Users often need to transfer emails from OST to PST format in Office365, who wish to back up their emails, migrate to a different account, or free up space in their mailbox. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about converting OST files to PST files.
Brief Note on OST and PST Files
Before diving into the conversion process, let’s clarify what OST and PST files are:
OST File: An OST file is created by Microsoft Outlook when you use an Exchange account in Cached Exchange Mode. It allows you to work offline and sync with the server once you are online.
PST File: A PST file is used for storing emails, calendar events, and other data locally on your machine. PST files are useful for archival purposes and can be imported into other Outlook accounts.
Why individuals Needs to Convert OST File to PST?
There are several reasons why users may want to convert their OST files to PST format:
Backup: PST files serve as a great backup method for important emails and data.
Migration: If you have switched to a new email account or service then converting to PST can ease the transition.
Performance Enhancement: By converting OST file to PST format, you can reduce the size of your primary mailbox can improve Outlook’s performance.
Accessing Emails Without Exchange Server: Once converted to PST, you can access your emails even if the Exchange server is no longer available.
Methods to Transfer Emails from OST to PST
Method 1: Manual Transfer Using Outlook
- Launch Outlook 365 where your OST file is located.
- Go to File > Account Settings.
- Click on the Data Files tab and select Add.
- Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and name this new PST file.
- Copy Emails: In the left pane, navigate to your OST file.
- Select the emails or folders you want to transfer.
- Right-click and select Copy or drag them to the newly created PST file.
- Save the Changes: Once you have transferred the necessary emails, make sure to quit Outlook to ensure changes are saved.
Limitation of Manual Method
- Manual method is little bit tricky and time consuming, if you have large number of OST files.
- You may loss your important data, if you follow wrong steps.
- Complex for novice users, who did not know the functionality of Outlook.
Method 2: Using Reliable OST to PST Converter
To aside all the limitations of manual method and convert large OST files in bulk, using EmailsGuru OST to PST Converter software can be beneficial. This tool automates the entire conversion process. It is known for efficiently convert OST files to PST in a few simple steps, facilitating easy recovery of data. To use this software, follow few simple steps:
- Download and install this software.
- Open the tool and select the OST file to convert.
- Set saving location for output PST file in your system.
- Start the conversion process using convert button. Once done, the PST file will be readily available.
Why Users Should Use OST to PST Converter?
User-friendly: This tool come with intuitive interfaces and are designed to be user-friendly, allowing even novice users to convert their files without needing advanced technical knowledge.
Selective Conversion: It offer features enabling users to selectively convert specific items (like emails, contacts, calendars, etc.) rather than converting the entire file, which can save time and storage space.
Data Integrity and Security: The tool maintain data integrity during the conversion process, ensuring that users do not lose important information.
Batch Conversion: This tool allow for the simultaneous conversion of multiple OST files into PST, saving time for users with large amounts of data.
Maintain Folder Structure: It is committed to preserve the original folder hierarchy during conversion, which makes it easier for users to locate their data after migration.
Fast and Efficient: High-performance algorithms ensure quick conversion without compromising data integrity.
Support for All Versions: Support for various versions of Outlook and Windows operating systems ensures compatibility, whether the OST file is from Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, or the Office 365 version.
No Data Loss: This tool ensure that no data is lost during the conversion process.
Conclusion
Now, users can easily transfer emails, contacts, calendars, notes and all other items from OST to PST format in Outlook 365 by following the methods outlined in this guide, whether you are using manual or OST to PST Converter, you can efficiently manage your Outlook data for making backups or migrating to different accounts hassle-free.