OST files (Offline Storage Table) are Microsoft Outlook files that are created when an Outlook application is connected to the Exchange Server (or Microsoft 365 and IMAP-based accounts). OST files give Outlook users the ability to access emails and other mailbox items even when they are not connected to the Exchange server.
There are many situations that make OST files inaccessible, such as Exchange server crashes, corruption of your Outlook profile, account deletions, and many more. In these situations, the only option you have is to convert OST files to PST (Personal Storage Table) files. PST files can be directly accessed by Microsoft Outlook.
In this article, we will give you a quick and simple way to open and convert your OST files to PST using Shoviv’s professional OST to PST converter.
Why Convert OST to PST?
People convert OST files to PST files for a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Recovery of mailbox data from inaccessible OST files
- Migration of mailbox data to a different Outlook profile
- Backup of Outlook mailbox data
- No need for Exchange connectivity to access lost OST files.
- Archive mailbox data.
- Move Outlook data to new devices.
Compared to OST files, PST files are more flexible. PST files can be brought into Outlook whenever.
Difficulties of Accessing OST Files
Compared to PST files, OST files are tied to a specific Outlook profile and an Exchange account. There is no option within Outlook to open a lost OST file. When the related account is gone, so is access to the mailbox data in the OST file.
Some common problems can be:
- Damaged OST files.
- Exchange accounts are deleted.
- Exchange Servers go down.
- Corrupt Outlook profiles.
- Mailbox data is lost.
In these situations, the most flexible option is converting the OST file to a PST file.
Quick Fix: Convert OST to PST Using Shoviv OST to PST Converter
Shoviv OST to PST Converter is one of the many options available to recover and convert OST files. This software can process healthy, damaged, and even orphaned OST files without the use of Outlook or Exchange.
Key Features:-
- Safely and Rapidly Convert OST to PST
- Damaged OST file data recovery
- Export Emails, Contacts, Calendars, Journals, Notes, and Tasks
- Supports Large OST files
- Maintains folder structure and data integrity
- Preview mailbox items prior to conversion
- Export OST data to Office 365 and Live Exchange Server
- No file size restrictions.
Procedure for Opening and Converting OST file to PST file
Steps to Open and Convert OST File to PST
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Install and Launch the Software
Download and install Shoviv OST to PST Converter on your Windows system. Launch the application after installation.
Step 2: Add OST Files
Click the Add OST File option and browse the OST file you want to convert. The software scans and loads the mailbox data automatically.
Step 3: Preview Mailbox Data
After loading the OST file, all mailbox folders appear in the left panel. You can preview emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments before conversion.
Step 4: Select Export Option
Choose Export in PST from the available export options.
Step 5: Apply Filters (Optional)
The software offers advanced filtering options. Users can filter mailbox items based on:
- Date range
- Folder selection
- Item type
This helps export only the required data.
Step 6: Choose Destination
Select the location where you want to save the PST file.
Step 7: Start Conversion
Click the Export button to begin the conversion process. The software converts the OST file into PST format while maintaining complete data integrity.
Once completed, the PST file can be opened directly in Microsoft Outlook.
Advantages of Using Shoviv OST to PST Converter
Fast Conversion
Converting large OST files can be done in a matter of moments, thanks to the advanced algorithms employed by the software, and in full data quality.
Supports Corrupt OST Files
Even badly corrupted OST files are fully recovered and converted without a hitch.
Maintains Data Integrity
The folder structure, metadata, attachments, and email properties remain as they are before and after conversion.
User-Friendly Interface
To facilitate both technical and non-technical users, the conversion process is designed to be simple and straightforward.
Multiple Export Options
Apart from PST, users can convert their OST data to Office 365, Exchange Server, EML, MSG, HTML, and other formats.
Secure Processing
The original OST file is not altered, ensuring data safety during the whole process.
Conclusion
It is not always easy to open orphaned or inaccessible OST files, as Outlook needs the original Exchange or Microsoft 365 account to be available. The only way to access mailbox data is by converting the OST file to PST.
To convert OST files to PST in a fast, simple, and secure way, Shoviv OST to PST Converter is a great option. With the ability to process corrupted OST files, large mailboxes, and a variety of export options, the tool is designed with user experience in mind and ensures data integrity is never compromised. Shoviv OST to PST Converter is the best way to convert OST files with the added benefits of mailbox access, migration, and backup, with minimal effort.
FAQs
1. Can I convert an OST file to PST without Outlook?
Yes. There is no need to have Microsoft Outlook installed on the system, as Shoviv OST to PST Converter can perform the conversion.
2. Does the software support corrupted OST files?
Yes. Corrupted, damaged, and orphaned OST files are converted by the tool while ensuring mailbox data is intact.
3. Will attachments and folder structure stay the same after conversion?
Yes. The original folder hierarchy, along with the emails, attachments, and metadata, are preserved by the software.
4. Can I export OST data to Office 365 directly?
Yes. Users can migrate mailbox data from OST files directly to Microsoft 365 and Exchange Servers with Shoviv OST to PST Converter.
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