Top Methods to Convert OST File to PST with Attachments

Summary: Users often store OST file offline mailbox data and are often at risk during issues like system crashes, server failures, or account problems. To keep email data safe and accessible, users may need to convert OST files into PST format. Follow this guide to convert OST file to PST file in a simple way. Although several procedures are available to convert your OST data. But, to maintain folder structure and keep your emails and attachments intact, use the MacGater OST to PST Converter.

Download Now Purchase Now

Brief About OST & PST

OST (Offline Storage Table) File:

• OST files are a Microsoft Outlook file format.
• It stores a local copy of your emails, calendars, and contacts from an Exchange server.
• You can access Outlook data with an Exchange server with an internet connection.

PST (Personal Storage Table) File: 

• Firstly, it stores your emails, calendars, contacts, and other Outlook data.
• Also, PST files are not automatically synchronised with the Exchange server.
• It backs up, archives old items, and creates local copies for offline access.

Now, you understand the differences between OST and PST files, so let’s continue to discover why it is necessary to convert OST files to PST files.

Reasons to Import OST to PST

• In addition, it accesses Outlook data without Exchange or a server connection.
• Apart from that, it recovers emails from orphaned or inaccessible OST files.
• Moreover, it creates a secure local backup of mailbox data.
• Further, it migrates Outlook data to another account or profile.
• After all, it opens the OST data on multiple systems using PST.

Let us examine the best method to export OST to PST after reviewing the previous explanations.

Convert OST File to PST Using the Following Methods

Basically, the main concern of the user is to convert the file data correctly. There are many ways to convert your OST data to PST. Follow the methods below:

Method 1: Convert OST to PST Using Outlook Export 

Prerequisites Before Heading Towards the Methods

• Make sure you use the Windows operating system.
• Further, Microsoft Outlook is installed.
• Lastly, you have active access to the Exchange / Office 365 / IMAP account.

Steps to Convert Outlook OST file to PST

1. First, open Outlook on the Windows operating system.
2. Then, configure the same email account linked to your OST file.
3. Further, allow Outlook to fully synchronise your mailbox data.
4. Next, go to File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.
5. Now, select the Export to a file option >> Outlook Data File (.pst).
6. Choose mailbox folders and the destination, and click Finish to create the PST file.

Limitations

• Therefore, it cannot convert orphaned OST files.
• Further, it requires server connectivity.
• Moreover, it is time-consuming for large mailboxes.

Method 2: Convert OST to PST Using AutoArchive

This method creates a PST file by archiving mailbox data automatically using AutoArchive.

Steps to perform this Method

1. First, open Outlook on your computer.
2. Afterward, go to File, and then Options, and then click on the Advanced option.
3. Moreover, click on the AutoArchive Settings.
4. And enable AutoArchive and set a destination PST file.
5. Finally, run AutoArchive manually.

Limitations

• Using this method, you can partially export your data.
• Therefore, there is no control over the folder selection.
• Additionally, it is not suitable for urgent conversions.

Method 03: Convert OST to PST Using Drag & Drop

You can manually move your OST mailbox items into a PST file.

Steps to perform this Method

1. To initiate, open your Outlook account.
2. Next, create a new PST file via New Items >> More Items >> Outlook Data File.
3. Further, select emails, folders, or items from OST.
4. After that, drag and drop them into the PST file.

Limitations

• Likewise, it is a very time-consuming process.
• There is a high risk of data loss.
• Moreover, it is not practical for large or multiple mailboxes.

Method 04: Convert OST to PST Using Outlook Import/Export Wizard

Basically, this method allows you to export selective data.

Steps to Convert OST File to Outlook PST

1. To start, open Outlook on your system.
2. Then, go to File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.
3. Now, choose Export to a file and select a specific folder, and then save as PST.

Limitations

• Same as Method 1
• Requires an accessible OST and mailbox.

These methods are suitable for those users who have a smaller number of files. For users who have files in bulk, they can use the method below.

Method 05: Convert OST File to PST with Attachments Professionally

To overcome the above limitations, use the MacGater OST to PST Converter Tool. It is made with a simple layout that helps users to easily use this tool. Also, its advanced features allow users to convert selective data. This software will maintain the original folder structure and back up your email data without attachments. Using this software, you can also import OST into Office 365, as it has multiple email clients. Below are the pointers that will clearly show more about the features:

• It converts all your Outlook data, including emails, calendars, etc.
• Also, consist of multiple email clients such as MBOX, EML, EMLX, etc.
• Before conversion, you can preview your files along with attachments.
• After that, you can give a custom name to your folder for easy recognition.
• You can select the path to save your resultant files. 
• It supports bulk conversion that will smoothly convert multiple files.

Working Steps to Convert OST File to PST

1. Download and run the OST to PST Converter Tool on your system.
   
   


2. Choose the Select File or Select Folder button to browse the OST file, and then click on the Next button.
   
   


3. Now, preview and choose the files from the tree-structure list and then click on the Next button.
   
   


4. Further, click on the drop-down menu to choose the PST format.
   
   


5. Afterward, pick the features that you need and click on the Path to Save button to set the saving destination.
   
   


6. Finally, click on the Convert button to start the OST to PST conversion.
   
   

Conclusion

After reading this blog, you now have an understanding of the importance of PST files. By following this, you can convert OST file to PST with ease. Analyse your data and understand which method is useful for you to easily access your OST files. Ultimately, it is suggested to use a professional tool that will save your time and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions: