How to Convert OST files into PST format

The OST file format is the native file of Outlook but does prove incapable when users require to share it. The problem with the OST is that it works only when its parent Outlook account and system work. So, whenever the Outlook account or system changes, the OST file gets corrupt. To make the OST data accessible again, users look for a way to convert OST files into PST format. There can many other reasons to convert OST files into PST and can be listed as follows:

• When users want to free up their mailbox space.
• Users like to rebuild Exchange Server, and the data is unsaved.
• For merging the old Outlook data with the new Outlook data.
• To access corrupt, orphan, or inaccessible OSTs.
• For backup purposes to avoid future adversities.
• Using the data for compliance purposes.

There can be other personal reasons for the users to convert OST to PST. And here, let’s find out the possible ways to convert OST files into PST format.

Ways to Convert OST Files into PST Format

As for most of the technical tasks, for this task too, the manual and professional tool methods are available. We will discuss both methods with a few discussions on the feasibility of each one.

Manual Method for Converting the OST files to PST Format

Manual method to convert OST to PST:

Open the Outlook with the profile of whose OST is to be taken in PST and proceed as follows:

• Click on the File menu >Open and Export.
• SelectImport/Export 
• click on the Export to a file option from the list and hit Next.
• Pick Outlook Data File (PST)and go ahead with Next.
• Select the folders or whole Outlook profile as required and press Next. (Must tick the include subfolders)
• Utilize filters accordingly and hit OK.
• Browse the target path, click on any of the three options regarding the duplicity options, and lastly, tap Finish.

These were the manual steps to convert OST files into PST format. But here comes the few shortcomings due to which users prefer professional tools.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method to Convert OST

• The manual method doesn’t have PST Split option to produce the secure resultant PSTs.
• There is no guarantee of unaltered, secure, and swift conversion.
• This method only exports one mailbox(OST) at a time.
• There is no Incremental Export feature in the tool that could presume the process during adversities.
• Not able to convert inaccessible, orphan, and corrupt OST files to PST format.

Finest Way to Perform OST Conversion to PST

After the successful installation of Shoviv OST to PST Converter tool, open it to perform the following steps:

• Step1: Click on Add OST files icon from the ribbon bar, add OSTs, and consequently hit OK.

(Tap on the Advance Scan checkbox to recover the deleted items of the OSTs.)

• Step2: Now tap on the OST to PST icon from the ribbon bar.
• Step3: A list of folders and sub-folders arise here; tick or leave them empty and step further.
• Step4: Blow the radio button: Export in Existing PST or Export and Create New PST, provide a path, and hit Next.

(On this wizard, users can use incremental export, PST split, and password features too.)

• Step5: Use filters if required and subsequently hit the Advanced Options tab to perform Folder Mapping and email Translation, and then press Next.
• Step6: Now the export process will start; hit Finish when the process ends.

(After the process execution, users can tap the Save Report button for getting the process report.)

Advantages of Shoviv OST to PST Converter

• It puts no restrictions on OST file size and numbers.
• The tool essentially inherits the Incremental Export feature to save the progress of the interrupted processes. It only adds the newly updated data when it restarts after interruption and hence prevents duplicities.
• PST Split feature ensures the security of the data if it is maintained to the size of 50 GB or under.
• Filter of the tool are available on multiple criteria to convert OST files into PST format with desired items.
• The tool swiftly and efficiently converts the OST files to PST format.

Last Words

One manual and one professional tool method are discussed in the tool. Users are free to adopt any one of them. However, there are various shortcomings associated with the manual method, and to avoid them, users search for professional tools. If users like to check the efficiency of the Shoviv tool to convert OST files into PST format can use its FREE demo version for a fair evaluation.