3 Methods to Convert OST to PST for Free Without Outlook
In this blog, we are going to discuss 2 effective methods to convert OST to PST file format. Simply read the complete write-up and perform the steps. You can use exported PST in any version of Microsoft Outlook. The expert suggested way to save OST files to PST, use the utility:
MS Outlook is an email client, widely used by business organizations, and offices for their communication purpose. Most users configure their account with MS-Exchange Server which works in synchronization and saves data in Offline Storage Table (.ost) file format. OST file contains data in offline mode on a hard drive.
When a user logs in with the IMAP account, every time data is synchronized and downloaded to the system in the OST file format. It helps to keep data up-to-date in the mailbox with new emails, reports, meeting requests, etc.
Sometimes when the User creates an account with IMAP configuration, then it also works as a web server-based application and stores synchronizing data in (.ost) format.
However, there are various situations when these files become inaccessible. To manage the situation, the user needs to change the OST file into another file format i.e. PST. So that data can easily be accessed in offline mode. In the below section, I am explaining 2 methods to convert OST to PST format.
Reasons to Convert OST into PST Format
There may be different situations when the user needs to convert an Exchange IMAP OST to PST format, Some reasons are discussed below:
1. Sometimes, MS Exchange server crashes unexpectedly due to various reasons like:
- Power Failure
- Malicious Software
- Virus Attacks, etc.
Such types of situation are difficult to handle when data become inaccessible and the screen displays error messages repeatedly.
2. Exchange Server Unavailable: Accessing mailbox data can be difficult due to Exchange Server maintenance and downtime. When data in the mailbox is saved with the .ost extension and synchronized with the server, it becomes inaccessible. To gain access to the data, the user must export their emails from OST to PST format.
3. When users export mailboxes from OST to PST, corrupted or accidentally deleted data can also be recovered.
4. Conversion of OST to PST is also helpful in data migration. In situations when the user wants to shift from one place to another place, it is easy to migrate PST data from one place to another place.
5. Exchange profile is inactive and the OST file becomes an orphan. In this situation you have only one option left, convert orphaned OST file to PST format and access complete data.
Methods to Convert OST to PST Format
Now, We know that when we need to change the OST file to PST format. However, in the next section, we will discuss different methods to export OST data to PST.
- Convert OST to PST Outlook Manually
- Convert Orphaned OST to PST Free
- Expert Suggested Way to Convert OST Files to PST
Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages. In cases of orphaned OST, inaccessible OST, corrupted OST, Exchange Downtime, and so on, I recommend that users use third-party software. But, If you can access your IMAP profile through Outlook. Then, using Outlook’s Import/Export feature, follow steps in method 1.
Method-1: Free Convert OST to PST Manually
To convert OST to PST manually, your system must be configured with Outlook and connected with the MS Exchange server. For the further procedure, the steps are as follows:
Step-1: First, you need to open MS Outlook then, click on “File” and select the option “Import/Export”.
Step-2: A new dialogue box opens asking to “Choose an action to perform”. Select “Export to a File” and proceed.
Step-3: The next screen will ask to choose the file type to import. Choose “Outlook data file (.pst)” then hit the button to “Next”.
Step-4: Now, choose the folder to export data from, and click on “Next”.
Step-5: Choose an option from the list “Allow duplicates to be created” and click “Finish”.
Step-6: After it, a new pop-up com to ask for an optional password. You can easily move ahead without entering it.
Now, manually converted Microsoft OST data into PST file Outlook. You can check your OST files which have been saved in PST file format at the selected location.
Method-2: Convert OST to PST Free Using Outlook IMAP Account
Most of the free solution fails to export orphaned OST files into PST format. But here in this method I will explain a severely verified and tested method.
Key Points: This method is little bit tricky and requires some technical understanding. So, as per my understanding, if you are not techie and then do not follow this.
- Requirements: Microsoft Outlook with IMAP configured profile
- Time Required: 10 to 16 Min.
Note: If your IMAP profile is configured in Outlook and you can access the same profile. Then follow the steps mentioned in method 1.
Let us start the steps to convert orphaned OST to PST for Free!
Step-1: Launch Outlook and locate the storage path using any of the methods listed below.
- Follow the given path (C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook) remember that the path may be slightly differ in different version of Outlook and Windows OS.
- You can also open the storage path from Outlook dashboard, simply right-click on your profile and click on open file location.
Step-2: Disable Automatic Send/Receive option of IMAP profile. This profile we will use further to convert OST to PST format.
Step-3: Close all instance of Outlook
Step-4: Now return to the Outlook storage location you selected in step 1. Simply copy the connected outlook profile OST file (support abc.ost) and paste at same location (abc-copy.ost). Now you have two OST file of same profile. Delete your main OST file (abc.ost), and make sure you have backup copy of same mailbox.
