Baskadia

Summary: Microsoft Outlook uses OST files to store mailbox data offline and PST files to save and transfer Outlook data portably. Many times users need to convert OST files to PST for backup or for migrating to other systems or to restore mailbox data access if Outlook is unreachable. There are numerous techniques to convert OST to PST, such as the manual approach and third-party software. In this blog we will discuss only the manual method of converting OST to PST.

What are OST and PST files?

OST Files: OST files (Offline Storage Tables) are generated by Microsoft Outlook to save emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox data locally. These files enable users to work offline with their mailbox but are tied to a particular Outlook profile and cannot be opened separately.

PST Files: PST (Personal Storage Table) files are used in Outlook for Windows to store identical data types as OST files; however, PST files are portable and may be imported into any Outlook account. PST files are great for backup, migration, or recovering mailbox data.

How to Convert OST File to PST Free? 3 Best Methods

If your Outlook is operating and you can view the OST file, you can use the built-in Outlook tools to export the data to PST format. There are three ways you can try manually below:

Method 1. Use Outlook Import/Export Option

This method works if your Outlook profile still exists.

• Launch Microsoft Outlook on your PC.
  

• From the File menu, select Import/Export.
  

• Select the Export to a file option from the menu.
  

• Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click next.
  

• Choose folders and click the Next button.
  

• Choose the destination, and then click Finish.
  

  
  

Method 2. Drag and Drop Emails to New PST File

• Open Outlook, choose File > New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File.
  

• Create a new PST file and give it a name.
  

• Drag & drop emails, contacts, and other mailbox objects from the OST file to the PST file manually.
  

  
  

Limitations: Time-intensive, no bulk transfer possible.

Method 3. Export OST Emails to PST Manually

This approach will automatically transfer the older emails from the OST to the PST file.

• Open Outlook and then click File > Options > Advanced.
  

• Click AutoArchive Settings.
  

• Select the folders you wish to archive and select a time range.
  

• Choose the place where you want to save the PST file and click OK.
  

  
  

Note: This process just backs up old emails and does not move contacts or calendar entries.

Drawbacks of manual processes

• No Outlook, no conversion: You need to have Outlook installed.
  

• Corrupted or orphaned OST manual conversion is impossible.
  

• Big mailboxes: Too long to drag and drop.
  

• Possible loss of data: In a careless export, you can miss an email or attachment.
  

  
  

Conclusion

Users have used ToolsBaer for OST to PST conversion. So, we have studied the top 3 techniques to perform it. However, after trying these methods, we found that manual conversion is viable only in limited scenarios. But, if your OST file is accessible, then you can go for the manual ways effectively. First examine your requirements and then select the best approach accordingly. If the files are lost, inaccessible, or too big, a manual method will not work; an automated program is the only solution.