Introduction
Both OST and PST files serve distinct purposes and are different from one another. For example, an OST file can be accessed offline whereas a PST merely serves as a backup copy of the mailbox data. An OST file contains data in real-time by syncing to the online server. However, in some cases an OST file becomes disconnected from an online account and the only viable option left to the user in such scenarios is to convert OST to PSTusing a dedicated software solution.
Before we get into the process of converting OST to PST, let's take a look at some of the scenarios in which a user might need to do so.
Situations in which OST to PST conversion is required:
Exchange Server Account Deletion:
If your Exchange or IMAP Server account is inadvertently deleted, an OST file is orphaned. Converting OST to PST can help you restore the profile and all of its contents back into Outlook.
Exchange Server Failure:
You won't be able to access the Exchange Server if, for whatever reason, Microsoft Exchange Server Crashes or a virus attacks your system. Such circumstances can have an impact on your work/business, and your Outlook profile malfunctions. By converting OST to PST, you can avoid recovering your profile from Exchange server failures.
Exchange Server Upkeep
Converting OST to PST can be beneficial in situations where you can't access the Exchange server in the first place (such as server maintenance and upkeep).
Data Transfer
You can transfer data from one machine to another by converting OST to PST. It is especially useful when they frequently need to transfer data from one device to another.
Now that we've covered the various situations in which you might need to convert OST to PST, let's look at how to do it.
How to Convert an OST File to a PST File?
We explain two different approaches for converting OST to PST files. The first method is the manual method and the second one is using an automated solution which simplifies the task.
Method 1: Archive method of converting OST to PST
Follow the steps below to convert an OST file to a PST file using this method:
- Launch Microsoft Outlook and navigate to the File Menu in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
- Select Option, then Advanced.
- On the screen, click on Auto Archive Settings.
- Enter the number of days after which you want the content to be automatically archived.
- Select a location for the archive files to be saved by clicking the browse button.
- After you have selected press OK, the process will begin, and the mailbox items will be automatically saved as PST files.
Method 2: Using Specialized OST to PST software program
When your OST becomes inaccessible or corrupt, the native method of converting it will frequently fail. In all of the scenarios mentioned above, using dedicated software to convert OST to PST solves the problem. If you are unable to connect to the Exchange server, you can use reputable software to convert OST to PST. There aren't many options for converting an OST file to a PST file. EdbMails OST to PST converter is an easy-to-use solution for directly converting an OST file to a PST file that I recommend.
EdbMails features an easy-to-use interface and a plethora of features that can be useful if you use Microsoft Outlook. The software does not impose any file limits for converting OST to PST.
It provides the following features in addition to assisting in the conversion of OST to PST:
EdbMails Feature Descriptions
- Direct OST to PST conversion without intermediate steps.
- Restore all mails and mail items from corrupted PST files.
- Convert encrypted or password protected files with ease.
- Works with inaccessible , orphaned or corrupt OST files.
- Allows for the splitting and merging of target PST files.
- Recover and restore deleted Outlook emails.
Concluding Thoughts
The OST file is an essential Outlook data file that is constantly synced with an online Exchange or IMAP account. It allows you to access all of your mail data even when you are unable to connect to the internet (when you are offline). An OST file can become orphaned or corrupted for the reasons stated at the beginning of this section. Manual methods of converting OST to PST will not work in such cases. A dedicated software tool, such as EdbMails OST to PST converter, streamlines the entire process and makes file conversion simple. It does not require an Exchange server or Active Directory, and the conversion takes place offline in your local environment. Given the extensive list of features available with the EdbMails OST to PST software, it is one of the best tools for Converting OST to PST. 😉😊