In the business world, email is an important tool for communication and daily management. However, there are times when errors prevent us from accessing our emails, contacts or calendars stored in OST files. To address this, it is necessary to convert these files into a more accessible format like PST. Let's see how to perform this procedure safely and efficiently.
What is OST file?
OST files, or Offline Storage Tables, allow us to work in Microsoft Outlook without being connected to a mail server. When we set up our account on an Exchange or IMAP server, Outlook downloads a local copy of our mailbox to an OST file. This enables us to continue managing our emails, calendars, contacts and tasks even if we have no Internet connection or the server is unavailable.
The OST file automatically syncs with the server when we reconnect, ensuring that everything we've done locally is updated on both our device and the server. If there is a failure on the server or the OST file gets corrupted, we lose access to our data. In these cases, converting the OST file to a more accessible format like PST is the best solution to recover the information.
Manual conversion or dedicated apps?
When it comes to converting an OST file to PST, we have two main options: resorting to manual methods or using specialized tools. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will largely depend on our situation and what we want to achieve.
Manual methods, such as exporting data through Microsoft Outlook, are a simple solution. The process involves opening the OST file in Outlook (if accessible) and exporting the mailbox contents to a PST file using Outlook's “Import and Export” function. However, the manual process is only viable if we still have access to the email account and if the OST file is not damaged or inaccessible.
Large files, or files with corrupt elements, can cause errors during export, resulting in the loss of emails, contacts, or calendar events. Additionally, the manual process does not allow conversion of encrypted OST files, which is a problem in environments where additional security measures are used.
In situations where we need to convert multiple OST files or large files, the manual process can be extremely slow and prone to errors. This is where specialized tools prove their usefulness by offering more efficient and safer solutions.
What makes Stellar Converter for OST special?
Stellar Converter for OST is specially designed to handle situations where manual methods fail. Its tools allow us to directly convert inaccessible, encrypted, or damaged OST files to PST files without the need to access Exchange or IMAP servers.
Stellar Converter for OST has many features that make it the ideal choice for converting OST files to PST. Here are some of its most important functionalities:
- Conversion of inaccessible OST files: One of the main benefits of this tool is its ability to convert OST files that cannot be opened in Outlook due to synchronization issues or because the email account has been deleted from the server.
- Compatibility with large and encrypted files: Unlike other solutions, Stellar Converter for OST can handle large OST files without errors, which is important when working with old emails or files with large amounts of data. Furthermore, it can convert encrypted OST files, ensuring that we can access all our data, even if they are protected by security measures.
- Preview before conversion: The software allows us to preview the data present in the OST file before performing the conversion. This is extremely useful, as it lets us verify that all mailbox elements are present and in good condition before saving it to the PST file.
- Export to multiple formats: Apart from converting OST to PST, Stellar Converter for OST offers us the option to export our data to other formats, such as EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF. This flexibility is welcome when accessing and using changed information in different applications or environments.
- Compatibility with the latest versions of Outlook: The software is compatible with a wide range of Microsoft Outlook versions, from Outlook 2007 to the latest version of Office 365, ensuring that we can work with any version we have installed. Can.
- Direct migration to Office 365: The “Technician” edition of Stellar Converter for OST offers a feature that allows us to migrate the converted data directly to an Office 365 account or a live Exchange server, making migration easier for companies changing servers. Simplifies the process or platform.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert OST to PST with Stellar Converter
Converting OST files to PST using Stellar Converter for OST It is a straightforward process that does not require technical knowledge. The first step before starting the conversion is to install the app. Here we simply download Stellar Converter for OST from its official page, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 1: Select OST file
Once we have installed Stellar Converter for OST on our system, we open it and face the main interface of the software. The first step in the conversion process is to select the OST file we want to convert.
If we know the exact location of the OST file on our system, we can click on the “Select File” button and navigate to the location where the file is stored. If we don't know where the OST file is located, the software provides us with the option to locate it automatically. To do this, we click on the “Find File” option, and the program will take care of locating all the OST files available on the system.
Step 2: Start the Conversion
Once we select the OST file we want to convert, we click on the “Convert” button. The software will begin analyzing the file, a process that may take several minutes depending on the size of the file and the amount of data it contains. During this time, Stellar Converter for OST checks all the elements stored in the OST file, including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and attachments.
This analysis is an important step, as the software not only converts the file but also ensures that all the data is recovered intact and without errors. If the file is damaged or contains corrupt elements, Stellar Converter is able to repair and recover those data during the conversion process.
Step 3: Preview the changed data
Once the conversion process is complete, Stellar Converter for OST Will show us a detailed preview of all mailbox elements that have been changed. This preview is presented in a tree structure, with the mailbox's folders and subfolders clearly organized in the left panel.
We can navigate through different folders, such as Inbox, Sent Items, Calendar, Contacts and more, and click on any of them to view their contents in the preview panel.
Step 4: Save PST File
After reviewing the data and confirming that everything is in order, it's time to save the converted file in PST format. To do this, we click on the “Save Converted File” button. The software will provide us with multiple format options in which we can save the file including PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML and PDF. In this case, we select PST, which is a format compatible with Outlook.
Next, we need to choose a location on our system where we want to save the PST file. After selecting the location, we click “Save” and Stellar Converter to OST will proceed to create a PST file with all the selected mailbox elements.
Step 5 (Optional): Import the PST file into Outlook
The last step, although optional, is to import the PST file we saved into Microsoft Outlook to access the converted data. To do this, we open Outlook and follow these steps:
- Go to the “File” tab in Outlook.
- Click “Open and Export” and select “Import/Export.”
- Select the option “Import from another program or file” and select “Outlook Data File (.pst)”.
- Navigate to the location where we saved the PST file and select it.
- Outlook will start importing all the data from the PST file including emails, contacts, calendars and other elements.
Once the import process is complete, we will be able to access all the changed elements directly from Outlook, allowing us to manage and use our data as normal.
Stellar Converter for OST: The Ideal Solution
Stellar Converter for OST emerges as a very complete and robust solution to convert OST files to PST safely and effectively. We have seen how this tool not only facilitates the conversion of inaccessible files but also offers advanced features like conversion of encrypted files, batch conversion and direct migration to Office 365.
Stellar Converter for OST is known for its ability to handle large files and offers multiple export options, making it a versatile tool that meets the needs of individual users as well as large companies. The ability to preview data before conversion and the guarantee that all mailbox elements will remain intact are major advantages over other solutions available on the market.
Considering everything, Stellar Converter for OST It not only helps us solve common problems related to inaccessibility of OST files but also provides a solution to manage, migrate and secure our email data efficiently.
