under maintenance or downtime, data becomes challenging to access. Data saved in the OST extension which synchronizes with the server becomes inaccessible. To access the data users need to export OST data into PST format.
3. Conversion of OST data to PST format is useful in data migration. In situations, when users shift from one place to another, it is easy to migrate PST data from one place to another.
4. When users transfer OST mailboxes to PST, corrupt or suddenly deleted data can’t be recovered.
Methods to convert OST mailbox to PST in Outlook 2019/2016/2013/2010
Now, we will focus on the methods to convert Outlook OST file data into PST files. Here, we discuss different methods to convert OST data to PST files.
1. Convert OST mailbox to PST Outlook 2016 manually using Import/Export method
2. Using Archive method for exporting OST mailbox to PST manually
3. Expert recommend a way to convert OST files to PST file
Method 1. Convert OST data to PST format in Outlook manually
To convert OST file data to PST file, you must have configured with Outlook and connected with MS Exchange Server. After this, you can follow the steps as discussed below –
• Open MS Outlook. Click on File and select the option Import/Export
• In the new dialog box, under Choose an action to perform, select Export to file option
• Next, choose Outlook .pst file under Choose file type to import.
• Select the folder from Outlook to export data and click Next
• Choose an option ‘do not allow duplicates’ and click finish.
Method 2. Using Archive feature to save OST emails into PST file
By enabling the Auto archive feature in Outlook, users can save items of OST files to a new PST file. This method also helps users to keep the size of their mailbox manageable. When the size of the mailbox increases and there are various messages which are older & you don’t need them, you can put them in the archive folder. Given are the steps for enabling auto archiving in Outlook.
• Launch Outlook application.
• Go to the File menu and after that, go to
• Go to the advanced tab and then click on Auto archive settings.
• Mention the number of days for which you want to run auto-archiving. Select the folder to save archived files. Also, provide archiving options. Finally, click OK.
This will save all mailbox items from the OST file into the PST file as per archiving settings.
Drawbacks of Using Manual Solutions:-
With the manual methods, you can convert OST data to PST for free. However, these methods have some drawbacks:
• High risk of data loss
• Takes a lot of time
• Difficult to execute for beginners
• Can’t repair OST files
Method 3. Migrate Exchange OST to PST In Outlook using Professional Software
To overcome the drawbacks of manual solutions, we suggest going with an automated tool. WholeClear Exchange OST to PST Conversion Tool by is one such best software for the conversion. In just a few simple steps and without risks, users can convert OST email items into PST file format.
The software allows to recovery and extraction of all items of OST files into PST file format. Regardless of file size restrictions, users can export OST data items into PST file format.
The software does not hamper the data quality during the conversion process. With the free demo version, users can evaluate the program by exporting the first 10 items per folder.
Conclusion
Manual methods are freely available to convert OST data to PST format but due to a few limitations, many users look for alternate ways. Hence, we suggested using OST to PST Converter professional tool. We highly recommend using the software as it is quick & safe to use. You can check out the software working with the demo version.