Move Offline OST to PST with Manual Strategy

OST (Offline Storage Table) files that stores the entire data of Exchange Server and comes into existence when Outlook is configured with Exchange server. They are rightfully designated as the replica of the data stored on Exchange server. The OST files also act as the backup of Exchange server data.

These files automatically synchronize with Exchange server and update all the changes that are pending in the queue. However, due to various issues related to OST file, many users move offline OST to PST file format. In the following section, the need and method to move the data from OST to PST file format is discussed.There are some reasons due to which users need to move all their data from OST to PST file format as mentioned below:

Why Users Want to Move their Data from OST to PST format?

OST Size Limit: Each Outlook edition has different size limit that deals with OST file. However, if there is an increase in file size, the performance of Outlook slows down.
Orphan state of OST file: When the exchange mailbox is either deleted or dismounted from the Exchange server, OST file will be inaccessible, which leads to orphan state of OST file.
Interruption in Synchronization: OST file is in encrypted form and decryption key of Outlook profile requires key to be matched with the one, which is present on Exchange Server. If it does not match then, synchronization issue is encountered, which makes OST file inaccessible.
OST Corruption Issue: The OST file can be corrupted sue to various reasons such as unexpected power shut down while synchronizing, virus attack, improper handling of data, etc.

How Users can Move their Data from OST to PST Format?

Users can move all their OST data to PST file format with two ways as mentioned below. Before starting the process, it is essential to have MS Outlook installation on the system that is configured with Exchange Server. There should be proper connection to perform the conversion of data from OST to PST file format.

Import and Export Method

Open Outlook on your system
Choose the File tab at the uppermost menu bar >> Open Import.
Import and Export Wizard is launched, where users can choose ‘export to file’ option >> click Next.
Select the PST file format from the given list >> click Finish.
Make sure that new PST file is present in the location, which is defined by users.

Drag and Drop Method

User can create a new PST file in Outlook and then user can choose the required mailbox items from OST, drag and drop them to the newly created PST file.

In the above discussion, the need to move offline OST to PST file format is discussed. Along with this, two work around are described that helps users to move the data from OST to PST file format for its future usage. But according to experts, user should use the third party solution as third party solution provide 100% satisfactory result for moving offline OST to PST format.