Technical Strategy to Move Offline OST to PST

Microsoft Outlook generates two storage files according to different conditions, i.e. OST and PST. An introduction to both these files is given below:

1. Offline Storage Table File: An OST file is Offline Outlook storage database file, which is a cache replica representing a Microsoft Exchange Server mailbox on a local machine having .ost extension. This file is generated when cache mode is activated and is used for maintaining the offline availability of data.

2. Personal Storage Table File: An open proprietary file used for storing data of Microsoft Outlook desktop-based email application like emails, calendars, contacts, etc., is termed as PST file. The file extension of this storage file is .pst. These files are used for archiving the Outlook item on users PC.

The major difference between OST and PST files is that unlike PST data files, OST files are bound to the configuration of mail account and cannot be opened, merged, broken down, and backed up separately. Therefore, there exists a need to move offline OST to PST file format, which will provide Microsoft users with a server independent proprietary file format.

  Strategy to Move Offline OST to PST

There are following three approaches through which user can move their offline OST file to PST file format on their system itself:

  Procedure 1: Using Archive Option in Outlook

By using Archive option in Outlook application, you can move items to PST file format. To perform this, go through the following steps:

1. Go to File tab in Outlook and then go to Cleanup Tools >> Archive >> Archive this folders and all subfolders option.

2. Click on the folder, which you want to archive and mention a date under Archive items older than option.

3. For saving the converted file into the user-specified path, click on Browse option and select the path where you want to archive the file.

  Procedure 2: Using Export Option OST to PST

MS Outlook provides an option named Export, to move offline OST to a PST file type, which is an easy measure for performing such migrations.

  Procedure 3: Creating a New Outlook PST File

Another strategy involves the creation of a new PST file into your profile, which allows users to drag folders that they wish to move from offline OST to PST.

Conclusion

Without making usage of any software, a user can move offline OST to PST file format without any complications and in a quick manner. However, the availability of a live Exchange Server environment is necessary for performing the migration.