3 Free Methods to Convert OST Files to PST

Do you want to access your mailbox data offline, or are you looking to overcome potential data loss issues or Exchange server problems? OST files store mailbox data, synchronized with the Exchange server, but lack capabilities of offline accessibility and are even prone to corruption. Also, sometimes the OST file loses its connection with the original Exchange mailbox, which makes it orphaned and inaccessible in Outlook.

In such a case, how do you access data from a disconnected OST file? PST files can help you counter all these challenges with ease. But for that, you must convert the files. So, in this guide, we will cover how to convert OST file to PST for free. We will discuss manual methods for conversion of an active OST file along with a professional tool to convert an orphaned OST file.

Why Convert OST File to PST Format?

Many reasons compel users for the file conversion, like allowing them to fulfill their business communication or other professional needs. Some of them are as follows:

1. Recover data when users’ mailboxes get deleted from the Exchange Server
2. Support backing up a few Exchange mailboxes before mailbox deletion
3. An Exchange user wants to rebuild their corrupt OST file, but the user has some unsaved data in the OST file
4. The Exchange accounts are inaccessible due to corruption, but users urgently need access to their emails
5. To re-establish email communication during Exchange downtime or unavailability
6. Switching email clients and backing up data to PST
7. Access orphaned OST file data that has lost its connection with the original Exchange Server mailbox

Free Methods to Convert OST Files to PST

Now, let’s discuss a few free methods described below to convert OST file to PST. Go through each and pick them at your suitability:

Method 1. Convert OST File to PST using Export Feature

1. Go to Files > Open & Export and click Import & Export.
2. Select Export to a file, then click Next.
3. Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option, then proceed to Next.

Note: This process is among the best ways to import OST into Outlook when Exchange connectivity is available.

4. Select the folder(s) you want to export and click Next.

Note: You also have the option to include subfolders

5. Browse to the location where you want to save the new PST files and select 'Replace duplicates with items exported'. Click on Finish.

Method 2. Using the Drag and Drop Method to Move Limited Data

If you want to move only selected data from your Outlook account, you can create another data file in Outlook. After that, use the drag-and-drop option to move your files to the new PST. It also helps users to reduce the data file size.

1. To create a new data file in Outlook, click New Email, expand More Items, and choose Outlook Data File.
2. Choose Outlook data file (.pst) and click OK.
3. Save the PST file in an accessible folder, and a new data file is created. Then, you can select some data from the older account and try to drop it into the new account. It will ask if you want to move the folder inside the new account. Click Yes.

The data will be moved quickly, and you can access new content there.

Method 3. Using the Auto Archiving Feature

Enabling the Auto Archive method in Outlook allows you to save the items in your OST file in a separate PST file. This method helps manage mailbox size by automatically archiving older messages. However, contacts are not supported in this Outlook feature. You have to export contacts from OST file into PST using other methods. To enable auto-archiving in Outlook, follow these simple steps.

1. Launch the Outlook application, go to File and click Options.
2. Go to Advanced and click Auto Archive Settings.
3. Now select the number of days in which you want to run auto archiving. Select the folder to save the archived file; provide the archiving options and click OK.

It will save your mailbox items from your OST file as per your archiving settings.

Limitations of Free Methods to Export OST File to PST

Even with a good success rate, there are some restrictions with the manual methods. When you convert OST files to PST for free without any software, here are some demerits you may face:

1. Can’t Convert Orphaned OST The free methods fail completely if you don’t have an active Exchange connection, or your email account is deleted or disconnected. In simple words, it’s not possible to convert orphaned OST files.
2. Outlook freezing issue: When you try to move emails in large quantities in Outlook, the process often hangs and fails.
3. Delay or Time Constraints: When you try basic conversion methods, you may face long delays in the conversion process.
4. Data loss: There are circumstances when you try to convert large OST files using standard and free methods, and you face data loss.
5. Complicated process: New Outlook users or non-technical person will find setting up auto-arching complicated.

How to Convert Orphaned OST File to PST?

The manual methods only help with conversion when you have an active Outlook profile with an OST file connected to Exchange. When you have a disconnected or orphaned OST file, the only way to convert it to PST is to use a professional OST converter tool.

One reliable tool that excels in reading and converting large, orphaned OST files is the Kernel OST to PST Converter. This tool supports OST files from any Outlook version and also allows you to preview the complete mailbox data before saving the data to PST.

• Download Free
• Buy Now

Conclusion

Now, you know the free methods to convert OST files to PST for backup or other business needs. The only requirement to execute these methods is to have a connected OST file. However, when your Outlook does not open, or your email account is removed, you cannot access or convert the OST file.

To convert orphaned file, consider using the recommended OST converter tool. With advanced support for multiple file formats, the software allows you to convert OST not only to PST but also into different formats like MBOX, EML, and HTML with attachments.