How to Convert OST to PST File in Simple Steps - A Complete Guide

Microsoft Outlook is a business-friendly email provider; It offers many features that businesses need. In Microsoft Outlook, data is stored in two types of file formats. The file formats are OST and PST. Both file formats store data like messages, calendar events, contacts, and other things. But sometimes, when users configure an Outlook account with IMAP, there is a possibility that OST files get inaccessible due to working on a web-based application. Therefore, users need to convert OST files into PST file format to access their data and manage OST mailbox items again. You can also go for the SysInfo OST to PST Converter Tool to export multiple Offline Outlook data files into PST format. Before moving to steps to Convert OST to PST, let's know why we need to convert it.

Several Reasons to Convert OST file to PST

There are plenty of reasons to change OST to PST that you should need to know. Some of the common causes are described below:

• Crash of the Exchange Server: Due to power outage, virus infection, software or hardware failure. There is a possibility of data loss. Now, users have an OST file, But they can't use it online. If they want to use OST files online, that file should be converted to PST.

• Limitation of storage: There is a limit to every OST file. Exceeding the file size limit can cause damage and make the file inaccessible.

• Changing jobs: If a user wants to use an OST file from their previous employer when moving to a new organization. They need to convert the OST file to PST because the OST file has limitations. OST files can't be used in online mode.

• Power failure: A power failure in a device can cause severe damage to system applications. OST files are highly sensitive, and due to unexpected power failure, there is a chance of corruption.

These are the following reasons that facilitate users to convert their OST files to PST. Now, we will look at the procedures to perform the Outlook export OST to PST process.

Top 3 Methods to Convert OST to PST for Free

Converting OST to PST is the basic need of IT professionals and Office users. Therefore, this section will describe the top 3 best methods to convert OST file to PST file. Follow  each method correctly and carefully:

Method 1: Convert OST file to PST Manually Using Import/Export Option

These are a few steps to manually convert OST files to PST Outlook using the Import/Export feature.

1. Firstly, Open the Microsoft Outlook application on your system.
2. Then go to the File menu and select the Open & Export option.
3. After this, click Import/Export.
4. Then choose Export to a file in the import and export wizard window. 
5. Now, click Next to proceed further.
6. Pick the Outlook data file(.pst), then click Next.
7. Now select the destination folder in which you want to export 
8. Tick the Include subfolders box, then click Next
9. Set the destination path and choose the option related to the duplicates.
10. Lastly, Finish the process.

Method 2: How to Convert OST to PST in Outlook 2016?- Using archive Option

1. Open MS Outlook software and go to the File menu.
2. Select the option and click on the Advanced option.
3. Click the Auto archive setting on the right-hand side.
4. Tick the Run auto archive every and select no of days.
5. Choose the destination folder to save and click Ok.

Users can follow these manual methods to convert OST to PST. These methods are accessible and workable, but this process has some limitations. Let’s discuss them:

Why Convert OST to PST Manually is not suggested?

• Users must have MS Outlook installed on their computers. Without this software, conversion is not possible.
• There is a peak chance of losing the data. 
• The manual process is hard to implement for non-tech users.
• It takes a lot of time to perform the conversion.
• There is a risk that if the user skips any step, the conversion will not perform.
• A limitation of the manual method is that it can only convert smaller files. 

We also have a professional method to convert OST file to PST file to overcome these limitations. Let's move to the professional method.

Method 3: How to Convert OST to PST files Without Outlook?

SysInfo OST to PST Converter is the most efficient and top-notch solution for Outlook users to convert OST files into Outlook data files(.pst). The software is competent enough to convert single/multiple or a folder containing several OST files into PST file format. Using this tool, users can easily convert OST file to PST and other file formats, such as MBOX, EML, EMLX, HTML, CSV, and MHTML. On the other hand, the tool also allows users to import OST files into Outlook 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, IMAP, etc.

Conclusion

Above, we have discussed how to convert OST to PST in Outlook 2016 and other versions and the basic requirements. In addition, we have also learned the manual and professional methods to convert OST to PST. All the methods are entirely safe and secure, and there are no chances of data loss.