MS Outlook Offline files (OST) are the copy of Exchange Server mailboxes on local systems. It can only be opened or accessed with the account that created it. There might be a case when you have to access OST on a different system in another location via Outlook and this is thinkable only by migrating the data from OST to PST format.

When Microsoft Outlook is configured with Exchange Server, OST files are created, whereas PST files are generated when Outlook works individually in the absence of Exchange Server. Furthermore, it is always suggested to save data available in the Exchange mailbox in a local file format as this provides accessibility in case of unreliable connectivity. If in case, data is necessary to be accessed on another system, it can only be viewed when you convert OST as PST.

More Information about OST Files

·         OST files or offline data folders are expressed in MS Exchange Server offline mode.

·         In the non-appearance of a connection to Exchange account, OST files can be utilized that allows you update modifications to Server mailbox.

·         They are an appreciated asset in situation of Server downtime or variable internet connection.

Migrate OST File to PST File using Manual Techniques

Technique 1. Archiving

Outlook email app provides the facility to archive data by converting the OST mailbox folders to PST file format. The procedure can achieved in the following easy steps:

1.     Open Microsoft Outlook.

2.     Hit on the “File” menu >> choose “Archive” option.

3.     Choose the folder(s) or file(s) that requires to be archived.

4.     Choose the destination path for Archive storage on machine.

5.     Hit on the “Finish” button.

Technique 2. Export/Import Wizard

Moving of OST data to PST file format is maybe the most accessible way and serves as one of the suitable OST to PST Converter options. To achieve the export process follow the below-describe method.

1.     Launch MS Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 or any below version.

2.     Click on the File >> choose Import & Export.

3.     Now, it will open “Import and Export Wizard”, choose “Export to a File”.

4.     Additional, choose “Outlook data file (.pst)” from the given saving options.

5.     Now make sure to choose the checkbox associated with Include subfolders.

6.     Hit on the Finish.

As far as the Import and Export process is achieved, Outlook will start moving all the items of OST file to PST, if a current password protected PST is selected.

·         If the export process is completed to a current password protected file then fill the suitable password to the dialogue box that says ‘Outlook data file password’ and hit on the ‘OK’ button.

·         Alternatively, if you want to give a password to PST file, type password in the ‘Create Outlook data file’ box and then press on the ‘OK’. ‘Outlook data file password’ box will display, type the password and hit ‘OK’.

Now, once mailbox data is presented in PST file format, it can be moved to the new location in your machine or external hard drive.

Import OST File into PST using OST Converter

It is thinkable that you failed conversion of OST to PST by following the above techniques. In that query, you should go for the automated solution like OST Converter to import OST file into PST format with emails, contacts, calendars, email formatting, and email attachments in an exact way without any changes. Now, try it and convert unlimited OST items into UNICODE PST file which is supportable for MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003.

To keep the integrity of data as same as to assure the safety of all mailbox folders, moving to OST Converter - a third-party solution, which is highly suggested over manual techniques. The OST Converter is an effective and all-in-one solution that offers a numerous saving options for users like PST, PDF, MSG, EML, MBOX, Mac OLM, Zimbra, Lotus Notes, Office 365, G Suite, Gmail, Yahoo, Exchange Server, etc.

Final Words

By using the recommended OST Converter tool, one can not only perform OST to PST conversion, even it can perform OST files conversion to different file formats, email applications, and webmail applications directly without losing any data. FREE DEMO of this tool is also available that supports exporting first 25 items from an OST file to PST format without cost. If you need import bulk items from OST to PST, then you should go for its license key.