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
Glad that I bought Stellar Converter for OST only. I had tried few other converters but those were unable to even show the preview of my offline Exchange file.
Share any feedback about Stellar OST to PST converter by experts.
Hi Gino,
Check-out this genuine reference: Read More
Can I convert all components of OST file such as attachment, properties, appointment, journal, calendar, body information, embedded image etc?
Yes!
Try free demo of Stellar Converter for OST for 100% assurance.
Built-in Import-Export Wizard is a free option, but I will prefer Stellar Converter for OST. I think it would be 100% safe to fulfil our bulk email data migration.
Eric!! You totally saved me just now!! I’ve been trying to convert ost file to pst for an hour! Just fixed it in 2 mins with the help of your article 🙂 Stellar OST to PST Software is amazing!!
My organization wants to move Outlook data file from old machine to new, and we are using Exchange 2010. We enabled Cached Mode & back up the .ost file from the old machine to a network share. That .ost file is easily copied to the new machine and then configures Outlook with the .ost file. But Now, I see the following error:
“Outlook is using an old copy of your Offline Folder file (.ost). Exit Outlook, delete the .ost file and restart Outlook. A new file will be automatically created the next time you initiate a send/receive. ”
I don’t know where I am wrong? Please give your suggestion on this scenario.
This message means that on which computer you took a copy of the OST from has started Outlook again and simply sync’d with Exchange. Please don’t copy the OST over, simply let Outlook sync again, and generate a new OST. It will fix your issue!!
Also check another method to fix this error:
Click “File” tab in Outlook,
then [Account Settings] (and again “Account Settings”)
then the [Data Files] tab.
Now Select your “problem” profile and click the “Open File Location” icon in the bar. It will open the file location automatically. Now, Close Outlook completely, and RENAME OST file, don’t delete it. Now Restart Outlook and you will see that all your emails will re-sync from Exchange server and OST file will be re-created.
I currently have Outlook 2010 and as you already know I cannot open ost in updated version, only can import ost to pst format. I am afraid to use this option since my ost file is huge and the import could cause me to lose data. I don’t want to lose my data. Is Stellar Converter for OST convert large ost file to pst without losing any data?
Yes Stellar Converter for OST converts oversized ost file into pst file without losing any data. But I would suggest you use Stellar OST to PST tech version because after converting ost file to pst, the software also has options to compact & split oversized pst file so in future you can get rid of pst file corruption issues. Please check this software from here
It is a helpful article for native users. Apart from having awareness with manual ost to pst methods in MS Outlook, users should also know about this useful utility as well. If you found any annoying events like freezing, stopping or inaccessible ost file, then the user can quickly repair their ost file with the help of this utility. Thanks for sharing such useful information.
I want to discuss my current ost file problems with you. I have recently transferred from one PC to another, and I have some large ost files which hold valuable data which I would like to compress or split and optimise in my new PC. So that I can archive relevant information & manage the information that I want to keep but in smaller OST file. I know I have to convert OST to PST to access Outlook mails on new PC. I need your help, please……
First, you have to convert your ost file to pst file format to access your Outlook data on your new PC. I would suggest you use Stellar Converter for OST – Tech Version. The software converts ost file into pst format even also has the option to compress & split oversized converted pst file. With the help of this utility, you can easily manage oversized ost file.
I back up old OST file then delete it. Outlook will update emails from Server but missing some recent months email. What to do to get back these missing mails?
Please open old backup OST file using another profile and export those missing months emails to a PST file then import to new profile.