I’ve been asked numerous times how to fix the corrupted mailbox of Outlook. Additionally, people frequently inquire when and why it is necessary to perform OST to PST conversion. If you do not use Outlook in conjunction with Exchange Server, you have no idea how critical it is to convert OST to PST format. By and large, OST and PST files are very similar. However, you cannot open an OST file in the Outlook client without first converting it to PST format. By the way, Outlook 2013 and 2016 use the OST file format as the default. Thus, if you’re using one of these Outlook versions, you can easily open an OST file. However, if you are using Outlook 2010 or a previous version, you will be unable to open an OST file without first converting it to PST format.
We’ll discuss OST to PST conversion in detail in this blog post, when and why we need it, and how to do it manually. Additionally, if you are unable to use OST or PST files then use the non-manual method to convert OST to PST using the tool.
A Brief Overview
Both OST and PST files are extremely similar, in that they are both associated with the Outlook client. Both store the same type of mailbox content, which includes email messages, contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, and journals. Their only distinction is their nature. OST is an offline storage table that the Outlook client creates on a local system. If your Outlook profile is configured with Microsoft Exchange Server, it will create a local copy of your mailbox content on a system. This file is called OST, and it can be used independently of the Exchange Server. Due to the fact that the OST file is an offline storage table, you can access it, make changes, and then synchronize it with Exchange Server when the connection is available.
On the other hand, a PST file is a personal storage table that the Outlook client creates on a local system. The reason it is distinct from an OST file is that it has no connection to Exchange Server. If you run Outlook as a standalone application, it will create an Outlook data file in the PST format. Unlike OST files, PST files cannot be opened or accessed without an Internet connection.
Conversion of OST to PST
Now, let us discuss OST to PST conversion, when and why it is necessary. There are numerous scenarios in which you may need to fix the corrupted mailbox of Outlook. You must convert OST to PST format for a variety of reasons, from Exchange Server crash to corporate constraint, and from routine Server maintenance to mailbox corruption. To convert OST to PST, you’ll need a professional solution, such as the OST to PST Converter software. However, It includes some built-in features that you can use to export the contents of OST files to new PST files.
Utilize the “Archive” Feature to Convert OST to PST.
MS Outlook’s Archive feature enables you to migrate or copy mailbox content from an OST to a PST file. Almost everything, except contacts, can be transferred from OST to PST using this feature. Adhere to the steps outlined below:
- To begin, launch Microsoft Outlook on your system and then open the OST file containing the mailbox content you wish to move.
- Select the File tab from the taskbar. In the options menu, select Info and then Cleanup Tools. Now, select Archive…
- Select the “Archive this folder and all subfolders” option in the Archive dialogue box. Now, choose the folder to which you want to move the mailbox content, for example, Inbox.
- Additionally, specify a date range for the “Archive items older than” option.
- Now, click the Browse… button to specify a location for the new PST file.
- To initiate the process, click OK.
Utilize the “Export to a new PST File” Feature to Convert OST to PST.
This is another Outlook feature that you can use to export the contents of your mailbox from an OST file to a PST file. It enables you to migrate mailbox content from an OST file to a new PST file quickly and easily. Apart from PST files, you can export the contents of OST files to CSV and Excel files.
- To begin, open Microsoft Outlook on your computer. Then create a new PST file into which you can export the mailbox content from the OST file.
- Now, open the OST file from which you wish to transfer the mailbox’s contents.
- Select the File tab from the taskbar. Select Open and then Import from the options.
- Select Export to a file from the options menu on the Import and Export Wizard dialogue box. To continue, click Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) from the options list in the Export to a File dialogue box. To continue, click Next.
- Expand the OST file in the Export Outlook Data File dialogue box. Now, choose the folder to which you want to move the mailbox content, for example, Inbox. Additionally, you can utilize the Filter option (if want). To continue, click Next.
- Select the PST file you created earlier by clicking the Browse button. There, define the options.
- To initiate the process, click Finish.
There is one more thing you can try in this situation. MS Outlook includes a drag-and-drop feature that enables you to fix the corrupted mailbox of Outlook. Simply create a new PST file (s). Bear in mind that you cannot drag and drop mailbox folders. After opening the mailbox folder, you can drag and drop email items (one at a time) from the OST to the PST file.
Limitations
Before utilizing any of these features, ensure the following:
- You are using the same computer system like the one used to create the OST files;
- Microsoft Exchange Server is connected to your Outlook profile;
- Furthermore, the OST files are not corrupt.
