3 Best Ways to transfer Offline Folder File to PST
To work with Exchange mailbox accounts in offline mode through MS Outlook, what is needed is an OST (Offline Storage Table) file that presents to you the exact replica of your Exchange server account. Whenever you’re Outlook account is connected to the server, the OST file is synced with all information in your online mailbox. This file is extremely useful when the server is experiencing downtime or an unexpected crash or is unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. In such cases, you can continue to work normally with your mailbox owing to the OST file and any changes you make are merged with the server account when the server comes back online.
However, if you switch your machine and need to access the OST file data on another computer, a simple copy paste of the file doesn’t work as in the case of PST (Personal Storage Table) files. So the best way to transfer an OST between different computers is by converting it to PST format. Additionally, extracting data from a corrupt or damaged OST file is another factor that gives rise to the need of OST conversion.
Methods for OST to PST Migration
When we talk about converting OST to PST, there are quite a few ways to do it. While some methods need manual steps to be performed, other easier and safer methods are fully automated. Here are the best ways in which you can perform accurate ost to pst migration:
1. Professional Software
Probably the safest, most accurate and easiest way for OST PST conversion is by using third-party software like Stellar Converter for OST. This competent software performs the conversion of all OST components to Outlook importable PST in their original format and structure without any data loss or damage. Plus, it has an easy to understand GUI that makes working with it very comfortable.
Though such third-party tools come at a price, roping in expert help like this has its benefits – you are absolutely sure that all the data will be converted, in minimum time, with no technical expertise required and accurately. So this option outweighs the others by quite a margin.
2. Outlook’s Built-in Import-Export Wizard feature
Another simpler way is to export Outlook Offline Folder file to PST file is by using MS Outlook’s inbuilt “Import/ Export” feature. In addition to migrating the data to PST format, users can also convert the OST to CSV and Excel formats using this technique. Plus, being inbuilt makes this feature a perfect blend of manual and automated techniques.
However, the catch with this method is the need for technical expertise. If you’ve never undertaken this kind of conversion before, you might find yourself a bit lost at some places. You’ll need to acquaint yourself with all terminologies and functions of the exporter before starting the process.
3. Drag-and-Drop items from Offline Folder File to PST
This is a truly manual way to migrate data. It involves literally dragging and dropping mailbox items from the OST file to a new PST file. To use this method you’ll first have to create a blank new PST file in Outlook and then drag the desired items from the OST into it. Though it sounds really basic, this method actually works.
But there’s a catch. Using this method all you can migrate are individual items from the OST. Folder structure and default folders like Inbox, Contacts, and Calendar etc. cannot be migrated. You’ll have to create them again in the new PST file and reorganize all data. Plus, individually transferring data can take a long time.
You can also check the manual method: Read More
Conclusion :
Any technical work done manually is a bit risky at some point. Though a manual and free method might seem alluring, any mistake during the process could lead to terrible effects like OST corruption or worse, data loss. So make sure you take proper backups of your data before starting the conversion. Plus, the recommended way to go would be through an automated Offline Folder File to pst converter that is trustworthy.
Read on what experts say About software MVP Reviews
OST file corrupt, Exchange Server is Unavailable. I used Scanpst, but it did not work. What to do to get back OST file data?
Scanpst is not worked in your case, Exchange Server is unavailable & Your OST file also gets corrupt. If it isn’t connected then you don’t have local access to Exchange Server and the server tools, your options are extremely limited. In this case, I would recommend you to use Stellar Converter for OST. The software works on corrupt OST file & repair OST file into PST format even your Exchange Server is Unavailable. Later you can easily import your converted PST file into MS Outlook.
I want to compact oversize OST file? Is software have any option to compact oversize ost file?
You can easily compact your oversize OST file with Stellar Converter for OST – Technician. The software compact oversize OST file & easily saving it into PST format or you can also save it in Office 365.
I am using Microsoft Outlook. I have an OST file & want to export on Office 365? Please suggest the solution.
The easiest way to do is to Export the entire mailbox to a PST file. For this create the Office365 profile with an OST file and then import the PST into the OST. It may take several hours to upload the imported data to Office365 depending on the size of OST file. You can also use Stellar Converter for OST Tech Version to make this task hassle free. The software directly export OST file data to Office 365. Take a look of the software from here
There are many reasons behind this error such as corrupt OST file, incorrect configuration, corruption of Outlook profile etc. As you have already used all possible solutions, also try to change message delivery location to a temporary folder. Please go through this link to check more detail about this step : Read More
If this doesn’t work then you should use Stellar Converter for OST to export corrupt OST file data into PST format.
I am having an issue. When I am trying to send emails using additional mail accounts, Outlook 2013 receiving the following error, default mail account is working fine:
(0x8004010F): Outlook data file cannot be accessed.
I have already check it out User has full access/send permissions on required mailboxes.
I have already re-created the user’s Outlook profile but still getting the same error message. Now I’m not sure what to do now?
Hi Eric,
Tried the OST converter recommended by you. It worked great. The software converted all my OST file mail items to PST, which I imported into Outlook on my Laptop.
Always I try to avoid performing migration manually as I have had bad experience with them and lost many important mails. I gone through your post and will try the software recommended by you for OST conversion.
Although, I know this post is not about resolving OST errors but the solution suggested by users over forum sites for resolving Outlook error “0x8004010F: Outlook data file cannot be accessed” is by converting OST to PST and this post is about OST conversion ways. I cannot use Import-Export Wizard & drag-drop features as I am not able to open Outlook.
So Mr. Eric Simson, I have a question for you – Can I resolve the error with the OST converter suggested by you? Please try to respond quickly as I need my mails back on urgent basis.
Hi Aleron,
Yes, you can easily resolve Outlook error which you are getting with Stellar Converter for OST. The software is capable of resolving any type of Outlook error which is related to OST corruption.
Please share your experience here.
Import-Export Wizard feature of Outlook worked and converted OST to PST file
I have to relocate next week and need to access same mailbox data in another branch of our company. So, I exported ost to pst using Import Export wizard of outlook successfully at first instance and was quite happy about that. But when I imported PST in Outlook on another system to check if everything has been exported, many of my important emails were missing which I badly needed. I didn’t have much time, so without giving a second thought I tried the demo version of the software recommended by you in Method 1. And all of my missing mails were getting shown in the preview window, so bought the full version on the same day.
Glad to know to that the recommended software worked for you 🙂