OST and PST are data files used by Microsoft Outlook. OST – Offline Storage Table – file is a local, cached copy of your Exchange Server/Microsoft 365 mailbox that stores all your mailbox data. This file allows you to read, compose, and delete emails even when there is no internet or server connectivity. Outlook synchronizes these changes to the server when connectivity is restored.
Though PST files are also used to store all your mailbox data, these are created when a POP3 account is configured with Outlook. These files are also used for backup, archiving, and migration of your mailbox data. You can easily open or import PST into any Outlook profile.
This article explains the reasons for converting the OST to PST and the stepwise process to convert OST to PST online without losing your emails.
Reasons to Convert the OST file to PST
Here are some common situations where you need to convert your OST to PST format:
- Migration to a new device or profile.
- When your mailbox becomes orphaned due to connectivity failures.
- Recovering data from inaccessible OST file.
- When you want backup your mailbox data.
- When your Microsoft Exchange Server is decommissioned.
How to Convert OST to PST Online without Losing Emails?
There are various online OST to PST converters available on the internet that can help you to convert your Outlook offline storage file to PST. However, it is not an easy task to zero in on the one that is reliable and can convert the file without losing emails and any other items. So, before deciding, you should look for the following features in the tool:
- Fast and secure conversion.
- No Outlook installation required.
- Free conversion option available.
- Maintain folder structure and hierarchy.
- Provides HTML Preview before conversion.
- Ability to convert orphaned or inaccessible OST file.
- User-friendly interface.
Which Online OST to PST Converter should you Choose?
You can choose the online OST to PST converter by Stellar – a renowned data case company. This is one of the most trusted and secure online converters, recommended by experts. It can convert orphaned and inaccessible OST to PST in just a few clicks. Additionally, you can track real-time conversion progress. Apart from these, below are some key features of this online tool:
- Converts OST file of up to 500 MB for free
- Preserves data integrity after conversion
- Real-time conversion tracking
- Fast & secure online processing
- HTML preview before conversion
- No Outlook dependency
- User-friendly interface
Here’s how to convert OST to PST online using this tool:
- Launch any web browser on your computer, like Chrome or Firefox.
- Visit this URL: https://converter.stellarinfo.com/
- Ensure to sign up before starting the conversion.
- Click on Upload OST File.
- Locate and select the OST file (<500 MB).
- Click on Open and wait until the file is uploaded.
- Click on Start Conversion.
- After the process is complete, select Save PST file.
You can find the converted PST file in the Download folder on your system. You can import this file into any Outlook profile.
If the OST file is large, then upgrade to Premium version. It can convert OST file of up to 5 GB. However, if your OST file is larger than 5 GB then you can download Stellar Converter for OST. This tool is special designed to convert inaccessible or orphaned OST file without any size limit.
How to Import the Converted PST File into Outlook?
You can use the Import/Export wizard in Outlook to import the PST file. Follow these steps:
-
- Open Outlook.
- Click on File.
- Select Import/Export.
- Select Import from another program or file.
- Click on Next.
- Click on the Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Click on Next.
- Click on Browse to select the converted PST file.
- Select an option for duplicates. Click on Next.
- Now choose where you want to import the PST file – current mailbox or specific folder. Then, click on Finish.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained several reasons to convert the OST file to PST. You can easily convert your OST file to PST online without losing emails by using an online OST to PST converter tool. Though there are various online converters available, we recommend the online OST to PST converter by Stellar. It can convert your OST to PST without losing emails or any other item. This tool can convert an OST file of up to 500 MB without any cost. For larger files, you can go for the Premium version or the desktop edition – Stellar Converter for OST.
