Outlook’s Offline Storage Table (OST) files allow users to access their email data while working offline. But sometimes it becomes necessary to convert an encrypted OST file to PST format. This is especially required when a user is switching devices or when an Exchange Server is unavailable. PST (Personal Storage Table) files are far more versatile and can be easily imported into Outlook or backed up for future use.
Converting an encrypted OST file to PST may seem challenging due to encryption and file complexity. But there are several reliable methods that can help a user in achieving this.
1 Using Outlook Import/Export Wizard
The most straightforward method to convert an OST file to PST is by using Outlook’s built-in Import/Export Wizard. However, this method requires the user to have access to the original Outlook profile associated with the OST file. Here’s how it can be done:
Steps:
Opening Outlook: The user must launch Outlook using the profile connected to the Exchange Server where the OST file resides. Navigating to Import/Export and then clicking on ‘File’ in the top menu and then selecting ‘Open & Export’. The user should then click on Import/Export.
Choose Export to PST:
In the Import/Export wizard, the user should choose ‘Export’ to a file and click Next. Then the user must select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
Selecting the Mailbox Folders: The user must choose the folder that the user wants to export (the user can select the entire mailbox or specific folders like Inbox, Contacts, etc.). Then the user must check the box Include subfolders if necessary and then click Next.
Choosing Destination: The user must browse to the location where the user wants to save the PST file and give it a name and then click ‘Finish’.
Completing the Export: The conversion process will start and once completed, the user will have OST data converted to a PST file.
It is to be noted that for this method to work, it will require access to the original Outlook profile and the Exchange Server. Additionally, if the OST file is corrupted or the Exchange Server is unavailable, this method will not work. Then there can be some challenges-encrypted OST files may pose issues if encryption is strict, making manual export difficult.
2 Using an OST to PST Converter Tool
If the user does not have access to the Outlook profile or Exchange Server, or if the OST file is encrypted and inaccessible, a professional OST to PST converter tool is required. These third-party tools are designed specifically for converting encrypted or inaccessible OST files to PST format without requiring access to the original server or Outlook profile. These specialized tools can bypass encryption and convert data without requiring the original profile.
Many converters can repair corrupted OST files before converting them to PST. Some of the tools like the one offered by Stellar allow the conversion of multiple OST files simultaneously. This too also can handle large OST files without data loss. These professionally designed tools ensure that the folder structure and attachments are preserved during conversion.
Steps to Convert Using an OST to PST Converter Tool:
Downloading and Installing the Tool: The user can choose an appropriate OST to PST converter tool from a reliable source and then install it on computer. The user should then open the converter tool and browse for the OST file that the user wants to convert. The tool will automatically detect the file if it’s linked to the user’s Outlook profile or allow the user to select a specific file.
Scanning the OST File: The user must start the scanning process to check for corruption or encryption issues. Most tools will offer a preview of the recoverable data once the scan is complete. After the scanning process, the user must select the data the user wants to convert and choose PST as the output format.
Specifying the Destination: The user must choose the location where the user wants to save the converted PST file and then click Save. Once the process is finished, the user can open the PST file in Outlook and access your converted data.
3 Recreate OST File and Sync with Exchange Server
If the OST file is encrypted or inaccessible due to minor issues but the user still has access to the Exchange Server, one option is to delete the existing OST file and let Outlook automatically recreate a new OST file.
Steps to Recreate OST File: Before proceeding, the user must ensure Outlook is closed completely. Then the OST file should be located by pressing Windows + R, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook and then pressing Enter.
In the opened folder, the user must locate the OST file associated with the user’s Outlook profile. The user must then right-click the OST file and select Delete. Then the user must open Outlook. It will automatically recreate OST file by synchronising with the Exchange Server. This ensures that the user has a fresh and functional OST file.
This method only works if the Exchange Server is accessible and your Outlook profile is intact. The user cannot use this method if the OST file is orphaned or if the user has lost connection to the Exchange Server permanently.
4 Using a Professional Recovery Service
If none of the above methods work, or if the OST file is severely damaged or encrypted, the user can consider using a professional OST to PST conversion service. These services involve sending your encrypted or damaged OST file to experts who will recover the data and convert it to PST format for the user. This conversion service can handle highly complex encryption and corruption issues. This service can also ensure maximum data recovery with minimal loss. This service can also offer confidentiality and secure handling of the user’s data.