If you are an Outlook user, you might need to convert your OST file to PST format. As the OST file stores the outlook data items on the exchange server, data loss may happen in case of any crash occurring in the server. Also, the OST files become inaccessible during the exchange server maintenance, where users have to wait until the process completes. Hence, conversion of OST2PST file formats is recommended to encourage a hassle-free user experience.

This conversion enables users to perform operations in Outlook even in the exchange server crashes, as the PST file doesn’t deal with the exchange server and saves outlook data items in the local system. In addition, it seems beneficial if you want to restore deleted mailboxes from the exchange server.

You can perform the OST2PST conversion manually or using third-party tools. The manual conversion is possible only when the Exchange Server is available. You need the original Exchange profile in Outlook to do this. When Exchange is down, users will have to rely solely on third-party tools for OST2PST conversion.

In this article, we have covered both methods of OST conversion. First, we will discuss the manual method and then move on to the automated solution.

Manual Method of OST2PST conversion

You can perform the manual approach of OST conversion by using MS Outlook. But before using this method, you must know that it is only applicable when the exchange server is available. Here, we have listed the required steps to perform the OST2PST conversion that are as follows:

  1. In MS Outlook, click on File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
  2. In the Import and Export wizard, choose Export to a file and then click Next.
  3. Next, select Outlook Data File(.pst) and click Next.
  4. After that, 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.

Note: In this step, you can also select specific folders, includings subfolders, apply filters, and add a profile for saving the data.

The manual method is the easiest and most popular method to convert OST to PST. However, you can use this method only if the Exchange Server is connected and Outlook is configured with an Exchange account.

Efficient method for OST2PST Conversion

The manual method for OST conversion has many disadvantages. If the exchange server crashes due to any reason, you can’t use this method for restoration of Exchange mailboxes. To resolve this, you must use innovative OST2PST tool like Kernel for OST to PST Converter which can convert the corrupted or orphaned OST files. This tool does not demand any technical skill, and there is no need to connect Outlook to Exchange Server. Here, we have listed the step-by-step process to use this application:

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

Note: You can exclude IPM-SUBTREE and select saving options as per your requirement.

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

Benefits of the OST2PST Conversion tool

The OST2PST conversion tool loaded with great features where users can convert their OST files effortlessly with ensuring security. This software is easy to use, convenient, and reliable. The preview facility offered by the tool helps to ensure the integrity and totality of the data even before saving it. Kernel for OST to PST Converter converts even corrupt and damaged OST files to PST without needing an Exchange connection or Outlook profile. Hence, you can use it in any condition, irrespective of the version of Exchange and Outlook.

  • Ideal for converting multiple OST files to PST
  • Includes email saving options like MSG, PST, DBOX, TXT, MBOX, etc.
  • Gives a detailed preview of OST data before conversion
  • Splits PST file into multiple filesof specified size
  • Migrates OSTdata to Office 365 mailboxes or G Suite
  • Migrates OST data to GroupWise or IBM Domino Server

Wrap Up

Converting OST data to PST could be an essential for most organizations to back up the data or restore it to Office 365 mailboxes. Unfortunately, there are not many methods for OST conversion. The manual method require the use of MS Outlook and can only be applied if the exchange server is available. Apart from this , we can use a reliable method of converting OST to PST file formats by using professional tools.