Microsoft Outlook, the most preferred email client by working executives, manages and stores its mailbox data in two file formats: OST and PST. Both Offline Storage Table and Personal Storage Table files are crucial for Outlook functioning. These file formats store mailbox data files like email messages, attachments, contacts, and others.
The OST files communicate with the Exchange Server and save data for offline use, whereas the PST files keep data on the client’s local disc. OST files can be converted to PST files for effective mailbox management.
Read this article to explore OST vs PST Files? How to convert OST to PST is crucial for accessing mailbox data in Outlook.
OST vs PST Files
Following is the main difference between OST and PST Files:
| Features | OST | PST |
| Definition | These files are used to store a local copy of mailbox data from an Exchange server. | These files are used for storing data from POP3, IMAP, and web-based mail accounts. |
| Creation | Created when Outlook is configured in caching exchange mode. | Created automatically while setting up a POP3 email account in Outlook. |
| Compatibility | Supports exchange server. | Compatible with Exchange and other email servers. |
| Synchronization | Automatically synchronize with the mail server when the Internet connection is restored. | Do not synchronize with the server. |
| Accessibility | Accessible only on the system where they were created. | Can be easily accessed on different computer systems and Outlook profiles. |
| Portability | These files are highly encrypted and linked with the particular profile, need to convert from OST to PST to access and open OST file content. | Easily portable, can moved to different computers and Outlook profiles. |
| Backup | Automatic. | Manual. |
| Security | Highly secured, encrypted by default with a MAPIEntryID GUID key. | Relatively less secured than the OST file. It doesn’t encrypt by default but can be protected by a password. |
OST to PST Conversion:
Situations occasionally call for Outlook OST file conversion to PST format. The following is a list of some situations in which we could have to use OST to PST conversion:
- In the event that an email client migration results in the new email client not supporting OST files.
- If your account is deactivated, you will need to convert OST to PST in order to recover access to important mailbox data that is contained in the file.
- When you require mailbox data when the server is unavailable for maintenance, you might have to convert OST data files to PST.
- If mailbox content kept in an orphaned or unavailable file needs to be accessed
- To retrieve data from a corrupted OST file and access mailbox material saved in an orphaned or inaccessible file, you must first convert the OST file to PST.
How to Convert OST to PST Using Outlook?
We have already discussed scenarios when we need to convert OST to PST. Login to the Outlook with the same Exchange profile and select any of the following methods:
Method 1: Using the Import/Export Wizard: First login to the Outlook with the same Exchange account that was used to recreate the OST files. The step-by-step guide to export the OST mailboxes into PST format is mentioned below:
- Navigate to Files >Open & Export and choose Import & Export.
- Select Export to a file from the dropdown, then hit Next
- Fox exporting data file, pick the Outlook Data File (.pst) option, then proceed to Next.
- A dialogue box will pop up and ask for the folders that need to be exported. Select the targeted folders and subfolders that you need to export and click Next.
- Browse the location where you want to save the new PST files and select Replace duplicates with items exported. Click on Finish.
Method 2- Using the Archiving Method: Outlook users can save the OST file items in a separate PST file. This method is called archiving. It ensures better mailbox optimization as the user move older messages in the archive folder. Follow the below instructions to initiate the archiving process:
- Open the Microsoft Outlook application.
- Hit on the ‘File’ menu and click ‘Archive.’
- A screen will appear, choose the desired File or Folder that needs to be archived.
- Navigate to the location where the archived file is to be saved.
- Now, click on ‘Finish’ to end the process.
Method 3: Using OST to PST Converter: Since the above-mentioned methods are manual and time consuming, we can also try specialized third-party OST to PST converter tool for this task. Stellar Converter for OST is a well-liked converter that is renowned for its rapid conversion speed and is advised by MPVs and IT administrators. The self-explanatory UI of this OST recovery software makes the conversion procedure simple.
All versions of Microsoft Outlook that have been released up to this point, both 32- and 64-bit, are supported. Three versions are offered: Toolkit, Technician, and Corporate. The toolkit version of this programme has the ability to export the converted OST mailbox data straight to live Exchange or Office 365 Outlook.
Benefits of Stellar Converter for OST:
- Free trial downloads available without file size restrictions.
- Outlook customers can see all the converted file data with the help of the free demo version.
- Three versions are available: corporate, technician, and toolkit.
- All Offline Mailbox items are converted by this tool using Free Preview.
- Large PST files are automatically split when mail items are saved.
- Mailbox data is saved in PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF file formats.
- Multiple OST files can be converted in one batch.
- PST files are compacted and split. Microsoft 365
- Technician Version migration is possible.
- Recovers mailbox items, merges several PST files, and fixes corrupted PST files—Toolkit Version
Conclusion:
The OST and PST file formats for Oulook are thoroughly explained in the guide above. Outlook generates these files using an email account (POP, IMAP, Exchange, or Office 365). We have talked about the features of these formats and how they differ from one another. An OST file cannot be viewed or imported into another Outlook profile because it is encrypted using a MAPEntryID GUID key. However, there are times when converting an Outlook OST file to a PST file format is necessary. These situations include the deactivation of Outlook accounts, orphaned OST files, and MS-Exchange server breakdowns brought on by malware, power outages, etc.
Two manual techniques for converting an OST file to a PST have been investigated. However, these techniques might not be able to restore badly damaged, orphaned, or unreadable OST files. We can utilise a third-party conversion tool, such as Stellar conversion for OST, in this kind of situation. It is easy to use and intelligent enough to quickly convert any file, including encrypted or IMAP OST files, to PST. This software’s Technician edition can convert OST files straight to Office 365 Outlook and live Exchange.
