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How to convert OST to PST in Outlook 2016 manually?

As we all know that MS Outlook is one of the most popular desktop-based email programs. With the help of this, the user can easily manage emails, calendars, tasks, notes, etc. Apart from this, Outlook is also known for its high-level security. It uses OST and PST files to store data on the local machine. In this post, we will discuss a few facts about OST and why we need to convert OST files to PST.

About OST File

OST or Offline storage table is an offline folder file, also known as exchange OST. Mainly Exchange server uses this file to store all mailbox data on the local machine. With the help of this, the user can access data offline. Users can create new emails, manage calendars, etc. but when the internet connection is available, it will sync all data automatically to the exchange server.

Why do we need to convert OST to PST?

The OST file is sensitive and easily becomes inaccessible. To keep the data safe, many users convert OST files to PST. So they will have a backup in the form of PST files.

In this section, we will discuss the top two free methods to convert OST to PST manually.

Method 1: Convert OST to PST using Import/Export option

• Open MS Outlook
• Click on the File menu and select Open & Export option.
• Choose the Import/Export option
• From the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a file option
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst), from the Export to a File Wizard, and click on the Next
• Select folders, which you want to export
• Provide the location, where you want to save PST file and choose to replace duplicates with items exported
• Click on the Finish button
• Enter password if you want, otherwise, click on Cancel

With the help of this method, you can convert OST to PST manually. However, this method does not work in some situations.

• Exchange server is offline
• The Outlook is not connected with Exchange server
• The Outlook is not working properly

Method 2: Convert OST file to PST using OST to PST converter tool

This is the most preferred solution to convert OST to PST files. With the help of the software, you can convert large size OST into PST. Apart from this, you can also repair corrupted OST files and export all data into PST, MBOX, MSG, and EML format.

To execute this method, download and install the software.

• Open OST to PST converter tool
• Click on the Add File, select OST file, which you want to convert, and click on OK to load the files
• Click on the Export and select All folders
• Choose PST as an Export option and provide a location to save the PST files
• Click on Export button to start the conversion process
• Once the process gets completed, click on the OK button

After the conversion, you can access the exported PST in all versions of MS Outlook, including 2016.

Questions from the topic

Q. Does this tool require the Exchange server?

No, it does not require the exchange server to perform the OST to PST conversion. After the conversion, you can open exported PST files in all new and old versions of MS Outlook, including 2019, 2016.

Q. Can I convert OST to PST free with the demo version?

Yes, you can perform the free OST to PST conversion, but the demo version allows you to export the first 20 items per folder. To remove the restriction, you need to purchase the full version software.

Q. Can I convert the corrupted OST file to PST format?

Yes, with the help of this OST converter tool, you can quickly repair the OST file, and after that, you can export OST to PST file format. Apart from this, you can also recover soft deleted items. The software allows you multiple export options as well.