Convert an OST File to a PST

In this blog, we’ll go over how to convert an OST file to a PST file from Outlook 2013 in a variety of scenarios. This is due to the fact that OST to PST conversion may be required in a variety of situations. As a result, an attempt has been made through this blog to bring up all of the possible scenarios and appropriate methods to convert OST to PST file type, specifically for Outlook 2013. However, regardless of the version of Outlook, almost all conversion methods are the same.

Learn How to Convert an OST File to a PST File in Outlook 2013

Case 1: Exchange Server is up and running, and the OST is in a good state.

The situation is that the Exchange server that created the specific OST is up and running, i.e. Exchange is in an active or live state. In addition, Outlook’s connectivity with Exchange is well-maintained and functional. In this case, the configured OST file can be easily converted to PST by performing the steps listed below in order. However, the OST file must not be orphaned or corrupted and must be in good working order.

Steps:

  • Launch the Outlook program.
  • Go to the File tab on the main menu at the top.
  • Click on the Import and Export option to select it.
  • Select Export to a file from the Import & Export wizard.
  • After that, click Next.
  • A new wizard called Export to a File appears on the screen.
  • Click Next after selecting Personal Folder File (.pst).
  • On the screen, a wizard called Export Personal Folders appears.
  • Choose the folders from which PST data will be exported.
  • Then press the Next button.
  • Provide a destination location to save the PST file in the same wizard, Export Personal Folders, or leave the storage location as default.
  • Finally, press the Finish button.

Case 2: Exchange Server is Up and Running, but the OST Files Have Been Damaged

The original Exchange server database is live and available in this case. However, the issue is that the OST file is corrupt. In this case, the OST file must first be recreated before being converted to PST format. The recreation can be done with the help of the mailbox stored in the server environment’s database. This is a valid procedure because an OST file is simply a replica of a user’s mailbox stored in the Exchange server database.

The steps listed below can be used to recreate a healthy OST file, which can then be converted to PST format using the same steps as in the previous section. Because the OST Integrity repair tool that came built-in in Outlook 2007 and previous versions of Outlook for the repair of damaged OST files has been removed from newer releases of Outlook, such as 2010 and 2013, due to some drawbacks, a re-creation of OST files is preferred.

Steps:

  • Depending on the Windows and Outlook versions, locate the OST file.
  • Select rename and change .ost to .ost.old before pressing Enter.
  • After that, log in to your Exchange Server account and open Outlook.
  • After that, MS Outlook will re-configure the data file.
  • The re-created OST file will be in a good health state.
  • As a result, the data items can be accessed quickly and accurately.
  • After that, follow the steps outlined in Case 1 to convert an OST file to a PST format when it is in a good state.

Note-The issue with this method is that it is quite lengthy. Furthermore, if the steps are not followed correctly, the OST may not form correctly in a healthy format.

Case 3: Exchange Account is Unavailable, and The OST File is Orphaned or Corrupt.

The OST file is orphaned in this case because the original Exchange account is unavailable. In this case, the steps used in the previous two cases mentioned above do not work for OST to PST conversion. Unavailability of an Exchange server account can be caused by a variety of factors, including account deletion, server downtime, server crashes, and server upgrades.

When an OST file is orphaned or corrupted in such a critical situation, the only option is to use third-party tools to convert an OST file to a PST file from Outlook 2013 after recovering the damaged OST file. SysTools OST to PST Converter is one such external software application that meets one’s expectations in terms of features and successful conversion. Furthermore, conversion with this external tool is simple and straightforward. It reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of failure. The demand for this particular utility is also due to a number of factors, including those listed below:

  • It is not necessary to install Microsoft Outlook.
  • Converts all data items, including Mail, Tasks, and so on.
  • Allows for conversion to MSG, EML, and PDF formats.
  • Converts OST to PST from all Outlook versions.
  • Detects OST files on the machine automatically.
  • Convert multiple Outlook OST files at the same time
  • Outlook Offline Folders are not limited in size.

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