How to Migrate OST to PST for All Outlook Versions

Updated on April 13, 2024 by Nasir Khan

Are you seeking a method to migrate OST to PST? If so, you've come to the right place. This article will explore the easiest method to convert OST to PST for Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013. Additionally, we will provide a brief overview of OST and PST file formats. Moreover, we will delve into why users back up OST Files to Outlook PST. We will cover both the manual and automated methods for performing the conversion. If you are looking for a faster method to export Outlook OST to PST, we suggest using the Regain OST to PST Converter.

What are OST & PST Files?

OST and PST are both file formats created by Microsoft Outlook. Additionally, OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table) are used to store email messages, contacts, calendars, and other data.

OST (Offline Storage Table)

1. Firstly, OST files are created when Outlook is used in Cached Exchange Mode. Additionally, they are made when working with an Exchange Server account.
2. OST Files allows users to access their mailbox data even when they are offline.
3. Whenever you connect Outlook to the internet then OST files are synchronized with the Exchange Server.
4. Moreover, OST Files are mainly used for offline access and temporary storage of mailbox data.

PST (Personal Storage Table)

1. Firstly, PST files are used for storing email messages, contacts, calendar items, and other data locally on your system.
2. Additionally, PST Files are used for archiving or backing up mailbox data.
3. If you use POP3, IMAP, or Web-based Email accounts in Outlook, then it is advised to create a PST File.
   Note: Refer to Import OST Files to IMAP Server Account, if you looking for a reliable solution to migrate OST to IMAP.
4. Moreover, you can store and manage the mailbox data without the use of a mail server.

Before proceeding with any methods it is essential to fix the abnormal working of OST files.

Benefits to Convert Outlook OST to PST

Various factors may prompt the need to convert OST files to PST format. Here are some common reasons:

• Import OST data: Migrate OST to PST when you need to migrate mailbox data from one system to another.
• Prevent Data Loss: Usually, large OST files cause data loss or corruption. Additionally, it is advisable to migrate OST to PST to overcome mailbox size limitations.
• Accidental Deletion of Exchange Data: Backing up OST to PST is beneficial in unfortunate cases of OST file deletion or corruption in the Exchange server.
• Online Data Access: Converting OST to PST allows users to access or manage offline-saved OST data in Outlook PST format while online.
• Switching Email Clients: When switching from Exchange and Outlook to other email clients, converting OST to PST becomes necessary to migrate old mailbox items.

These are some of the reasons for converting OST files to PST format. Let's now explore the various methods available for exporting OST files to PST format.

Practical Methods to Migrate OST to PST for Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013

This section will explore the practical methods to move OST files to PST in all Outlook versions. All these methods have been rigorously tested with different test cases. However, before proceeding forward it is essential to establish a proper connection between Outlook and Exchange profile. Moreover, this allows a hassle-free conversion of OST to PST. Lastly, before proceeding to the methods, IT experts suggest taking a backup of your OST files, as no manual method is 100% foolproof.

Method 1: Use Auto Archive Setting to Export OST to PST

Outlook has built-in tools that can be used to convert OST files to PST. The Auto Archive feature can be used to back up all OST files to PST. However, this tool cannot archive contacts. Click on the link if you want to export contacts from OST to PST file. The steps are as follows:

1. Launch the MS Outlook application on your system.
2. Navigate to the File tab.
3. Now, go to Options. In the Outlook Options screen hover your cursor over the Advanced section.
4. Enable the Auto Archive option.
5. After selecting the option click on the OK button.

After following the steps you will successfully save the OST file to PST. Additionally, in case your file gets corrupted refer to Repair and View corrupt OST File.

Method 2: Utilize the Import/Export Feature to Save OST to PST

On the other hand, you can use Outlook's built-in feature, Import/Export, to convert OST files to PST. Firstly, locate the OST files in Outlook, and then use the Import/Export feature. The steps are as follows:

1. Firstly, launch Outlook and navigate to the File tab.
2. Select the Open & Export section and click on the Import & Export feature to choose the OST file for conversion.
   
3. Within the Import and Export Wizard, opt for Export to a File and click Next.
   
4. Additionally, select the option Outlook Data File (.pst) and proceed by clicking Next.
   
5. Now, select the folder you wish to export and click Next.
   
6. Click the Browse button to choose the output path for the .pst file.
   
7. Opt for the preferred option for managing duplicates and click Finish.
8. If desired, set a password on the PST file, then click OK to complete the process.

The manual methods to convert OST to PST might be effective. However, they are time-consuming and lengthy. Some other limitations of the manual methods are as follows:

• The manual methods are both lengthy and time-consuming.
• The procedure to convert OST to PST files manually can be tricky.
• Professionals advise that there are risks of data loss.
• The process may get stuck if the wrong procedure is followed.
• There are no guarantees for backing up all the mailbox items.
• If the OST file size is large, the OST to PST conversion may halt.
• This procedure is not suitable for corrupt or damaged OST files.

Method 3: Smartly Convert OST to PST File Format

There are automated tools that can make a user's life easier. One such tool to migrate OST to PST is Regain OST to PST Converter. This advanced tool can easily export OST files to PST. It has an interactive user interface and is easy to use. Moreover, this tool can convert OST files to Office 365, PST, EML, etc. It maintains folder hierarchy and can easily convert large OST files to PST at once.

5 Simple Steps to Migrate OST to PST

1. Install and launch the Regain OST Converter as an administrator.
   
2. Click on the option Add OST Files to add the OST files to the software wizard.
   
3. Then click on the Next button to proceed further.
4. Preview the added OST Files in the Advanced Preview Panel.
   
5. Finally, select the Saving Format as PST and click on the Export button.

Conclusion:

It is time to wrap up the article. In this article, we highlighted the methods to migrate OST to PST for all Outlook versions. Additionally, we discussed a brief overview of OST and PST files. We also highlighted practical approaches to convert OST to PST. Furthermore, consider using the Regain OST to PST Converter for a faster and more reliable migration of Outlook OST to PST.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. How to Convert OST to PST in Outlook 2016?

Ans. You can easily convert OST to PST in various versions of Outlook, including Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007, as well as Outlook 2019, by following the steps outlined below:

Steps to Manually Convert OST files to PST:

1. Launch the Outlook application and navigate to the File tab.
2. Select Open & Export >> Import/Export option.
3. Choose Export to a file and click Next.
4. Then, select the Outlook data file and proceed by clicking Next.
5. Pick the mailbox folders you wish to export.
6. Set the location for the PST file and click Finish.
7. Your OST file data will be converted into a PST file.

Q 2. What is the best software to migrate OST to PST?

Ans. Use the Regain OST to PST Converter to backup OST files to PST. The steps are as follows:

1. Install and launch the OST to PST Converter as an administrator.
2. Select the "Add OST Files" option to add the OST files to the software wizard.
3. Next, proceed by clicking the "Next" button.
4. Preview the added OST Files in the Advanced Preview Panel.
5. Lastly, choose the Saving Format as PST and click on the Export button.