Explore Free Methods to Export OST to PST Files: A Complete Guide

Microsoft Outlook keeps mailbox data in two main file types: PST and OST. OST (Offline Storage Table) files let people operate with Exchange, IMAP, or Office 365 accounts when they aren't connected to the internet. PST (Personal Storage Table) files, on the other hand, save emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox items on their own computer. People often utilize PST files to back up, move, and share Outlook data between computers.

This tutorial goes over free ways to convert OST files to PST files and talks about their pros and cons as well as how to do them step by step. Toolsbaer OST to PST Conversion says that you should thoroughly consider each method before choosing the best one for you.

Why do you want to export OST files to PST files?

In many cases, you need to export OST files to PST format. You can't always view OST files directly in other programs since they are connected to the Outlook profile where they were made. Changing OST files to PST benefits users:

• Make copies of mailbox data
• Get to data after deleting an account or crashing the system
• Move Outlook information to a different computer
• Bring data into a different version of Outlook or an email account
• Recover data from OST files that are missing or broken

Experts say that PST files make it easier to move data around and can store emails, calendars, and contacts without needing to connect to Exchange or a server.

Free Method 1: The Outlook Import/Export Wizard

The Outlook Import and Export Wizard is one of the simplest free ways to move OST files to PST. This built-in functionality lets users choose which mailbox data to export.

How to Export OST to PST

• Start Microsoft Outlook.
• Click on Open & Export in the File menu.
• Choose the Import/Export option.
• Click Next after selecting Export to a file.
• Click Next after choosing Outlook Data File (.pst).
• Pick the folder or mailbox you want to export.
• Choose where you want to save the PST file.
• To start the export process, click Finish.

This method makes it easy to export certain folders and mailbox items. 

Free Method 4: Using Free Trial Converter Tools

Some third-party tools let you export a small amount of OST data into PST for free. You can use these tools to see what's in your mailbox and export specific items.

• Before converting all of your data, suggests carefully testing trial tools to make sure they are accurate and safe.
• Problems with free manual methods
• Free solutions can be beneficial, but they do have some limits:
• Cannot work with OST files that are broken or can't be opened
• If the procedure is stopped, there is a chance of losing data.

Needs technological know-how

• Slow when working with big data files
• When the OST file is open and the Outlook profile is working, manual methods usually work best.
• When to Use Advanced Tools

A lot of the time, users can't get to their OST file because their profile has been deleted, the Exchange server has crashed, or the file is corrupted. Professional conversion tools come with extra functionality, such as:

• Changing OST files that are orphaned or broken
• Converting a lot of files at once
• Options for filtering and previewing data
• Help for big mailbox files
• Conversion that is faster and more precise

Conclusion

Convert OST File into Outlook is necessary for backing up, moving, and restoring data. The Outlook Import/Export Wizard, the Archive function, and the drag-and-drop approach are all free ways to easily get to OST files.