How to Convert Outlook OST to PST without Outlook?

Summary: Users often wonder how to convert Outlook OST to PST without Outlook but can’t find a reliable solution. This blog will help you with quick and feasible solutions for conversion. It describes the manual method and Outlook OST to PST Conversion Tool for moving emails easily across systems. Further, let’s find more about it below.

Comparison Between OST and PST

Offline Storage Table (.ost) and Personal Storage Table (.pst) are MS Outlook data files. OST shows files even when offline by using the Exchange Server. It allows to store a copy of the data file in the system. Furthermore, if you wish to have better editing features, you can convert OST to PDF. However, when you need to import OST file data to Outlook, you need to convert it to PST first.

Whereas, PST files archive and backup email storage. It is a storage space that includes all items with attachments and more. Also, it is compatible with different versions of Outlook. These files are stored in the UNICODE format for enhanced readability. Thus, it is better to export OST to PST.

Why Change OST to PST?

There are various reasons why a user wishes to do the conversion. Some of these are mentioned below:

• A crash of the Microsoft Exchange Server may lead to data being inaccessible.
• Errors in the Exchange Server may tamper data and result in loss of files. So, it is better to convert Outlook OST to PST beforehand.
• Moreover, until maintenance is completed, users need to move data from OST to Outlook for access. So, converting OST to PST is needed.
• Additionally, using PST will help in the quick recovery of OST data files.

Methods to Convert OST to PST Without Outlook

OST to PST conversion seems to be a major challenge. Therefore, they need a manual method or an automated tool to make this process faster without complexities. Through, these methods, an individual can copy an OST file to another computer. Also, they can access their data files even if they are damaged or inaccessible.

Get to know more about these methods with the steps mentioned below.

Method 1: Manual Method to Convert Outlook OST to PST

To convert OST to PST free online without any problems, the user can go through the below-given steps. However, for manual conversions, the user must have an Outlook account. You need to use the Import/Export Wizard of Outlook to convert OST to PST. Follow the conversion instructions listed below:

1. Login to your Microsoft Outlook account.
2. Select File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Then, choose Export to a File option and click Next.
   
4. Now, select Outlook Data File(.pst) as your file type and click Next.
   
5. Subsequently, select the mailbox/folder to convert OST file to PST. Checkbox if you want to include the subfolders. Click Next.
   
6. Later, enter the name of your file and specify the location by browsing to save your file.
7. Finally, hit the Finish button to start converting.

This free-of-cost manual method is useful to users in many ways. However, some limitations are to be considered with this method.

Limitations of Manual Method

The manual method is beneficial only in some situations. Otherwise, it poses difficulties such as:

• The process of file conversion takes a longer time, depending on the file size.
• Any mistake in either of the steps can lead to data loss.
• When you convert OST files to PST, there is a high risk of files being corrupted. Therefore, technical knowledge is required.
• In addition, changing contacts, calendars, and more is difficult with this method.
• Also, new files need to be created every time there is a reorganization of data.

Hence, it is right to state that changing OST to PST will be beneficial by using a professional method.

Method 2: Best Automated Tool to Convert Outlook OST to PST

It is established that OST to PST conversion manually requires Outlook and a connection to the Exchange Server. Moreover, it is also essential that files are secure and undefective. In this case, it is better to use Outlook OST to PST Conversion Tool because of its many extraordinary features. These are:

• Maintains data integrity, authenticity, and folder hierarchy while converting.
• It converts OST files in bulk and enables different file formats.
• It is easy to use and highly compatible with all the versions of the system.
• This tool also imports OST files to different web/cloud-based email clients.

Steps Given Below to Convert OST to PST without Outlook

1. Download and finish installing the tool on your system. Run it as an administrator.
2. Select whether you want to select a single/multiple file or folder. Click Next.
   
3. Then, click Select Files/Folders to import OST files to convert Outlook OST to PST, and click Next.
4. You will find a tree hierarchy containing all your folders. You can view folder contents in the preview panel and check attachments. Check and select the folders you want to convert. Click Next.
   
5. Now, select PST (.pst) as your file-saving format. Select the optional features if required to remove duplicates or maintain folder hierarchy.
6. Specify the destination path in the Path to Save column to save your converted file.
7. Lastly, hit the Convert button.
   

Click OK once the process completion message pops up in the window. You can convert again and download the converted report from the tool itself.

Conclusion

This blog provides all the solutions for OST conversion. You can use the manual method to convert Outlook OST to PST. However, this method is lengthy and doesn’t ensure the security and success of the conversion. Therefore, to avoid hassle, professional tools are recommended. It gives users an effective and quick way to manage data without affecting it.

Frequently Asked Questions