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First part of the article highlights the definition of OST and PST files, the second part lays emphasis on the reason for converting OST to PST, and third part on the methods which we can be deployed to convert OST Files to PST Files. What are OST and PST Files OST files and PST files are Outlook Data files used by MS Outlook. Before knowing the Why and How-To for converting an OST file to a PST file, let us have a glimpse on what OST and PST files are. 1. OST Files: • Offline Storage Table or OST files are the replica of mailbox on Exchange Server or for easy understanding it can be called as the local copy of the Exchange mailbox.
• When we connect MS Outlook with the Exchange server with the 'Enable Cache Mode', OST files are created.
• This allows you to access mailbox data offline when you are not able to reach the Exchange Server.
• You can make any changes in your mails, contacts, calendars while offline. But the changes you make will not be made on the Exchange server unless and until you connect to it.
• Once you get online the OST files will work in conjunction with the Exchange Server and synchronization between them will take place. 2. PST Files: • Personal Storage Table or PST Files are the MS Outlook files which store your data on your computer.
• These PST files can be stored anywhere on your computer. POP3, IMAP, and HTTP use PST files.
• A PST file used to have a size limit of 2 GB until MS Outlook 2002 version. Exceeding the data from this limit can lead to data corruption. But from MS Outlook 2003 this limit is extended to 20 GB and above. What is the need to convert OST File to PST File? • The OST files are mirror images of the mailbox on the Exchange Server. The OST files cannot be accessed directly by Outlook. Therefore we need to have access to Exchange Server mailbox to use these files.
• If we do not have access to the server mailbox, then in that case we need to convert OST files to PST Files. The mailboxes are responsible for sending and receiving mails.
• If these mailboxes present on the Exchange Server get deleted somehow or the connection between them is broken, we will not be able to access the OST files again.
• Also these files cannot be opened by any account other than the one with which it is configured. In the scenario of detachment of these files from the server, these files are referred as Orphaned Files.
• An orphaned OST file cannot be accessed through Outlook to recover Exchange mailbox data, the only solution is to restore OST to PST. How to convert an OST File to PST File?
We can convert OST files to PST files by deploying any of the given methods: 1. Export Mail data to PST file: You can make use of Outlook's built in feature- Import and Import wizard to convert your OST file to PST file format.
• Open MS Outlook and select File and then Import and export option.
• Then select Export to a file.
• Click on Personal storage file(.pst) option
• Select the folders you want to convert to PST Format.
• Then enter the location where you want to save the PST file.
• Select finish. CONS: 1) This feature does not guarantee accurate migration of files.
2) You require making backup of the data before moving it as there are chances of data loss.
3) You cannot use this feature if the OST file is corrupt or is in orphaned state. 2. Move mailbox items to a New PST File: • You can use this feature to move mailbox items of the OST Format to PST format.
• First create a new PST file in Outlook and then drag all the OST folders you want to convert to PST format in that folder. CONS: 1) This feature will not move all the default folders of OST File like Inbox, Contacts, Calendars, etc.
2) This process is time taking and can be used if some items are to be migrated. It is not recommended to us this option for entire PST file.
3) Again, it is not a suitable option when the OST file is orphaned or is in corrupt state. 3. Third Party Tool: • The manual methods consume a lot of time and there is continuous threat of data loss while using these methods.
• Therefore if you want to efficiently convert OST Files to PST format you can always take help of third party tools.
• One of the reliable third party tool is OST To PST Converter. PROS: 1) By making use of this software you can convert all the OST files like Inbox, Contacts, Calendars, etc to PST format.
2) OST files detached from Exchange mailboxes can be processed by the tool. Therefore, with a little investment, you get the provision to convert orphaned/corrupt OST to PST.
3) Additional features are offered that will enhance the quality of conversion process.
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