Personal Storage Table (PST) and Offline Storage Table (OST) are Outlook data files created when configuring an email account in Microsoft Outlook. Whether Outlook will create, an OST or PST file depends on the email account. For example, if the email account belongs to a POP3 server, Outlook creates a PST file. However, if you add an IMAP, Outlook.com, Office 365, or Exchange Server email account, an OST file is created at a default location.
These Outlook data files store the mailbox items, such as emails, contacts, attachments, calendar items, tasks, notes, etc. The core difference between these two data files is that the OST is encrypted by default with MAPIEntryID GUID key while PST isn’t (unless encrypted manually). Thus, PST can be easily imported into any Outlook profile without any issues. However, if you have an OST file containing mail items you want to restore to your new Outlook profile, you must convert the OST into PST format.
In this article, you will learn different methods to convert the OST file into PST format. You will also learn steps to export individual mail items from an OST file to various file formats, such as HTML, RTF, PDF, EML, and MSG using Outlook options and a third party OST to PST converter software.
Table of Contents
There are two different methods to convert OST into PST format. The method you follow will depend on the accessibility of your email account and OST file.
If you have an active email account and profile setup in Outlook with OST as a data file, you can export the mail items to PST format using Outlook Import/Export wizard.
However, if you have an old or backup OST file that you need to convert or an OST file that belongs to a deleted email account, you must use an OST to PST converter software.
To export mail items from OST file using Outlook Import/Export wizard, follow these steps:
If you don’t have access to your OST file or Outlook profile, you can use an OST converter software, such as Stellar Converter for OST, to extract all mail items and save them into a new or existing PST file.
In addition, the software also provides an option to save the converted OST file and mail items to HTML, PDF, RTF, HTML, EML, or MSG format. Further, you can export the mail items from an orphaned or inaccessible OST file directly to Office 365 or live Exchange Server.
Besides the OST to PST converter software, there are two other ways to export or save individual mail items in different file formats.
In Outlook, you can export or save individual mail items in Text (.txt), Outlook template (.oft), Outlook Message format (.msg), HTML (.html or .htm), and MHT (.mht) file formats.
To export or save individual emails in any of the above-mentioned file formats, follow these steps:
Repeat the steps to save other emails individually.
Tip: You may use the Shift or CTRL key to select multiple emails at once and export or save them to TXT format. HTML, OFT, MSG, and MHT file formats are not available when you save multiple emails at once.
XstReader is an open-source OST/PST file viewer tool that allows you to save individual or all mail items in HTML format or mail properties in CSV format. There are no other save options available. The steps are as follows:
It’s recommended that you export and backup mailbox items from your Outlook account to PST format. This will allow you to restore the mail items if something goes wrong with your Outlook program, profile, or the associated OST file. In addition, it can help prevent data loss and restore the mail items even if your profile is removed or disabled from the server. However, if you have an OST file you want to convert into PST format, there’s no other way but to use an OST to PST converter software, such as Stellar Converter for OST. You may also use the XstReader to read or save the OST file’s mail items to HTML.
Maintaining profitability is a cornerstone of business success, ensuring sustained growth, competitiveness, and financial stability.…
In the heart of Atlanta's bustling streets, where highways intersect and traffic flows ceaselessly, truck…
Facing claim issues in Las Vegas is very common. Financial companies are innovative, and they…
Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine you're strolling along, carefree, on a beautiful…
In the field of financial management softwares, being cheap to use is key to being…
In the fast-service restaurant world, being first and staying ahead on the latest technology trends…
This website uses cookies.