What are OST Files?
OST (Offline Storage Table) files are what Microsoft Outlook stores to make a copy of your mailbox data on your local computer for your offline work activities, and later on, the changes are synchronized with the Exchange server while you are online again. There are, however, various scenarios where changing an OST file to a PST file is necessary:
- Server Downtime or Crash: If the Exchange server goes off or crashes, the OST mailbox will assist in this by converting it to PST and making it accessible.
- Data Backup: Converting alms to alms creates a backup copy of your most important emails, tones, tasks, and other information, which can be stays. -Email to be stored may be sent in email message instead of by the web API.
- Accidental Deletion: Maybe if the mailbox is lost by accident, an import via the machine learning algorithm of PST backup could solve the issue.
- Corruption Issues: OST files might get the corruption of the files in the OST file, it partly if the format of a file is changing and it is not supported by the sender. Converting to PST will recover the data from the damaged OST file.
These scenarios point to having a reliable method of switching the OST files to PST, so that you remain outside the reach of potential server issues and system changes.
How to Convert OST Files to PST Manually?
Method 1: Using Outlook Import/Export Wizard
- First, utilize the File menu in Outlook to initiate exporting of the file.
- Next up, click Open & Export and under this, select Import/Export.
- Initiate Export to a file and then click Next.
- Click on Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click the Next button.
- Choose the folder you want to export items from and then go to the next step.
- After downloading the PST file, copy it to the location you select and click on Finish.
Method 2: Using Drag and Drop
- The initial process of creating a new Personal Storage Table (PST) file using File > New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File.
- The OST file, once opened, may have selected items moved by dragging them over to the newly created PST file.
Limitations of Manual Methods and the Need for Third-Party Tools
The manual ways to convert OST files to PST are simple enough. However, they carry limitations that might be a fuss to overcome:
- Time-Wasting: Doing a manual data export, especially when dealing with a high number of data, can be a total waste of resources.
- Possibility of Data Being Damaged: One of the greatest dangers of manual conversion is the possibility of data being damaged. If any step is not done properly, it is possible that essential emails, contacts, or calendar entries could be permanently lost. This risk rises with the file size and the complexity of the initial OST file.
- Complication: The manual data conversion approach may be quite challenging, particularly among users who have little to no familiarity with Microsoft Outlook or the technical matters related to email management. Switching through the various levels of export and import operations, such as exporting and importing files, might be daunting and with possible human errors.
- Manual methods might not convert all data types seamlessly. Things like attachments, embedded images, and non-standard mailbox items that are not missing operations for the original can not be transferred correctly, and, thus, data recovery will be incomplete.
- Limited Control: Manual methods offer little control over the conversion process. Users cannot adjust the settings of conversion as per their needs and preferences, so the outcome can be less productive.
- Lack of Batch Processing: Usually manual methods do not deal with batch processing. That is, to say, more than one OST file ought to be converted individually, which would be an essential drawback for users who need to convert a few successive files.
- Technical Difficulties: Some users might face technical problems in the process of manual conversion, for example, incompatible versions of Outlook or errors occur during the expropriation-importation steps. A proper investigation of these problems may become a serious challenge without proper technical knowledge.
Due to these limitations, many users prefer using third-party tools for OST to PST conversion. These tools are specifically designed to handle the complexities of the conversion process, providing a more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly solution. Third-party tools offer features such as batch processing, data integrity checks, and advanced customization options, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free conversion experience.
Exploring Third-Party Tools for Converting OST Files to PST
A third-party tool is a powerful utility that allows end-users to convert OST to PST effortlessly. Appropriate tools for this purpose make sure that these entities function effectively by eliminating the user’s effort and time among other things.
Most Popular Third-Party OST to PST Conversion Tools
- Converter tools OST to PST Converter
- Aryson OST to PST
- Data Recovery Freeware’s OST to PST Converter
- Sysinfo OST to PST Converter
Example: Using Converter Tools OST to PST Converter
The Converter Tools OST to PST Converter is a reliable tool for the very purpose of converting the file accordingly. Easy steps to follow for the flawless use of the converter are:
- Download and Install: Get your hands with the Converter Tools OST to PST Converter from here and locate it on your computer.
