The blog summarizes the best methods for converting Exchange OST mailboxes to MS Outlook PST files. It also discusses the advantages as well as the drawbacks of convert OST to PST Files.
When dependable internet connectivity is not available, an OST file is an efficient way to access Exchange Server mailbox folders locally on the Outlook email application. It allows you to use the mailbox in offline mode, that is, without having to connect to the server. Although OST files are solid and resistant to external disruptions, there are a number of factors that might render OST data unavailable and disrupt company processes.
Inaccessible OSTs require debugging in MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, or any older ANSI edition. Best OST to PST Converter No of the severity of the damage or loss, Outlook is the simplest approach to handle OST difficulties.
There are several methods for exporting an OST file to an Outlook PST file, as described below:
1st Procedure: Archive
To export or move mailbox items into PST file format, use the Archive feature in Microsoft Outlook. It exports all objects from an OST mailbox folder to a PST file. Contacts cannot be archived using this feature, however, all other mailbox objects can be extracted. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Open the Microsoft Outlook application and navigate to the OST file containing the data to be transferred.
- Click the File tab, then Info, and finally CleanUp Tools.
- Then, from the drop-down menu, select Archive.
- Make sure the option to archive this folder and all subfolders are selected in the Archive dialogue box that appears.
- Then select the folder you want to export to PST from the drop-down menu (e.g. Inbox).
- Provide a reasonable date in the Archive items older than a box. All things received prior to the deadline will be archived.
- Give the destination location for the new PST in the Archive file: option.
- To complete the transfer, press the OK button.
2nd Procedure: Convert an OST File to a PST File
The professional third-party OST to PST software is an automated solution that offers the simplest and most precise approach to convert OST mailboxes to PST files. This utility can be used by any type of professional or non-professional user on any Windows operating system, including Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. With the help of the OST file to PST conversion application, you may convert a large number of OST mailboxes to PST in a single step.
3rd Procedure: Organize Folder Items by Dragging and Dropping
Drag and drop OST folder items to a PST file format is without a doubt the most efficient way to convert data from an OST file to a PST. To complete this, open Microsoft Outlook and create a blank PST file, then click and drag the relevant items from the OST folder to the newly generated PST file.
However, there are a few limitations to the drag and drop mailbox item operation. To begin, you’ll need to repeat the process for each and every item that has to transfer to the PST folder. Because the technique is time-consuming, it necessitates meticulous attention to detail. A single error will result in unnecessary repetition of the procedure.
Furthermore, the folder structure, which is the same as the default folders, such as Calendars, Address Book, Inbox, and so on, cannot be converted immediately, and you must create a new PST file to organize the data in an orderly manner.
4th Procedure: Import & Export Wizard for Outlook
In Outlook 2010 and other editions, the Microsoft Outlook Import & Export wizard is an undeniably correct technique of converting OST data to PST file format. This approach can also use to convert OST data files to Excel and CSV formats. Because this is a manual method, you can try your luck by following the steps exactly.
However, in order to use the built-in import/export approach, you must be technically proficient. If any stage of the procedure carries incorrectly, you risk losing access to your critical data. It shows that you backup the OST file before beginning the migration procedure. So that you may restore data if something goes wrong.
Conclusion:
Manual processes are still inefficient and can result in data loss. Not only would you need technical skills to convert mailbox data from OST to PST file format. But you’d also need to pay close attention while doing so. Even if the process is complete with all of the necessary considerations, the OST folder hierarchy, data security, and no surety of integrity.
The professional third-party solution is always recommended, over manual approaches because no data is lost during the converting process. For all of these reasons, we believe that the professional OST Mailbox to PST Converter program is the best choice.
