How to Convert PST to OST File Format? Expert Tips
When it comes to “how to convert PST files to OST,” users must be clear that it is not possible to import PST files to OST files because of their basic differences. For a more thorough explanation read the difference between PST and OST file formats given below:
What are PST and OST File Formats?
| Features | PST Files | OST Files |
| Use of File Format | Mostly used with web-based mail accounts (such as Outlook.com), POP3, and IMAP. | Mostly used with Outlook.com, Office 365, and Microsoft Exchange accounts configured as Exchange accounts. |
| File Storage Location | locally saved on the user’s desktop. | Kept locally on the user’s PC. |
| Synchronization | No synchronization with the server happens automatically. | After connection, synchronizes automatically with the Exchange server. |
| Accessibility | Available for use on any device that has the file imported and users can convert PST to multiple file formats. | limits to a single Exchange account and is challenging to move. |
| Creation of File | You can create manually by exporting Outlook data as a backup. | Created automatically when Outlook is configured to create an Exchange account. |
| Data Recovery | Can be imported into Outlook to access emails and other data. | Used for storage; not designed for import/export or direct recovery. |
| Security | Can be secured with a password, but it’s not protected by default. | No option of password protection. |
Why Do Users Want to Convert PST to OST File Format?
Offline Access to Email Data: files allow users to access emails and data offline sync with the server when online.
Switch from POP/IMAP to Exchange Account: When move to an Exchange account OST files are needed to sync data with the server.
Migration from Local Data to Server-Based Storage: OST files enable users to store and sync emails on a central server, improving organization and access.
Prevent Data Loss: OST files sync with the mail server, ensuring that emails and data are backed up and recoverable.
Better Performance with MS Outlook: MS Outlook to run faster by syncing email data efficiently with OST files.
Data Synchronization Across Multiple Devices: It keeps emails same on all devices connected to server.
Improved Security and Data Protection: OST files are more secure because they use server-side encryption and backup.
Why Direct PST to OST Conversion is Not Possible?
Now in this section, we will explore reasons why it is not possible to convert PST to OST directly:
- OST files provide offline access to server-based data where on the other hand PST files are used for local archiving and storage.
- The internal structures and formats of PST and OST files are different because they were designed for different purposes.
- PST files are stand-alone and not dependent on server. But OST files are connected to an Exchange or Office 365 server.
- PST files do not provide real-time synchronization on the other hand OST files sync with a server to reflect data.
- While OST files are automatically generated and managed by Outlook through server sync. PST files are create and manage manually.
What is The Best Way to Convert PST Files to OST File?
Although there is no easy way to convert PST files to OST file, you can get the same outcome by importing PST data into an Office 365 or Exchange account, which will use an OST file for offline access. For this process, here are some guidelines to import PST files to OST using MS Outlook 2013 – 2021:
1st Stage: Quick Steps Before You Import Files PST to OST File
- Firstly, make sure that you have created a backup file for PST file before you Convert PST to OST which will help you from data loss.
- After that, Verify that your Outlook account is set up for an Exchange or Office 365 account. The creation of an OST file requires this.
2nd Stage: Import PST Data into Outlook
- Firstly, open MS Outlook with a configured Exchange account.
- Now, select Import/Export under File > Open & Export.
- Click Next after selecting Import from another application or file.
- After that, click Next after selecting Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Locate your PST file by browsing to its location and select it,
- Now, select the relevant duplicate handling settings.
- Lastly, click Complete after selecting the mailbox.
3rd Stage: Synchronize with Exchange
Outlook will automatically synchronize the imported PST data with your Exchange or Office 365 server after it has been imported. Your mailbox’s data will be created and changed in the OST file via this process.
How to Import PST Files to OST in Outlook 2010?
- Launch Microsoft Outlook 2010 on your computer, then select File.
- After that, click Open before selecting the Import option.
- Click Next after selecting Import from another application or file.
- Next, click Next after choosing Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Click Next after selecting a PST file from your computer.
- To convert PST to OST, choose a folder, then click “Finish.”
- To make a new folder, right-click on the configured profile.
- Drop imported PST files into the recently formed OST folder.
Convert Outlook PST to OST in Outlook 2007 & 2003
- Open Outlook 2003 or 2007, then choose File from the menu.
- To open the Wizard, select the Import and Export option.
- Choose Import from another program or file after that.
- Click Next after selecting Personal Folder File (.pst).
- To import a PST file from your computer, browse it and click Next.
- To import PST file data, select a folder and press “Finish.”
- See the import PST file in the left side panel after that.
- The configured profile can be right-clicked to create a new folder.
- Drag and drop the imported PST file under the new OST folder.
Experts Suggestion on How to Convert PST to OST File?
Because both file formats differ naturally, there is no way to convert PST files to OST files directly. However, using a flexible utility such as Mailsware Outlook PST Converter can still be quite advantageous for users. By the use of this utility, users can import PST and OST files and convert them into multiple different formats.
This tool provides a great deal of data management flexibility. This functionality can be very beneficial for people who want to move and manage their data successfully.
Simple Easy Steps to Change PST File to OST File
- Download and start the software.
- Now, select the add Files or add Folders option.
- Next, select the required subfolders and click on the next Button.
- After that select IMAP as the saving option.
- Enter the email address and password of your IMAP account then click on Next.
- Now, you have import PST emails into your email account sucessfully.
- lastly, Configure the same email account in MS Outlook to get the OST file.
Conclusion
Now it’s time to conclude the blow so let’s wrap up the whole blog in a few lines in this blog we have learned that because of OST and PST’s basic characteristics when users want to convert PST to OST files directly, they do not find the right solution on the internet. Where OST files enable offline access to server-based data PST files are designed for local storage and backup.
Similarly, importing PST data into an Office 365 or Exchange account creates OST file for offline access automatically. Tools such as Outlook PST Converter are helpful to improve data management since it allow users to import PST and OST files and convert them into different formats. This gives users versatile option to manage and migrate data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why can not PST files be converted straight to OST files?
Because PST and OST files have different structures and serve different purposes convert PST files to OST directly is not possible. Whereas OST files are connected to an Exchange server and synchronize data with it, PST files are used for local archiving. There are substantial differences in the synchronization techniques and underlying formats.
Q: Can I browse an OST file and manually import PST data?
If you want to import PST files to OST directly there is no option to convert PST to OST only they can be imported into an Outlook profile that is linked to an Exchange or Office 365 account. The OST file will provide access to the imported data once it has been synchronized with the Exchange server.
