No, there is no direct method to convert PST to OST file format because like PST, OST file cannot be used independently in any MS Outlook profile unless it is associated or created by the same Outlook account in the presence of Exchange server. Thus, it is pointless to convert PST files in OST file format.
However, if you have an old or orphan backup PST file which you need to attach with the existing exchange Outlook profiles then you can simply import the PST files to your Outlook Profile using import/export button. There is no need to convert PST to OST neither there is any tool available for this because it is impractical to create an OST file when you won’t be able to import it directly in any Outlook account.
What are PST and OST Files?
Before diving into the conversion process, let’s briefly clarify what PST and Ost Files are:
PST (Personal Storage Table): PST files are used to store a copy of your mailbox data, including emails, contacts, calendar items, and more, on your local computer. They are typically used for archiving and backup purposes.
OST (Offline Storage Table): OST files are similar to PST files but serve a different purpose. They allow you to work with your mailbox data offline, and any changes made while offline will be synchronized with your server mailbox when you’re back online.
Since, OST files are a native part of Outlook’s functionality, they are created automatically when you configure your Outlook client to work in Cached Exchange Mode or when you use certain email accounts like Microsoft Exchange or Office 365. If the server fails or OST files get corrupt, you can convert OST to PST file format. Later on, you can import this PST file can to any MS Outlook profile of your choice.
How to convert a PST file to OST file format manually?
Converting a PST (Personal Storage Table) file to an OST (Offline Storage Table) file is not a typical or straightforward process because PST and OST files serve different purposes and have different structures. PST files are used for archiving and storing mailbox data, while OST files are used for offline access and synchronization with server mailboxes.
However, if you are adamant on doing the conversion to move your data from a PST file to an OST-like solution (for example, if you want to access your data offline), you can follow these general steps:
1. Configure Outlook for Exchange or Office 365:
To work with OST files in Outlook, you typically need to be using an email account that supports OST files, such as Microsoft Exchange or Office 365. If you’re not already using one of these services, you may need to migrate your email account to one of them.
2. Create a New Outlook Profile:
If your current Outlook profile is configured to use a PST file, you may need to create a new Outlook profile that is configured to use Exchange or Office 365. This will allow Outlook to create a new OST file for your mailbox data.
Here’s how to create a new Outlook profile:
- Close Outlook if it’s open.
- Open the Windows Control Panel.
- Search for “Mail” or “Mail (32-bit)” and open it.
- Click the “Show Profiles” button.
- Click “Add” to create a new profile and follow the setup wizard to configure your Exchange or Office 365 account.
3. Let Outlook Sync:
Once you’ve configured your new profile, open Outlook, and it will start synchronizing your mailbox data with the server, creating a new OST file in the process.
4. Import PST Data to an OST file
If you have data in your PST file that you want to migrate to the OST file, you can import it into your mailbox in Outlook. Here’s how:
- In Outlook, go to “File” > “Open & Export” > “Import/Export.”
- Choose “Import from another program or file” and click “Next.”
- Choose “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
- Browse to the location of your PST file and select it.
- Choose how you want to handle duplicates (e.g., replace duplicates, allow duplicates, etc.).
- Select the destination folder (usually your mailbox) where you want to import the data.
- Click “Finish” to start the import process.
Please note that this process will copy data from your PST file to your mailbox, not directly convert the PST to OST. The data will then be synchronized with the OST file as part of your regular Outlook usage. Remember to back up your PST file before attempting any data migration to avoid data loss.
