How to Convert an Outlook OST to PST without Outlook

Are you looking for a solution for how can I convert an Outlook OST to PST but not getting the right one? No need to worry now. We will provide an easy-to-understand summary of the same in this blog post. For further details, keep reading the blog in its entirety.

What is OST File?

OST stands for Offline Storage Table. It is a file by Microsoft Outlook that allows users to work offline or with a poor internet connection.

When Outlook configures to use an Exchange account, it creates a synchronized copy of the user’s mailbox on the local computer. This copy stores in the OST file, and it allows the user to access their emails, calendar, contacts, and other data even when they don’t connect to the Exchange server.

When the user goes back online, any changes made to the OST file synchronize with the Exchange server, ensuring that the user’s mailbox is up-to-date.

It’s important to note that OST files are only used with Exchange accounts and cannot be used with other types of email accounts, such as POP or IMAP accounts.

What is Outlook?

Microsoft Corporation created the personal information organizer known as Outlook. Although its primary use is email, it also has other useful functions like a calendar, task management, contact manager, note taking, a journal, and web browsing. Outlook is part of the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software, but it can also purchase and use as a standalone application. With Outlook, users can manage multiple email accounts, schedule appointments and meetings, track tasks, store contact information, and keep track of important dates and events. It is widely useful in business settings and is a popular tool for managing communication and organization.

Reasons for Converting Outlook Emails from OST to PST?

There are several reasons why you may want to switch from an OST (Offline Storage Table) file to an Outlook PST (Personal Storage Table) file:

• Data backup: OST files are for offline access to your Exchange server mailbox. However, they are not meant for backup purposes. If you need to create a backup of your Outlook data, you should use a PST file.
• Data migration: If you are switching to a new computer or email client, you may need to migrate your Outlook data. PST files are easier to migrate than OST files.
• Reduced mailbox size: OST files can grow in size and take up a lot of space on your computer. If you want to reduce the size of your mailbox, you can convert your OST file to a PST file and remove unnecessary data.
• Corruption: OST files can become corrupted, and it can be difficult to recover data from them. PST files are more stable and less prone to corruption.
• Access to old data: If you no longer have access to your Exchange server mailbox, you can still access your old data if you have a PST file backup.
• Exporting data: If you need to export your Outlook data to another application or service, you will need to use a PST file.

Overall, if you want more control over your Outlook data and want to avoid data loss, switching from an OST file to a PST file is a good option.

Manually Export Offline OST File to PST Format

To manually export an OST (Offline Storage Table) file to PST (Personal Storage Table), you can follow these steps:

1. Start your computer’s Microsoft Outlook program.
2. From the “File” menu, choose “Open & Export.”
3. In the “Open & Export” section, select “Import/Export”.
4. Choose “Export to a file” in the “Import and Export Wizard” window and press “Next.”
5. Choose “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and then press “Next.”
6. Pick the folder or mailbox you wish to export. Select the top-level mailbox and make sure the “Include sub-folders” box is ticked if you wish to export the full mailbox. Press “Next.”
7. Pick a name and location for the exported PST file. Additionally, you have the option of allowing duplicates or replacing them with exported products. Choose “Finish.”
8. The chosen mailbox or folder will begin exporting to the PST file in Outlook. The size of the mailbox or folder will determine how long it takes.
9. You can use the PST file to import your mailbox data into another Outlook profile or email client after the export process is finished.

It’s important to note that the above method works only if you have access to the original Outlook profile used to create the OST file. If you don’t have access to the original profile, you may need to use third-party OST to PST conversion tools.

Why Users Do Not Choose a Manual Solution to Convert OST to PST?

The limitation of manual methods varies depending on the specific task or activity being performed. However, some general limitations of manual methods include:

• Human error: Manual methods are prone to human error, which can result in inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and mistakes. For example, a person may misinterpret data or make a calculation error, leading to incorrect results.
• Time-consuming: Manual methods can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. For example, manual data entry can be slow and tedious, and it can take a lot of time to verify the accuracy of the data.
• Limited scalability: Manual methods are often limited in their scalability. For example, if a company wants to expand its operations, it may need to hire more people to perform manual tasks, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Lack of standardization: Manual methods can lack standardization, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors. For example, different people may perform the same task differently, leading to variations in results.
• Difficulty in data analysis: Manual methods can make it difficult to analyze data effectively. For example, it may be challenging to identify trends or patterns in data that has been manually collected or entered.

Overall, the limitations of manual methods emphasize the need for automation and digitalization of processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

Professional Way to Convert an Outlook OST to PST without Outlook

CubexSoft OST Converter is a software tool designed to convert OST files to various other file formats such as PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, PDF, HTML, and others. It is designed to help users easily convert their OST files to other formats without any data loss. The software comes with a user-friendly interface and can convert large OST files quickly and efficiently. It also allows users to export selective items from OST files. It provides various advanced features such as batch conversion, preview options, and more. CubexSoft OST Converter is compatible with all versions of Windows and supports all versions of Outlook including the latest Outlook 2021.

Steps to Import OST File to PST with CubexSoft OST Converter

To convert OST to PST using CubexSoft OST Converter, please follow the steps below:

1. Download and install the CubexSoft OST Converter on your computer.
2. Launch the program and click on the “Add File(s)” or “Add Folder” button. Select the OST files that you want to convert.
3. After selecting the OST files, click on the “Saving Output Options” button to proceed.
4. Choose the desired conversion option i.e., “Export to PST” from the list of available options.
5. Select the desired location where you want to save the converted PST files.
6. Click on the “Convert” button to start the conversion process.
7. Wait for the program to complete the conversion process. Once the conversion is complete, you will be able to access the converted PST files from the selected location.

That’s it! You have successfully converted OST to PST using CubexSoft OST Converter.

Conclusion

Whatever the reason you need to convert an Outlook OST to PST, the blog will undoubtedly be helpful. Here, we’ve outlined the top techniques for exporting emails from OST to PST. But use the approach that works best for your circumstance and needs, and finish the task fast.