You can convert OST to PST manually by using these simple methods:
- Archive Method
- Import/Export Feature in Outlook
- Simple Drag & Drop Method
- An Enterprise OST to PST Converter
In this article, you’ll learn about these OST to PST conversion methods, and much more. So, without beating around the bush, let’s get right into it.
Methods to Convert OST to PST Manually
Outlook is a very popular email client throughout the world with a user base in millions. The various features offered by it has made it a favourite email client among email users.
There are, however, still a few limitations in Outlook. One such limitation, for example, is its inability to open the OST email files at the time of non-availability of Exchange Server.
The only viable way out of this is to convert OST files to PST format, so that you can view the files.
Scroll below to find the best manual methods to convert your OST messages into PST format:
Method#1: Archive Method to Convert OST to PST
- Open the Outlook application and click on File>Options.
- Under Advanced, click on Auto Archive Settings button.
- Choose the number of days for which you want to archive.
- Select a destination, choose the archive option and then click on OK.
Method#2: Import/Export Method to Convert OST to PST
- Open Microsoft Outlook and then click on File Menu.
- Click on Open & Export option from the list.
- Now, click on Import/Export.
- Choose the Export to file option and then click on Next.
- Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click on Next.
- Select the files to be exported and destination.
- Click on Finish.
Your OST file(s) will soon be converted into PST format.
Also, note that you need to be connected to the Exchange Server for this method to work.
Method#3: Drag & Drop Method to Convert OST to PST
It is probably the simplest method around to convert OST to PST manually. Simply follow the below steps, and you’re good to go:
- Open Microsoft Outlook and create a new PST file.
- Click on New Items from the toolbar. Then click on More Items>Outlook Data File.
- Click on OK to create the PST file.
Limitations of Manual Method
As good as these methods are, they still present a challenge to users that can make them difficult to deal with. A few those in no particular order are:
- There is always a risk compromising the data integrity of your important files while using the manual methods.
- As compared to an automatic method, converting OST to PST manually will take up a lot of your time.
- The structure of your data will be not be affected while using an automated tool.
Professional OST to PST Converter Software
To avoid all the inconveniences associated with the conversion of OST to PST using manual methods, you can simply use an enterprise OST to PST converter software
Follow the procedure below for a step-by-step solution to solve the OST to PST conversion right away:
- Download and Install OST to PST Converter Software.
- Choose the OST files that are to be converted.
- Preview the data that is to be deleted.
- Select the PST radio box, set the destination and click on Export.
- Your files will finally be exported. Click on OK.
Apart from converting your OST files, you’ll also get numerous features in the software like:
• Feature to convert your OST files into multiple files apart from PST, like MBOX, PDF, MSG, etc.
• Ability to split your converted PST files into smaller parts.
• Numerous filters to sort your files by date, size, subject, etc.
Final Thoughts
Outlook is very useful email client made use of by email users everywhere.
At times, though, you might have to convert your Outlook messages (which are stored) in OST format into PST. You have numerous ways to go about achieving that as explained in methods above.
I hope this article helped you in clearly understanding how you convert OST to PST manually, and I hope that you leave your biggest takeaways in the comment section below.
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