How to Export OST to PST – Easy Approach

For every MS Outlook user, one common query is, ‘How to export OST to PST file format’? In this article, you will learn some simple methods to convert your Outlook OST files to PST file format. We explain some manual methods and also disclose a professional tool for better file conversion. Make sure to read the article till the end for complete information.

Overview

OST files also known as Offline Storage Table files are the offline copy of your Outlook emails. It saves your mailbox data in the local drive. This file automatically gets updated with new emails and data whenever Outlook gets synched with the Exchange server. Because of OST files, you can access your emails in the absence of an Internet connection.

PST file is another Outlook data file that is highly used for backing up important mailbox data. Unlike an OST file, you can manually save your valuable Outlook data locally as a PST file. This file format is ideal for data sharing and email migration. It has many advantages over the OST file format.

Why Need to Export OST to PST File Format?

Now, we have discussed the Outlook OST and PST file formats. Both these file formats have different pros and cons. Now, you might be thinking why one needs to convert OST to PST file format. Below we explain some common scenarios when you require to change your Outlook OST files to PST file format.

• OST file is an offline copy of your mailbox but is not suitable for sharing purposes. Therefore, if you want to migrate your emails, you will require a PST file.
• OST files can get damaged easily as compared to PST file formats.
• You can manually specify the location of the PST file. However, this is not the case with Outlook OST files.
• Performing any operation on the OST file attached to the Outlook profile is not possible.
• While backing up the Outlook mailbox as a PST file, you can choose the items you want to back up.
• PST files are also known as backup files. You can restore your data using these files in case of accidental data loss.

These are the prominent reasons that lead users to change their OST files to Outlook PST file format.

Best Methods to Convert OST to PST Files

MS Outlook application provides various functionalities to import OST file to Outlook PST file format. These methods are categorized as manual methods. It is a free approach that requires basic technical knowledge of Outlook features so that you can easily perform the procedure. Below we explain some easy ways to export OST to PST via MS Outlook.

#1. Create a New PST File and Use the Drag and Drop Feature

In this approach, you create a blank PST file and then move your emails to this newly created PST file. It is a simple and fast approach to import emails from OST file to PST file format.

• Open MS Outlook and click on the New Items option.
• Choose More Items and then select the Outlook Data File option.
• Give an appropriate name and location to the new PST file. Press OK.
• After creating the PST file, right-click on it and select the New folder option and create a mailbox folder in this newly created PST file.
• Now, open the desired emails in your Outlook account. Select them all.
• Press and hold the left-click, move the cursor to the new PST file and release the hold.
• This will move your emails from the mailbox folder to the PST file.

The above procedure to migrate your emails from your Outlook mailbox to a PST file is comparatively easy. Also, you can manually choose the specific emails from the complete mailbox in the Drag and Drop method.

#2. Export OST to PST File Format using the Import/Export Functionality

• Open the MS Outlook application in your system and click on the File button.
• Now, choose the Open & Export tab and select the Import/Export option.
• In the Import and Export wizard, select the Export to a file option and press the Next button.

• Choose the Outlook Data File option and hit Next.
• Now, select the mailbox folder you want to export and press Next.
• Click Browse and define a destination location. After that, click on the Finish button.

This procedure will save OST as PST file format. As an OST file is an offline copy of the Outlook mailbox, backing up your emails is equivalent to converting OST to a PST file extension.

#3. Use the AutoArchive Option for Backing Up Mailbox Automatically

Outlook provides the AutoArchive feature which is another simple solution to export OST files to PST file format. Follow the below procedure to back up your emails at a regular frequency.

• In the MS Outlook application, click on the File option.
• After that, select the Options tab from the left section.
• Switch to the Advanced tab in the Outlook options.
• After that, select the AutoArchive Settings in the AutoArchive section.

• Choose the frequency and other settings and click on the OK button to save changes.
• Again click on the OK button in the Outlook Options wizard.

By performing the above method, the application will automatically backup OST file Outlook mailbox at the defined frequency in PST file format.

Why Manual Approach is Not Suitable for Everyone?

The above manual methods are effective despite that they are not appropriate for many users. The manual solutions have various limitations and of which most users avoid them. Some of the major drawbacks of the manual approach are listed below.

• They are quite complicated and time-consuming for novice users.
• You can not filter out all the undesired mailbox data from the complete Outlook mailbox.
• You must have the Outlook application installed on your PC to perform the manual methods.
• These methods are not effective to convert orphan OST files.
• The chances of file corruption are high. So, if you do not perform the steps correctly, you may end up losing your data.
• The above manual solutions are appropriate only for converting OST to PST file format.

Now, you might be thinking if the manual solutions are not that suitable for non-technical users, what else should they opt for?

We suggest a more effective alternative to manual methods.

Professional Solution to Export OST file to PST File Format

CloudMigration OST to PST Converter is the best solution to export OST to PST and many other file formats. Using this application, you can also migrate your Outlook emails to other email clients and webmail accounts like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL, etc. This professional third-party utility offers numerous features that allow you to migrate only necessary mailbox data and exclude all the undesired items. Therefore, it is an ideal solution for both technical and non-technical users.

Prominent Features of CloudMigration OST to PST Converter

• The application can convert multiple OST files in a single step without compromising the quality of conversion.
• The application displays the preview in a tree structure of all the added OST files.
• The application allows you to migrate emails without email attachments.
• You can export emails of a specific date range using the advanced Mail Filter option.
• It provides a free OST to PST Converter tool to evaluate the functioning of the demo version.
• Simple and intuitive GUI to deliver an optimum user experience to both technical and non-technical users.
• Widely compatible with all versions of Windows OS.

Steps to Export OST to PST File

• Download the CM OST to PST Converter from the official website of Cloud Migration. Install the tool and run it as administrator.

• Click Browse to add the desired OST file. Locate the OST file and select it. Press Open.

• Now, you will see a preview of all the mailbox folders available in the added file. Tick the desired items and hit the Next button.

• Expand the Save/Backup/Migrate As field and choose PST file format from the list.

• Specify the remaining migration options as per your requirement and hit the Convert button.

As you perform the above procedure, you can easily export OST to PST file format using the professional Cloud Migration OST to PST Converter online tool.

Key Takeaways

You can convert your Outlook OST files to PST file format through various solutions. You can use the MS Outlook application to export your emails to PST file format. However, this method is suitable if you are a technical user. Along with that, it has many limitations that make this approach an outdated approach. The professional third-party OST to PST converter software is the best solution for all users to change Outlook OST to PST File format.

 

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