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Why and How to Convert OST to PST File

Microsoft Outlook is an excellent email client and has made a revolutionary progress as a desktop mail client. This personal information manager of Microsoft stores all the Outlook information in a standard data file formats (.ost or .pst).

Why and How to Convert OST to PST File


A backup for all their data is anticipated by many users. In that context, Microsoft Outlook provides the facility of backing up all the information in Outlook including email messages, calendar events, contacts, tasks, notes and other items.



The Offline Storage Table:


When working with Microsoft Exchange account which is configured to Cached Exchange mode, a local copy of the users’ mailbox is created on the system in the Outlook OST file format. This Offline Storage Table (OST) makes it possible for the users to access data offline, i.e. when not connected to the Exchange server.

The data can be later synced on to the Exchange server when network connectivity is available. The advantage of these files is that they can serve as backup to restore data in case the user’s Exchange mailbox gets damaged or deleted. However, the OST file, like other database is prone to corruption,making it inaccessible. This further leads to loss of data stored in the OST.

Common Issues that Make the OST File Inaccessible:


OST File is Corrupt:


A file can get inaccessible due to number of reasons which could be related to system hardware, software or improper configuration settings. The hard disk is divided into multiple sections. In case of any damage caused to the section of the hard disk that stores the OST file, the later will be affected adversely and will display only partial information or will show OST file data full of errors.

Permanent Mailbox Deletion:


Hard deletion is the method for permanent deletion of data. If the hard deletion method is used to delete an object in Exchange mailbox or the mailbox itself is deleted, it will be permanently erased.If the mailbox is deleted, the encryption key stored at the mailbox will not be found and hence OST will become inaccessible.

OST Disconnected from Mailbox:


The Exchange OST file is connected to the mailbox on server by a MAPI encryption key. This key is needed for successful syncing but if this synchronization key does not match in the mailbox or in MAPI, then the syncing process gets disrupted and the OST file is said to go in orphaned state. Mailbox deletion, relocation, change in its properties etc. are some of the scenarios that make the OST file orphaned and ultimately inaccessible.

Large OST Size Issue:


We are familiar with the size limitations of the PST files. However, just like PST, OST files too have a size constraint. To avoid the disastrous consequences of a large sized OST file, the convenient solution is to archive OST into PST. This will be beneficial in saving the OST file from data loss and will further help to improve the performance of MS Outlook.

Migration to New Server:


It is a complicated task to migrate a mailbox to another server. Suppose you are shifting to a different department and your mailbox is to be migrated to a new server. The mailbox data in the form of OST can easily be migrated into Outlook PST and then the PST file can be migrated into the new server mailbox.

How to Convert OST to PST File Format?


In the previous section, we have learnt about the various advantages of converting an OST to PST file format. Now, how to achieve successful conversion it would be a matter of concern. The perfect way to  OST to PST Converter is the ultimate solution to all such related queries. With its advanced algorithms, the tool is not only capable of converting corrupt and orphaned OST files to PST format, but also boosts the overall performance of the Outlook-Exchange environment.


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