Step-5: Copy the orphaned OST file (suppose xyz.ost) which you want to convert and paste it to same location where abc.ost file is saved.
Step-6: Now rename your orphaned OST file as your working OST file (For Example: xyz.ost to abc.ost)
Step-7: Launch Outlook and select same profile which we used in above scenario (abc.ost).
Step-8: Use Import/Export feature inbuilt in Outlook and explained in Method 1. It will provide you a healthy and accessible PST file which is created from orphaned OST file.
Step-9: You can perform same steps for multiple OST files. After completion conversion of OST to PST format. Close all instances of Outlook and deleted all OST files except abc-copy.ost, and rename it to abc.ost and enable automatic Send/Receive option and use your existing profile seamlessly.
That’s all to convert OST to PST free even the orphaned OST file.
Limitations of Manual Method:
We have discussed the above manual method to convert OST to PST without Outlook, having some drawbacks, as mentioned below:
- Need to configure Outlook Account in the system.
- The system must be connected to the MS Exchange Server.
- The slow process as compared to manual methods.
- Risk of data loss or corruption.
- Need a technical expert to follow the procedure.
Method-3: – Convert OST to PST Using Software
To overcome the limitations, we are recommended to use an automated tool to convert OST to PST without Outlook.
Offline OST to PST Converter is one of the best third-party software which makes this task easy and facilitates a user. It completes the process of conversion in just a few simple steps and is free from risks or error chances.
This software export mailboxes from OST to PST file format. It also allows us to recover, backup ad extract all items of offline OST files.
Also helps to convert IMAP .ost to .pst, with not having any file size limitations. It provides a preview of data like emails, contacts, calendars, or other mailbox items before conversion.
This tool also has the additional ability to save OST files into different file formats like PST, HTML, MSG, EML, MBOX, EMLX, NSF, PDF, vCard, CSV, ICS, TXT, MHT, DOCX, DOC, and RTF. It also provides a demo version for free with limitations to export only the first 25 items per folder. Then, if the user will be satisfied, they can go for a licensed version available at affordable prices.
When to Use Professional Software:
The Outlook Import/Export feature has some limitations. You can use OST to PST converter software to get around them.
- Convert OST file without Outlook
- Same Profile and IMAP Configuration Not Required
- Convert Large Size OST File without Any Limitation
- Convert Orphaned OST File to PST Format
- Export Corrupted, Inaccessible, Offline OST to PST file
Steps to Convert OST to PST without Outlook
Follow these simple steps to convert emails from OST to PST file format without Outlook, with the help of this tool:
Note: – The software is capable to export orphaned, corrupted, inaccessible OST files to PST format even without Exchange profile and server connectivity.
Step1: Download OST to PST converter and install the software in your system to start the conversion process.
Step2: Simply Add Files and preview OST recovered files into the software.
Step3: To export click on the radio button to PST and proceed.
Step4: Browse the destination location to save exported PST in your system.
Now, the procedure has been completed converting OST to PST in just a few steps. You can check your converted PST data at the destination location. Simply launch Outlook and use Import/Export option to access this file in Outlook. Get the complete guide for OST to Outlook import process.
User’s Reviews After Using OST to PST Converter
Many users tried out this converter software and shared their thoughts. I’ve included a few reviews on this page.
By Marc Vidal
Hi all, I came across this page while looking for a solution to convert OST to PST format. I purchased this OST to PST converter and installed it on my Windows 11 system. It worked well in my case.
By Ameliya Lanne
I copied OST file form my old laptop using pen drive and tried to access same in my new laptop Outlook. But it was not that easy, because later on I got know that Outlook allows to import PST only. So, i searched on Internet for solution to convert OST to PST format. This post helped me to understand the conversion process. I recommend everyone to buy this OST to PST converter full version.
By Steph Joria
I followed the steps explained in method 1 to convert OST to PST for free. I successfully exported complete data manually.
By Mattias
This post assisted me in converting OST to PST without Outlook. I had 37 OST files stored on an external hard disc. OST to PST converter software described above made it very easy for me to complete the task.
By Marticus
Hi all my name is Marticus and am from Holy See. This write-up helped me to convertire OST in OST format. I will share this post in my group and recommend them to follow the steps and convertire file OST in PST format without any limitation.
Conclusion
Manual methods free process and help to complete conversion but have some limitations. You can free convert OST to PST manually, if your system is having MS Outlook configured with Exchange Server. Also, These methods usually take longer procedures.
Using third-party software is a more facilitated and 2 effective methods to convert your OST to PST file format. We recommend using this software because it is user-friendly and advanced functionalities. Use this trusty and efficient software to deal with your vital data.
