If you use Exchange Server, then ost conversion is a frequent requirement for many. In general, it is an ideal method to backup Exchange mailboxes to user systems. It helps users restore mailboxes deleted from Exchange Server. Besides, having PST backup for OST is also useful during the time Exchange Server crashes. Inaccessible Exchange mailboxes can be restored from respective OST files to establish a temporary facility for email communication (using MS Outlook).

OST to PST Conversion can be done manually or using third-party OST2PST tools. Manual conversion is possible only when Exchange is available. When Exchange is down, users will have to rely on solely on third-party OST2PST tools.

In this article, we have covered both the methods to convert OST file to PST. First, we will highlight the manual method, and then move on to the automated solution.

A manual method for OST conversion

The ideal manual approach for converting OST is using MS Outlook.The Import/Export wizard of Outlook helps to convert OST files to PST. However, this is possible only when Exchange Server is available. The steps are:

  1. In MS Outlook, click File menu, select Open & Export, and click Import/Export.
  2. In the Import and Export wizard, choose Export to a file and then click Next.
  3. In the Import a File dialogue box, select Outlook Data File(.pst) and click Next.
  4. Browse the location where you want to save the exported file. Also, choose the required option and click Next.
  5. Now choose the required saving options and click Finish.

This method can help you convert OST files, only if the Exchange Server is connected and Outlook is configured with Exchange account.

An easier method for OST conversion

The manual method for OST conversion has many disadvantages. After Exchange crashes and disasters happen, this cannot be used for the restoration of Exchange mailboxes. However, OST2PST tools like Kernel for OST to PST Converter is helpful at this time also. This OST2PST tool does not demand any technical skill, and there is no need to connect Outlook to Exchange Server. It can retrieve emails and other items even from damaged OST files.

  1. Open the converter tool. Click Select File to choose the ost file which you want to convert.
  2. Click the Browse button to browse for the OST file location (you can click on Search button to search and locate the OST file on hard disk or drives); then click Next.
  3. Now click on Finish after reading all the process information.
  4. After the completion of scanning, you can see your mailbox folder on the left pane of the tool. Now, choose the folders you want to save and then click the Save button.
  5. Now choose PST File (MS Outlook) and click Next.
  6. Now apply filters as required (like From, To, Subject, Folder Name, Item Type, & Date Range), and then click Next.
  7. To split the PST file, give the file size in GB and then click Next.
  8. Browse the location where you want to store the converted file and then click on Finish.

After the conversion, the software will display a confirmation message, with a link to the saved location.

Advantages of third-party OST conversion tools

Talking about the advantages of the software, it offers a lot of features to help users convert their OST file. The software is easy to use, convenient, and reliable. The preview facility offered by the tool helps to ensure integrity and totality of the data even before saving it. Some other features are:

  • Ideal for converting multiple OST files to PST
  • Offers multiple conversion options like MSG, PST, DBOX, TXT, MBOX, etc.
  • Get a detailed preview of OST data before conversion
  • Split PST file into multiple sizes after conversion
  • Migrate OST data to Office 365 mailboxes
  • Migrate OST data to GroupWise or IBM Domino Server

Wrap Up

Converting OST data to PST could be basic requirement for most organizations, either to back up the data or restore it to Office 365 mailboxes. But there are not many methods for OST conversion. The only manual method that can be used is via MS outlook. Apart from this method, we have covered a professional tool that can be used to convert OST file to PST.

OST to PST

Kernel forOST to PST

Converts OST to PST without Exchange

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