How to Migrate Outlook OST to PST: A Complete Guide

Migrating an Outlook OST file to PST is often necessary, especially when dealing with Exchange or IMAP accounts. An OST file is essentially a local cache of your mailbox data stored on the server, but it cannot be directly imported into another Outlook account. However, if you still have access to the original account associated with the OST file, you can easily export your mailbox folders to a PST file using Outlook's built-in Import and Export Wizard.

If your OST file has become orphaned (meaning it is no longer linked to its original account), you will need to use a third-party OST to PST Converter tool to complete the migration.

In this guide, we’ll cover both scenarios:

How to Export OST to PST Using the Import/Export Wizard

If you can access the Outlook account associated with the OST file, follow these steps to export your mailbox to a PST file:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Open Outlook

   • Launch the Outlook application and go to the File tab in the main menu.

2. Select 'Open & Export'

   • From the left-hand menu, click on Open & Export.

3. Choose the Import/Export Option

   • Click on Import/Export from the options listed.

4. Export to a File

   • In the pop-up window, select Export to a file and click Next.

5. Choose PST Format

   • Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click Next.

6. Select Mailbox Folders

   • Choose the folder(s) you want to export, such as your Inbox, Sent Items, etc., then click Next.

7. Save the PST File

   • Browse to the location where you want to save the PST file. You can also choose whether to replace duplicates or leave them unchanged.

8. Finish the Export

   • After selecting the destination, click Finish. Outlook will create the PST file with your mailbox data.

When Manual Export Fails: Dealing with Orphaned OST Files

The manual method described above works only when the OST file is linked to an active and accessible Exchange or IMAP account. If the OST file is orphaned, meaning the connection to the mailbox is lost, you won't be able to use the Import/Export Wizard. This often happens in the following situations:

Common Reasons for Orphaned OST Files:

1. Exchange Server is Unavailable: The server hosting the mailbox has crashed or is offline.
2. User Account Deleted: The user account linked to the OST file was accidentally deleted by the administrator.
3. Server Crashes: Malware or hardware failure caused the server to crash.
4. Server Maintenance: Access to the Exchange server is denied during scheduled maintenance.
5. Mailbox Access Denied: The user no longer has access to the Exchange or IMAP mailbox due to policy changes or permissions.

Using Third-Party OST to PST Converter Tools

When you encounter an orphaned OST file, a reliable third-party tool is the best solution. One highly recommended option is BLR Converter for OST, which provides a straightforward way to convert OST files to PST format without needing access to the original account.

Why Use a Converter Tool?

• Recovery of Orphaned Files: Allows you to recover mailbox data even if the original server is unavailable.
• Quick and Easy Conversion: Converts OST files to PST format with just a few clicks.
• Data Integrity: Ensures that your email, attachments, calendar, contacts, and other mailbox items are preserved.

How to Use BLR Converter for OST:

1. Download and Install: Install the BLR Converter for OST on your system.
2. Launch the Software: Open the tool and select the OST file you want to convert.
3. Scan the File: The tool will scan the file and display a preview of all recoverable mailbox items.
4. Convert and Save: Choose the folders or items you want to save, and export them to PST format.

Final Thoughts

Migrating OST to PST is a necessary step when dealing with Exchange or IMAP accounts, especially in cases where the original server is inaccessible. While Outlook’s built-in Import/Export Wizard can handle active OST files, an orphaned OST requires a more robust solution like Converter for OST.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to recover and convert your OST files with ease, ensuring that your mailbox data is preserved and accessible in PST format.

By combining both manual and software-based solutions, you can ensure that your data remains safe, regardless of the situation.