Table of Contents

Summary:

This blog will explore the best techniques to export OST to PST for Outlook 2016 and other versions. We’ll describe the manual methods and compare them with efficient third-party software solutions to uncover the most effective approach for a quality-driven OST to PST export process. So, let’s begin and read until the end.

What is an OST File:

The OST (Offline Storage Table) file allows you to access your Exchange Server emails and folders offline, even when you are not connected to the internet. This ensures that you can continue working with your emails without an active server connection. However, OST files can become inaccessible due to various reasons such as hardware failures, software conflicts, or improper shutdown of Outlook. These issues can disrupt normal business operations.

Irrespective of which version of MS Outlook you are using – be it 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, or older versions – an inaccessible OST file must be fixed to regain access to your stored data (emails, contacts, calendar or other items). The simplest solution to resolve any type of OST file issue, regardless of the extent of the damage, is to export OST file to Outlook PST file format. This conversion process ensures that your data remains accessible and usable within Outlook.

What is the Reason Behind Exporting Offline OST to PST Files?

Exporting offline OST (offline storage table) files to PST (personal storage table) format is often necessary for several reasons:

  1. Access OST Data: OST files are used by Microsoft Outlook to store all types of data offline when connected to an Exchange server. Exporting OST to PST allows you to access entire data without connecting to the exchange server, which can be useful if the exchange server is unavailable or you need to access emails and other items offline.
  2. Create Backup from OST to PST: Creating PST files from OST serves as a backup mechanism. If there is an issue with the Exchange Server or if you need to archive older data, exporting OST to PST provides a separate backup copy. This backup can be easily accessed and opened with any version of Outlook.
  3. Email Platform Migration: When migrating from one email account to another, especially when switching to an Exchange Server or another email platform, exporting OST to PST format allows you to transfer all your data, including emails, contacts, calendars, etc., to the new environment.
  4. Legal or compliance reasons: In some cases, organizations need to retain emails or other data for legal or compliance purposes. Exporting OST to PST ensures that you have a copy of all relevant data that can be safely stored and accessed when needed.
  5. Repairing OST files: Sometimes OST files can become corrupted or damaged. Exporting OST to PST format can be part of the troubleshooting process to recover data from a damaged OST file that cannot be repaired directly.

Exporting offline OST to PST files is essential for creating backups and ensuring access to critical data. This process is precious for Outlook users, especially within organizations, as it provides a reliable way to manage and secure vital information.

Here are several ways to export OST to PST Outlook format

You can export OST mailboxes to Outlook PST format in several ways:

1. Dragging and Dropping Folders to a New PST File:

  1. Open Outlook and create a new PST file by going to File > New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File.
  1. Name and save the newly created PST file.
  1. In Outlook, drag and drop folders from your OST file into the new PST file to export them.

2. Using Outlook Archiving OST Emails to PST:

  1. Open Outlook and create a new archive PST file.
  2. Go to File > Options > Advanced and Click on AutoArchive Settings.
  1. Configure the archive file settings, including the location to save the archived PST file.
  1. Let Outlook move the items to the archive PST automatically.

3. Using Outlook’s Export Option (for Office 365 and Exchange Accounts):

  1. Open Outlook and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
  2. Select Export to a file and click the Next button.
  3. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click the Next button.
  4. Select the folder you want to export, check Include subfolders, and click Next.
  5. Choose the location to save the new PST file, name it, and click Finish.

Expert Suggested eSoftTools OST to PST Converter Software

This section explains an automated expert-suggested software that can offer the best OST to PST export techniques. The software we describe here is eSoftTools OST to PST Export Software. The software recovers emails from OST files and provides comfort in exporting OST to PST and 14+ file formats.

Download Now Purchase Now

This professional tool offers an extensive range of options for OST file conversion, such as OST to PST, EML, MSG, EMLX, HTML, MHTML, MBOX, Thunderbird, Zimbra, Office365, Gmail, IMAP, and Yahoo Mail accounts. Look at a few of the highlighted features of the software below.

  1. Quick Conversion Facility: Swiftly export OST to PST file format without data loss.
  2. No Outlook Dependency: The tool works without installing Outlook on the computer and performs the best OST to PST conversion.
  3. Selective Conversion Facility: Allows selective conversion of specific items or folders from OST to PST.
  4. Data Preview Availability: Provides a preview of OST mailbox items within the software to ensure OST file recovery.
  5. Multiple Conversion Formats: The software supports converting OST files to over 14 formats, including PST, EML, MSG, and MBOX. It also allows conversion to accounts like Thunderbird, Zimbra, Office365, Gmail, IMAP, and Yahoo Mail.
  6. Split PST During Conversion: The user can easily split PST files in multiple sizes and make smaller PST files from OST.
  7. Wide Windows & Outlook Compatibility: The software works with all versions of Microsoft Outlook and Windows operating systems.
  8. User-friendly Interface: Intuitive interface that simplifies the OST to PST conversion process.
  9. Technical Support: Offers 24/7 technical support to assist users with any issues.
  10. Free Trial: Provides a free trial version to evaluate the software’s capabilities before purchase.

Screenshot Preview of Export OST to PST Software

export ost to pst
Conclusion

In conclusion, converting your offline OST to PST format is an effective solution if you’re having trouble with OST files due to server issues, hardware problems, or need to move data between email platforms. This process ensures you can still access important emails and data offline and provides a backup for critical information.
You can use manual methods in Outlook; alternatively, use a third-party tool like eSoftTools OST to PST Converter to complete the conversion. The key is to choose a method that maintains the integrity of your data. By picking the right approach, you can solve OST file issues and keep your Microsoft Outlook productivity intact, ensuring your data stays secure and accessible.

Post a comment

*