You can export mailbox data from your OST to PST for free by using Outlook’s built-in tool – Import/Export wizard or Archive feature. Another option is to create a new PST file and then drag and drop the mail items into it. But these methods can only applicable if your OST file is accessible, and Outlook is working and connected to mail server.
If your file becomes inaccessible/orphaned or the associated profile is not working, then you can use a free online OST to PST converter. In this article, we will be describing these methods.
Why do you Need to Export OST File Data to PST?
You often need to export the data from your OST to PST – Personal Storage Table – when:
- You want a portable backup of your mailbox data.
- Planning migration to a new Outlook profile, PC, or email service.
- You need to enhance performance of Outlook.
- Your account is removed or inaccessible.
What are the Ways to Export OST Mailbox Data to PST for Free?
Below we have mentioned some methods to export OST mailbox data to PST:
- Use Microsoft Outlook’s Import/Export Feature
Outlook comes with a built-in feature, called Import/Export wizard. You can use this feature in the application for exporting mail items from your OST file to PST for free. Let’s see how:
Note: This will only work if the Outlook profile linked with the OST file is accessible.
- Open Microsoft Outlook.
- Click File > Open & Export.
- Choose Import/Export
- Choose Export to a file and click
- Now, select Outlook Data File (.pst) > Next.
- Choose the folders to export. Tick the Include subfolders
- Then, click Next.
- Click on Browse to choose a destination to save the exported items (PST).
- Click onFinish.
- 2. Use the Archive Feature in Outlook
You can export the mail items from OST to PST file by using the Archive feature in the Outlook application. The steps are as follows:
Note: This feature is primarily used for moving older mail items to PST file.
- In Outlook 2013, go toFile > Cleanup Tools > Archive.
- In Outlook 2016 and later versions, navigate toFile > Info > Tools > Clean up old items.
- Select the ‘Archive this folder and all subfolders’option.
- Choose an email folder from the list for theArchive.
- Then, choose the date in the ‘Archive items older than:’ option.
- Click onBrowseto select a save location.
- Then clickOK.
- Drag & Drop Mail Items to PST File
You can use this method to export specific items to a PST file. In this, you have to first create a new PST file and then drag and drop the selected items into it. Here’s how:
- Open Outlook application.
- Click on New Items under the Home
- Select More Items.
- Choose the option “Outlook Data File”
- Enter a name for the PST file.
- Select a location/folder to save it.
- Now PST file will be displayed in the left pane of your Outlook window.
- Choose the emails that you want to export.
- Drag and drop them into the new PST file.
- Use an Online OST to PST Converter
While manual methods can help you in exporting emails from OST mailbox to PST, they require an active Outlook profile. If your Outlook profile is not active or the OST file is orphaned or inaccessible, then you can use the online OST to PST converter by Stellar. This tool can convert file up to 500 MB size for free. It has a simple interface that lets you convert the OST file in a few simple steps. It also ensures data privacy and security as the uploaded OST file and the converted PST file are permanently removed from the server within 24 hours.
The premium version of this online tool is also available that allows to convert OST file of up to 5 GB.
Let’s see how to use this free online OST to PST converter:
- Launch any web browser on your computer, like Chrome or Firefox.
- Visit this URL: https://converter.stellarinfo.com/
- Ensure to sign up before starting the conversion.
- Click on Upload OST File.
- Locate and select the OST file (<500 MB).
- Click on Open and wait until the file is uploaded.
- Click on Start Conversion. Wait for the process to finish.
- After the process is complete, select Save PST file.
Once the conversion process is complete, your OST file data is converted to PST file.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen above, there are different ways to export OST mailbox data to PST. But the manual methods – using Outlook options – can only work when your profile is active and the data file is accessible. If this is not the case, then use the online OST to PST converter by Stellar. It can quickly and seamlessly convert the OST file (up to 500 MB). However, if your OST file is larger than 5 MB then you can go for desktop version, Stellar Converter for OST. Also, it can maintain the original structure and hierarchy of your mailbox.
