It is not a simple process to covert OST to PST when the Outlook data files are inaccessible, encrypted, or orphaned, but it is needed from time to time when working with the Microsoft Outlook. Outlook OST files, also known as Offline Storage Tables, are local replicas of a user’s mailbox in an Exchange server. These files allow for access to emails, calendars, contacts and other items within the mailbox offline. But there are situations when these files are missing and the only possible method to get the information is to convert it to PST format.
OST to PST Conversion: A Step by Step Guide
In this guide, we will explore why you might need to convert encrypted OST files to PST and discuss two primary methods for achieving this: a basic approach that entails the utilization of outlook import/export wizard and an advanced approach that employs OST to PST conversion application.
OST files can become inaccessible for several reasons:
· Orphaned OST Files: If the OST file is linked to an Exchange server or Outlook profile that is no longer available (e.g., the server is down or the account has been deleted), the OST file becomes "orphaned" and cannot be accessed.
· Network Issues: Bad network connections during synchronization with the Exchange server can damage OST files.
· Encryption: Outlook encrypts OST files to protect mailbox data using a MAPI Entry ID GUID key. This encryption prevents access to the files from a different profile or server without conversion.
· File Size Issues: Large OST files are more prone to corruption, which can render them inaccessible.
To recover and access the data within an encrypted or orphaned OST file, converting it to PST format becomes essential. PST (Personal Storage Table) is a more portable and universally accepted format in Outlook that can easily be transferred, backed up, or restored on any machine running Outlook.
Why Convert an Encrypted OST File?
There are several scenarios where converting an encrypted OST file to PST is crucial:
1. Recovering Mailbox Data: If you cannot access your mailbox due to a deleted Exchange account or an unreachable server, converting the OST to PST allows you to recover your data.
2. Server or Account Migration: When migrating from one email server to another, such as from an Exchange server to Office 365, converting the OST file ensures a smooth data transfer.
3. Creating a Backup: Converting an OST file to PST creates a backup of your mailbox data, providing peace of mind for future issues.
4. Reducing OST File Size: OST files can become bloated over time, leading to performance issues or corruption. Converting to PST helps minimize size-related problems.
5. Restoring Deleted or Disabled Accounts: If an Exchange account is deleted or disabled, the OST file may remain but will be unusable unless converted to PST.
How to Convert an Encrypted OST File to PST
There are two primary methods to convert an encrypted OST file to PST: using Outlook’s built-in Import/Export Wizard and utilizing specialized OST to PST converter tools.
Method 1: Import/Export Wizard of Outlook
This manual method requires you to sign in with the same Exchange account that created the OST file. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Outlook, click on File, and then on Open & Export.
2. Select Import/Export.
3. Choose the option Export to a file from the dropdown list and click Next.
4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) as the export format and click Next.
5. Choose the folders or subfolders you want to export (e.g., Inbox, Calendar, Contacts) and click Next.
6. Select the location for saving the exported PST file, check Replace duplicates with items exported, and click Finish.
Limitations of the Manual Method:
Complex for Non-Technical Users: The manual process can be cumbersome and confusing for users unfamiliar with Outlook.
Time-Consuming: Users must select and export each folder individually, which can be tedious for large mailboxes.
Risk of Data Loss: The manual export method is prone to incomplete data exports, risking data loss.
Requires Original Exchange Account: This method is unusable if the Exchange account that created the OST file is no longer available.
Doesn’t Maintain Folder Hierarchy: Larger OST files may lose their folder structure during export, making navigation through the PST challenging.
Given these limitations, the manual method may not be effective for users with large, orphaned, or severely corrupted OST files.
Method 2: Using a Specialized OST to PST Converter Tool
The better way is to seek help of professional OST to PST converter tool that is BLR OST Converter Software. This software is created to export the OST files which can be encrypted, inaccessible or orphaned and export them into PST format without data being altered.
Key Features of BLR Converter for OST:
• Handles Large OST Files: The tool is quite effective in converting OST files to PST without any loss of data in a large file.
• Converts Encrypted OST Files: It directly bypass the encrypted, and transform OST files into more comprehensible formats.
• Previews Mailbox Data: A user can always preview all the items that exist in an OST file before the conversion process to guarantee that nothing has been altered.
• Supports Multiple File Formats: Apart from PST, the tool can export OST data in other formats including EML, MSG, RTF, HTML and PDF.
• Batch Conversion: The tool is capable of performing the conversion of several OST files at a time which enables the user to perform large scale conversion.
• Auto-Splits Large PST Files: During the process of the conversion, the software divides the large PST files into smaller ones to avoid PST file size corruption.
• Technician and Toolkit Versions: Some of the enhanced editions can perform complex operations such as merging PST files or moving to MS 365.
The choice of BLR Converter for OST is beneficial for users who require converting encrypted or orphaned OST files quickly without the time-consuming process of manual methods.
Read also: Why is it Necessary to Convert OST to PST in MS Outlook?
Conclusion
Converting encrypted or orphaned OST files to PST is often required in Outlook since working with inaccessible mailbox data is a common issue. Outlook’s Import/Export Wizard is another way of converting OST files manually, but due to its disadvantages, it is not suitable for large or encrypted OST files. A professional tool like BLR Converter for OST has advanced features like encryption handling, large file conversion, and multiple export options. With these tools, one can effectively perform the mailbox data retrieval while keeping it safe and easily accessible.
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