- Add OST File: Run the app, pick up the OST file, and go for the option “Add File” to convert the OST file to PST format.
- Choose Destination: Point to the folder that you wish to keep the PST file to.
- Convert: Hit the convert button then and there the file is being converted.
- Save: To access the newly converted PST file, first save it, and then launch Outlook as the next step.
Tips for Successful OST to PST Conversion
Converting OST files to PST can be an easy job that is completed quickly as long as you have the key points to follow and potentially revive any dead points during the process:
- Backup: When you decide to convert OST files to PST, ensure that your backups are up-to-date. This simple step guarantees the safety of your data in case of an accident. Store this backup in a secure and accessible location.
- Check Compatibility: Check the compatibility of a converting tool with your version of Outlook and Windows so that everything will be okay during the conversion process. If you go with a tool that has no compatibility with your OS, it will end up in errors during conversion or a lack of data being transferred.
- Monitor the Process: Keep a close eye on the conversion process to see if everything is in order. As part of this, pay attention to any messages that may pop up. Be sure to update your progress frequently and watch out for prompts and notifications from the conversion tool.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: In order to facilitate the conversion process, one should close any additional applications that are currently running on the PC. This move will increase system resources and improve the conversion utility’s effectiveness.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Every tool has to be properly followed by a person to avoid any problems. Study each tool and comply with the given instructions to reduce the probability of errors in the conversion or any misused steps.
- Test the PST File: In the end, one shall test the PST file. By opening the PST file in Outlook you will need to check if all your emails, contacts, calendar, and other data are correctly converted and are readable.
Best Practices for Managing PST Files After Conversion
Properly managing your PST files after you have converted your OST files to PST is the key to data integrity. If you want to work with your data effectively, you need to make sure it is secure and easy to access. These are the best practices:
- Record-Keeping the Way You Like: Properly organize your data by creating folders and save your emails, contacts, and other data to areas of easy access. Easy categorization makes it easier for a quick email search. it is moreover possible to distinguish the emails or files based on the date, project, or level of importance.
- Regular Backups: To save your PST data from any possible data loss, it is a good idea to back up the file regularly. Set a time to do backups for your PST files to a hard drive, cloud storage, or any secure location. This option allows you to have the newest copy available if your hardware fails or you erase it accidentally.
- Ensure Your PST Files Are Safe: A major safe place is where you should store your PST files keeping away from those who will take data without your permission. Create also a complex password and add encryption to the files if it is feasible. Apart from that, you should also be smart enough to only distribute it to the right people and use safe and reliable storage devices.
- Mentioning PST File Size: Take care of the size of your PST files which isn’t too big because it will result in the slowing down of Outlook and the increase of the possibility of corruption. Do a clean-up by archiving the older emails and data that you no longer need urgent access to, and if necessary divide the large PST files into smaller ones.
- Update Software regularly: Make your Outlook and any other supporting software always updated. Software updates mostly comprise of crucial security patches and performance enhancements that may help you prevent the sorts of issues that may create problems for your PST files.
- Do Not Store PST Files in Network Drives: Although doing so is easier to access the files, there are performance issues that can lead to data being corrupted, so it is better to have them locally on your computer or dedicated storage devices.
- Manage Regular Maintenance: Use the features of Outlook to check and repair PST files periodically. This includes using the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) to scan for abnormalities in your PST files, and fix them if necessary, thus ensuring they stay in good health and operational.
If you follow the guidelines and best practices that we provide, it is guaranteed that your OST and PST file conversion will be successful, and in the long run, the PST files will continue to be the most secure and retrieve those files with a shorter time-space during the process.
Conclusion
The process of converting OST files to PST is determined by the specific needs and levels of knowledge of the users so they can select the best method for themselves. Manual methods are more appropriate for conversions on a small scale, however, it can also be a very time-consuming and complex process. In contrast, third-party tools such as the Converter Tools OST to PST Converter are both user-friendly and efficient ways to convert bulk data. By following the tips and best practices described in this article, you can easily convert OST to PST and control your PST files.