When there arise need to convert OST file data to PST file format, finding a perfect solution is necessary. Some users have queries that will PowerShell command convert OST mailbox data to PST file. The response is no. However, with native methods and third-party tools you can convert OST data items into PST file format.
OST and PST both are part of MS Outlook. Actually, these are basic data files of Microsoft Outlook email client. Both file structure and format is same but they are different on the basis of their creation. Both files are very useful for users. But there are times when demands the conversion of OST mailbox items into PST file format. Now, let us first know these situations and available methods to perform the conversion in a trouble-free manner. Through this article, know the answers of all questions related to OST Outlook Conversion.
Why need conversion to PST file format?
OST file gives the facility to users to work with the mailboxes when not connected to Exchange. But this file is limited by many restrictions hence users need find to convert into PST file format. By this, the data of OST file can be accessed directly.
You can also read: Why you need OST to PST Conversion
Potential causes to convert OST data file to PST file format –
- Unexpected Exchange Server crash or system failure keeps you away from connectivity to Exchange Server and to urgently access the data, conversion to PST format is required.
- Sudden deletion of Exchange Server account
- Migration of data from one machine to another needs conversion into PST file from OST file.
- When the Exchange Server is under maintenance, you need to access your mailbox items. Hence, conversion into PST file is good solution in this case.
- Archiving old data items for reducing OST file size is another reason to export data into PST file format.
After discussing the reasons, we will explore the methods to convert OST email items into PST file format. But before this, we will focus on the title of this post.
Why PowerShell Commands unable to convert OST file data to PST?
When users need to perform OST file data conversion into PST file repeatedly, they should pick automated methods which are ideal and perfect to utilize by all. But tech users generally go with manual solutions and try to make them simpler hence they introduce some shell scripts. With these designed scripts, they try to export data stored inside OST file format into PST format using PowerShell. Also, they are able to export PST file data into OST file format. But this will not work to export OST file data into PST format. This is because of OST file structure. It has been said that OST file specification is something that Microsoft never released and still remains internal to them. Thus, tech users are unable to read OST file using scripts and its data can’t be exported manually. That’s why experts find third-party tools easy, simple and effortless to read OST files and to export their data into PST & other formats.
So, here we have concluded that using PowerShell command, OST data conversion to PST file format is not feasible. Now, we will explore manual methods to accomplish the conversion.
Manual Approach to Export OST data items into PST format
Note: The manual approaches need Outlook installation and Exchange Server connectivity for performing the conversion. Here, we are using Import & Export feature of Outlook for the conversion. Before this, please ensure to take backup of your OST data file before moving to this approach for accomplishing the conversion.
- First, open your MS Outlook application. Go to File tab, Hit Open and then Import option.
- From Import & Export wizard, choose option to perform ‘Export to file’ and then Hit Next button.
- Now, select Outlook PST file option and then Hit Next.
- Here, select mailbox folder to export from. Also, include subfolders to export and then hit Next button.
- Set a location to save the new PST file.
- Check for other options to export mailbox data and finally, hit Finish button.
In few minutes (based on OST file size), the process gets completed. After this, you can check Outlook PST file at mentioned location.
The above-discussed approach sometimes failed to produce desired results especially when OST file is corrupt. In addition to this, for using manual approach, sufficient time and technical skills are required. Thus, high recommendations are provided by experts for automated tools like Softaken OST to PST Converter.
This software offers risk-free and independent environment to export OST file complete data into PST file format. It smoothly extracts all mailbox items from OST file to save into PST format which is directly readable in MS Outlook.
The software is developed with friendly interface and lets users have a detailed view of OST data items before conversion. In cases when Outlook OST file is corrupt or encrypted, this software works perfectly to extract all data with it and save this into PST file.