Users are posting a lot of questions in forums under the heading “Can you import an OST file into Outlook PST?” And the main focus of this blog is on answering the question and offering the necessary workaround for importing several OST files in Outlook 2016 to PST.
Many times, users are looking for a solution for OST to PST conversion. In fact, it is one of the most searched topics nowadays among Outlook users. Both OST and PST are supported file formats of MS Outlook but totally different from each other. OST is Offline Storage Table whereas PST is Personal Storage Table. So, in the following write-up we will discuss the difference between OST files and PST files. Also, we will discuss some scenarios that tell why it becomes important for a user to convert OST to PST. And, in conclusion, we will help you to learn how to perform the quick conversion with the help of a third-party OST to PST Converter Tool.
Difference Discussed Between OST and PST
Before discussing the conversion process, it is important to first understand about OST and PST. If you are using MS Outlook as an email client for exchanging mails without connecting with Exchange Server, it uses PST file for most accounts that include IMAP, POP3 and web-based accounts. The complete content of the mailbox folder is saved in a PST file on the local system. And, if you are using Exchange Server with MS Outlook, then the mailbox items are usually delivered and saved on the mail server. In order to work with email messages and other mailbox data when there is no connection with Exchange Server, then an OST file gets created on the local system.
The OST folder carries the copies of original mailbox data saved on the mail server. And, if you want changes in an OST file, then it is important to have a connection with Exchange Server. Now, we will discuss what things pressurise for OST to PST conversion and how to perform the same.
Sudden Crash of Exchange Server
MS Exchange Server is a great connection used by a number of businesses and organizations. Without keeping any doubt, it should be clear to you that it is susceptible to frequent crashes. Unexpected power failure, virus, malfunction, internal bugs are few major reasons behind the crash of Exchange Server. So, whenever the server is down, it would be impossible that you can connect to it. And it may take some time to fix the same. As OST files can be used on the local system, one cannot save the changes as there is no connection with Exchange Server. In such an issue, it becomes a necessary process to convert OST to PST.
Regular Maintenance of Exchange Server
In case of downtime of Exchange Server or when it goes for regular maintenance, then there is no way that one can access mailboxes online. And sometimes, it becomes urgent to access the mailbox items. For e.g. you are having OST files with copies of mailbox data. But you cannot use it online unless you connect with Exchange Server. In order to retrieve and use the content of mailbox online, the OST to PST conversion process is required.
Data Shifting
If you are moving from one place to another, data shifting becomes an essential task. Or, if you changed your system, then also it will be important to convert OST mailbox content to PST. Why is it so? Because an OST file can only be opened and viewed on the system where it was originally created. If you are not using the original system, then there is only one way left through which you can read the OST file by transferring its data to PST format.
Job Change
Earlier, Outlook application was connected with Exchange Server. Now, after changing the organization, you no longer use Exchange Server. All you need is just OST file which you can access but cannot use online. In such a case, you need to perform the conversion of OST to PST.
Accidental Mailbox Deletion
At times, users deleted mailboxes stored on Exchange Server unintentionally. But, you can restore them by applying OST to PST conversion. How? OST file contains all mailbox folders. You can restore the data of the OST mailbox by converting it to PST format.
Sometimes, OST file corruption also pressurises users to convert OST files to PST. There is no other way available for repairing OST files. However, Microsoft offers scanost.exe utility, which will not work when there is severe corruption.
If you are looking for how to import multiple OST files to PST manually, then it is important to be clear that the process does not perform the conversion, it only imports OST data to PST. MS Outlook client is required. It has few features, which can help you out in migrating OST mailbox content to PST. Such features are Archive, Export, Move and Drag & Drop. One can use the required feature and import OST to PST. But, before using this feature, create a new PST file and import content from the OST mailbox folder.
There are few restrictions involved for transferring OST mailboxes to PST manually. Ensure:
- You are utilizing same machine on which OST files were originally created.
- Exchange Server connection is needed when moving OST data to PST.
- Also, make sure that OST files are healthy, it should not be corrupt.
OST to PST Converter – Complete Solution to Import OST File into Outlook
Opt third party professional OST Converter Tool. The tool is available with the Free to Download edition, which allows to import the first 25 OST files to PST free of cost. It is a smart solution that can instantly batch migrate OST to PST, OST to Office 365, OST to Gmail and more. With the help of tools, you can effortlessly perform single as well as multiple conversion of OST files to PST. No technical knowledge is required and enabled to access the application easily. Possesses easy graphical user interface and advanced preview functionality for analysing OST file before final conversion. Many more remarkable properties are present in the software that carries out the process with exact formatting properties and folder structure.
