How to Convert from OST to PST File?

Summary: This blog describes free manual methods to convert Outlook’s OST files into PST file format. It also suggests a professional way to easily convert your corrupted or healthy OST file to PST file format. You can try the professional tool for free to get satisfied with the results.

OST and PST files are both essential in Microsoft Outlook. OST files are used to save the offline copy of the data from the Exchange Server on the configured system with Outlook. While PST is easy to port, manage, and access, it can be added and accessed with any Outlook account. Several apparent reasons initiate users to convert OST to PST file format. Let’s know about all:

Table of Content

Top Reasons to Import OST to PST File Format:

OST to PST Conversion has many benefits for Outlook users. For example:

If you convert OST files to PST format, you don’t have to worry about your data getting accidentally deleted from the Exchange.
You can also access your data in case your Exchange Server crashes due to any reason.
If you have done OST to PST file conversion, you can save the PST file in a safe location.
You can’t use OST with any other Outlook account. If you want to use those files, you need to export OST to PST and then import them into the MS Outlook application.

This is why we need to convert offline OST files to PST file formats.

Download a Free Demo tool of Shoviv OST to PST Converter to know in a better way.
It supports all the MS Outlook Editions Like Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc.

Challenges Users Face When Convert OST to PST Manually:

When Outlook is associated with the Exchange, the users can undoubtedly recreate OST data files with no issues. But in case your Exchange Server is down either temporarily or permanently, it’s not possible to re-create OST files. In such a scenario, your offline Outlook data file needs an OST to PST Converter tool. There are some challenges users face when manually trying to convert OST files to PST.

Same Exchange User Account is Needed: Users can’t access an OST file with another account or a different Exchange account. It is only accessible with the Exchange account that was used to create it.
Corrupted OST file Conversion is not Possible: You know that Outlook can’t allow opening corrupted Outlook OST file data. In that case, when your Exchange Server is down, you cannot recreate your OST file to replace it with a corrupted one. That is the situation when manual OST file conversion becomes impossible.
Orphaned Outlook OST files in Exchange Mailboxes can’t be recovered: OST files that are not connected to your Exchange Server are called orphaned OST files. When Exchange crashes, the only source of the user’s mailbox data is an orphaned OST file. Shockingly, there is no manual method that converts orphaned OST data files. OST files that are connected to your Exchange Server can only be converted using manual methods.
Needed Top-notch Technical Expertise: Manual methods are suitable for those userswho are experienced in Outlook or those who have technical knowledge in data migration. We advise if you are a novice in your technical skills, don’t try these methods to convert OST to PST. It may cause your OST file inaccessible for Outlook or maybe hardly corrupt.

Related blog: How to Find Outlook OST File Location in Microsoft Windows?

Top Methods to Convert an OST to PST Free

There are two ways to convert an OST file to an Outlook PST file format that you can use. The first way is the old method which involves the manual migration of OST file data and the second one is using a professional third-party tool.

Let us find out how to convert files Manually with available three methods:

Follow simple steps to convert OST to PST using Import/Export:

Open the MS Outlook application
Click on the “File”
Choose “Import and Export”.

4. In the next window click “Export to a file” and then “Next”.

5. Now choose Outlook data file (.PST) and click “Next”.

6. Select the mailbox folder to export from. You can choose to include subfolders.

7. Browse and select the folder where you want to store the PST file and click “Finish”

Note: For this method, you need to have an Exchange Server connection and Outlook installed on the local computer.

Method 2: Convert OST Using Archive Method to Move Mailbox into PST

Step 1: Firstly, open your Microsoft Outlook application

Step 2: Click on the “File” tab and then the Archive option.

Step3: Now, choose the desired file/folder to archive.

Step 4: Browse the location to save the archived file.

Step 5: At last, click Finish and your resultant file will get saved.

Note: With the archive method, you can migrate all OST data except for the contacts.

Method 3: Convert the OST file to PST Using the drag-and-drop method

With this method, you can move mailbox data items of the OST file to a new PST file.

Step 1: Firstly, launch the MS Outlook application

Step 2: Secondly, create a new PST file in your Outlook.

Step3: Drag all the mailbox folders you want to move to the newly created Outlook file.

Note: You cannot drag items, including Inbox, Contacts, etc. default folder into a PST file

So above are the three manual ways to convert OST to PST files. However, manual methods are not advised for those users who cannot afford to take any risks with their OST file data. Manual methods have certain limitations, and it is essential to be aware of them.

The manual methods are slow.
These are unpredictable.
They can involve complex steps.
They may need the experience to go through.
There can be data loss or file modification.
No guarantee of data safety.
OST file Size limitations.
Not suitable for corrupt .ost files.
Email item limitations, etc.

However, if you want to avoid these setbacks, you can use another method of OST to PST conversion, which is the use of automatic professional tools.

