How to Export OST to PST with Attachments in Bulk

How to convert OST files to PST? If you are also finding solutions to this query, your query is going to be resolved now. This article will discuss three manual solutions to export OST to PST in bulk. We will also include an Outlook OST to PST Converter for a quick solution.

As an Outlook user, you would surely be familiar with OST and PST files. OST files are offline copies of Outlook data on the Exchange server. On the other hand, the PST files are Outlook data files on the user’s system. In some scenarios, users want to extract emails from OST files to PST. Let’s begin with traditional ways to convert OST to PST.

How to Export OST to PST

There are three free ways to export OST files to PST, and we will discuss them all in detail. Prior to this, if you don’t know where your OST files are located, follow the instructions given below to locate the OST files.

1. Launch Outlook and go to the File tab.
2. Choose Account Settings and then the Data File tab.
3. Find your OST file and select Open File Location.

After finding the OST files, let’s move on to the conversion process from OST to PST.

Solution 1: Use the Import/Export Wizard

You can use the Import/Export option in MS Outlook to save OST as PST. Check out the steps mentioned below:

1. Launch MS Outlook and go to the File menu.
2. Click Open & Export and select Import & Export.
3. Select the Export to a file option and click on the Next button.
4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) from the drop-down and click Next.
5. Select the folder to export, and click Next.
6. Check the box for Subfolders to include subfolders.
7. Provide the destination path to save the PST file.

Solution 2: Archive OST Files to PST in Outlook

You can use the archive option to export OST to PST.

1. Open Outlook and go to the File menu.
2. Click Options and select the Advanced tab.
3. Choose Auto Archive Settings and select the number of days to auto-archive the data.
4. Provide the destination folder to save the PST file.
5. At last, click the OK button.

If the above solutions don’t work, you should try the next method.

Solution 3: Drag & Drop the OST Files from Outlook

For the drag & drop method, you should create a PST file and then drag the OST file into the PST file.

To create a new PST file, follow the given steps:

1. Open Outlook and go to the Home tab.
2. Click New Items and select the Outlook data file.
3. Choose the Outlook data file (.pst) and click OK.

Now, drag and drop the files from OST to the newly created PST file.

1. Drag the OST files from Outlook into the newly created PST file.
2. If asked to confirm the action, tap yes.

The manual process is free to export OST to PST, but there are some issues users may face while following these solutions.

Drawbacks of Manual Solutions to Convert OST to PST

As we know, the traditional method is free, but it has some limitations. It is better to discuss it before you get stuck in it. Some of its limitations are listed below:

1. Manual solutions include a high risk of data loss, which may damage your Outlook files.
2. You can’t extract emails from OST files without Outlook.
3. There is no guarantee of data accuracy during the manual conversion.
4. For the manual conversion, you should have the technical skills to convert the files without any data loss.
5. It doesn’t convert corrupted OST files to PST.
6. Large OST files can cause hassle during the conversion process.
7. It doesn’t transfer all email items from the mailbox.
8. You can convert only one mailbox at a time.

As we can see, there are various disadvantages to converting OST to PST manually. That’s why, professionals recommend using the Microsoft OST to PST Converter for the best results. Using this automated approach, you can convert multiple OST files in bulk with high accuracy. Moreover, there are no chances of data loss, as it is the safest method to convert Outlook files. Anyone can convert the files successfully without technical knowledge.

Winding Up

This article has explained three manual and free techniques to copy OST to PST. However, it is not suitable for non-tech users, as it demands high technical skills. To avoid such issues, we have also presented a professional solution to export OST to PST. You can choose the method as per your desires.