Summary: In this guide, we discussed two methods to import OST into Exchange – by using MS Outlook and advanced third-party software. If you want to import an orphaned OST or mails from an active Outlook profile to different mailboxes on Exchange server, follow these methods based on your requirements.
OST or Offline Storage Table is an encrypted Outlook data file that can’t be imported into MS Exchange directly. However, you can import a PST or Personal Storage Table file, which is also an Outlook data file, into MS Exchange through Import/Export Wizard.
Thus, to import OST to Exchange, you need to either export the mailbox contents stored in the OST file to PST by using Outlook Import/Export wizard or convert the OST file to PST by using an OST to PST converter software. The OST to PST converter software can also help you directly import the OST to Live Exchange in a few clicks.
In this guide, we have discussed both methods to import the OST to Exchange in detail.
As mentioned, you must convert the OST file to PST to import the OST mailbox data into Exchange. Follow the below methods to either manually export the PST file from your Outlook account or use Stellar Converter for OST Technician to export the OST to PST or Live Exchange.
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This method includes two steps. First, you need to export the OST data to PST via Outlook Import/Export Wizard and then import the PST into MS Exchange via Exchange Admin Center (EAC) or Exchange Management Shell (EMS).
NOTE: This works only when you can access your Outlook and email profile. If the OST is orphaned, i.e. not connected to a user profile or belongs to a deleted or inaccessible user profile, this method won’t work. In such a case, skip to the next method.
The steps are as follows,
This will export the mailbox items stored in your Outlook OST file to PST.
Now you can import the PST into MS Exchange by following this guide on How to Import and Export Exchange Mailbox to PST.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You require permissions and Mailbox Import/Export role assigned to the user account to import the PST file into Exchange.
To avoid multiple steps and directly import an OST into Exchange, use Stellar Converter for OST Technician software. This software also lets you import an orphaned OST file into Exchange in a few clicks. Plus, you may also choose to convert and save the OST file to PST, MBOX, DBX, MSG, EML, HTML, CSV, RTF, and PDF formats or export to Office 365 and Outlook accounts.
The steps are as follows,
Post import, you can log in to your Outlook account and access the imported OST mailbox data in your profile on the Exchange server where you imported the OST file.
OST file can’t be imported into Exchange directly, unless you use an advanced software such as Stellar Converter for OST-Technician. We discussed two methods in this guide to import OST into Exchange. The first method requires more time, efforts and additional permissions to migrate the OST to Exchange. However, the software helps you import OST into Exchange directly within a few clicks, including orphaned OST. It doesn’t require additional steps or permissions and roles to import the OST into Live Exchange.
Plus, it converts the OST file to PST and various other formats, such as MBOX, DBX, MSG, EML, HTML, CSV, RTF, and PDF. By using the software, you can also import the OST into Office 365 account or an existing Outlook profile. You can also convert multiple OST files to PST at once by using the batch conversion module in Stellar Converter for OST Technician. In addition, you can extract, compact, and save the attachments and PST files separately to keep PST size smaller and avoid corruption.
Ravi Singh is a Senior Writer at Stellar®. He is an expert Tech Explainer, IoT enthusiast, and a passionate nerd with over 6 years of experience in technical writing. He writes about Data Recovery, File Repair, Email Migration, Linux, Windows, Mac, and DIY Tech. Ravi spends most of his weekends working with IoT devices and playing games on the Xbox. He is also a solo traveler who loves hiking and exploring new trails.