Method 4: Use an Advanced Tool to Convert OST to PST File Professionally

Shoviv OST to PST Converter is a certified solution to safely convert OST files to Outlook PST files without any risk. The tool works efficiently to repair and convert corrupted and non-corrupted OST files without needing any experience. Both novices and professionals can use this tool to convert their OST files without any hurdles.

The tool offers you great results and comes with a set of powerful features that make it the best OST for PST Converter.

Some prominent features of the Shoviv OST to PST converter software:

Import multiple OST files to PST, Live Exchange, and Office 365.
Added OST files have no file size limitations; users can easily add large-sized .ost files.
The software converts inaccessible OST files to other file formats.
Save OST file items to multiple file formats along PST like EML files, MSG, HTML as well as vCard, etc.
Split large PST files into smaller PST files during OST to PST transfer.
File preview to view items before OST to PST migration.
Recover corrupted mailbox data or deleted OST file items.
Convert OST [first 50 items/folder] with a free demo version of the OST converter tool.
You can also save the report for the future.
Users get 24*7 support assistance.

Convert Multiple OST Files Using Shoviv OST to PST Converter:

Users can easily convert OST to PST within a few simple steps using Shoviv Software. Any non-technical users can proficiently execute the conversion of Outlook OST files to PST file format with the below-given steps:

Easy Steps to Convert an OST to PST File Format

Run the Shoviv OST to PST Converter.
Add “OST File” and Preview Mailbox data.
Choose “Export to PST” from Export Option.
Select the “Target Path” to save the PST file.
Click “Export” to start converting OST to PST.

Learn: What is Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook?

Step-by-Step PST Conversion Process from Exchange OST Files

At first, install and launch the Shoviv OST to PST Converter.
Now click on the Add OST Files button, which is at the left corner of the ribbon bar.

Now add OST files that you want to convert into PST file format. To add OST files, use the given options, which are Add, Remove, Remove All, and Search. If you have highly corrupted OST files, then check the “Advanced Scan” option.

Here, users can preview the selected files under the folder list.

Click on the OST to PST button of the ribbon bar or right-click and select the option “Save all Files in Outlook PST” .

Now, you will be prompted to check/uncheck the Sub Folders wizard. Here, check/uncheck the subfolders and click on the Next button.

The filter page will open. Apply the filter based on the “Process Message Class” and “Process Item Date Range” options. Click on the “Next” button after applying the criteria.

Here provide the details for the resultant PST files. Choose whether you want to export in the existing PST file or want to create a new one. For the new PST files, browse the location. Check the PST file type: Unicode or ANSI. Users can also set a password for the PST file. To get rid of oversized PST file issues, users can set PST file size, after which the PST file will split.

Now, in actuality, OST to PST conversion will start. After completing the OST file to PST conversion, a message “Process Completed Successfully” will appear, click OK. A complete report of the process will be displayed.

These were the simple steps to convert OST to PST in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and the below versions using the Shoviv OST Converter tool.

Interested? Try It for Free!

You can now test the free demo version of the Shoviv OST to PST Converter. The free trial has been offered to ensure that all interested users can check out the results before moving ahead. The full version is easily affordable and comes with great benefits, too. You can also export the first 50 items per folder so that you can be sure that this is the tool that you want. Once you upgrade, there is no limit to the files that you want to convert.

Frequently Asked Questions:-

Q. Can I open new PST files in any Outlook account?

A. Yes, you can open PST files in any Outlook account after adding them. It is one of the main advantages of importing OST to PST file format.

Q. How do I Convert an OST to a PST file free in Outlook?

A. To convert OST to PST for free, use the above-described manual methods like Import/Export, Drag and Drop, or the Archive method. But nothing comes for free, and the free method has many drawbacks and limitations. A professional third party, Shoviv OST to PST Converter, is the best choice for proficient and effortless conversion.

Q. How do I Open an OST file without Outlook?

A. With the help of Shoviv’s free OST file viewer tool, you can easily open OST files even if you have a corrupted OST file. In case you want to export OST to PST, then go with a paid license.

Q. What will be the folder hierarchy in the resultant PST file created after conversion using Shoviv Software?

A. Shoviv OST to PST conversion utility retains the folder hierarchy. Users will get the same folder hierarchy in the PST file as in the OST file.

Q. How demo version of the software is different from the licensed one?

A. The free demo version is just a restricted version of the licensed one. The demo version allows the processing of the first fifty items per folder, while there are no such limitations with the licensed version. In working, both are the same.

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Stuart

Stuart Clark is working as a technical content writer at Shoviv Software for the last 5 years. He specializes in crafting informative and engaging articles for diverse audiences. With a solid understanding of complex technologies, he explains complex concepts in a simpler manner that Leyman users can also understand easily. He has vast expertise in writing articles related to email migration and conversion niches. Apart from that, he likes to research newer technologies and gain knowledge to stay updated with the current trends.