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How to Import PST to OST in Outlook 2003-2021? Learn Here

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: December 6th, 2024 • 8 Min Read

This informative blog post discloses manual tricks to import PST to OST in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 versions. So, if you are looking for an excellent method to convert PST to OST file in Outlook, then, you can refer to this blog post and follow the expert guidelines to resolve your problem instantly.

Before importing PST to OST, you should know some points to avoid any confusion during the process.

  • There is no direct option available to import OST to Outlook, so users rarely convert PST to OST format.
  • Users can import PST to Outlook manually using an inbuilt Import/Export option, so most users convert OST files to PST.
  • If the OST file once disconnected from the configured profile, then there is no way to import orphan OST into Outlook.
  • If you have a desire to import PST to OST, then this is mandatory that your OST file be connected to your Outlook profile.
Table of Contents Hide
  1. Situations to Convert PST to OST File in Outlook
  2. Convert PST to OST in Outlook 2013-2021
  3. Change PST to OST in Outlook 2010
  4. Import PST to OST in Outlook 2007 & 2003
  5. Manual Method Disadvantages
  6. Alternative Professional Solution
  7. Salient Features of PST to OST Converter
  8. Some Tips For PST to OST Conversion
  9. Questions You Might Have
  10. Conclusion

What Are Situations to Convert PST to OST File in Outlook?

Every user has their own reason to convert PST file to OST. They may range from personal to professional causes, benefits, or other scenarios. Therefore, to get an idea of what instigates some individuals, businesses, or other users for PST to OST conversion, read the below-written points.

  • Configuration Settings: If users configure a profile in Outlook using IMAP settings or sync an Exchange Server account with Outlook, then it creates an OST file. If they configure your email account using POP3 settings, then Outlook creates a PST file. Sometimes users want to import data from configured PST to configured OST.
  • Exported PST: Sometimes users export PST files from Outlook using an inbuilt Import/Export Wizard. After completing the export process, they may wish to import PST to OST in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 accordingly.
  • Merge Data: Various working professionals wish to merge PST to OST which is configured and connected with the associated user account. Then users start searching for a robust solution for converting PST to OST files.
  • Orphan File: If users have an orphan PST file and they have a desire to import it in an OST file in Outlook which is in proper working condition. So that they can access old and new data in the same configured account.

Recommended: Expert Guide to Import Old Emails into Outlook

How to Convert PST to OST in Outlook 2013-2021?

  1. Launch Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013 on your machine.
  2. Thereafter, choose File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.
    Open and export
  3. Then, select Import from another program or file and tap Next.
    Import from another program or file
  4. Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and click Next.
    Outlook data file (.pst)
  5. Next, browse the PST file from your computer to import.
    Import PST to OST in Outlook
  6. Choose a folder where you want to import PST and press Finish.
    Select a folder
  7. Imported PST file will be displayed on the left-side corner.
  8. Right-click on the configured OST profile and create a New Folder.
  9. Drag and drop imported PST to OST in the newly created folder.

How to Convert PST to OST File in Outlook 2010?

  1. Start MS Outlook 2010 on your machine and choose File.
  2. Thereafter, select Open and then choose Import option.
  3. Choose Import from another program or file and press Next.
  4. After that, select Outlook Data File (.pst) and hit Next.
  5. Browse a PST file from your computer and click Next.
  6. Select a folder to import PST to OST and Finish.
  7. Right-click on the configured profile and create a new folder.
  8. Drag and drop imported PST to OST folder (newly created).

Know How to Import PST to OST in Outlook 2007 & 2003

  1. Open Outlook 2003 or 2007 and select the File option.
  2. Choose the Import and Export option to open Wizard.
  3. Next, select Import from another program or file.
  4. Choose Personal Folder File (.pst) and press Next.
  5. Browse the PST file to import from your machine and Next.
  6. Pick a folder to import PST file data and click Finish.
  7. After that, see the import PST file in the left side panel.
  8. Right-click the configured profile and make a new folder.
  9. Under the new OST folder, drag and drop imported PST.

What Are the Manual Method Disadvantages?

Now, when you are done with exploring some conventional ways to change PST file to OST, lets highlight some of its drawbacks which limit users from being productive in this task.

  • If you have an orphaned file then you can’t import PST to OST, which means your OST file should be configured and connected to Outlook correctly.
  • It requires medium-level knowledge of MS Outlook client, inbuilt Import Export Wizard, and types of account configurations.
  • This is a time-consuming and lengthy process to convert PST to OST file using MS Outlook 2003 to 2021 email client.
  • There is no guarantee for converting PST to OST with 100% accuracy, you can perform these methods at your own risk.

Read Similar: Verified Ways to Convert PST to OLM for Mac Outlook

Professional Solution To Convert PST File to OST

BitRecover PST Converter Wizard is an all-in-one software that is compatible with both PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table) files. The tool has 30+ saving options. This software has a direct option to import PST to shared mailbox Office 365, as well as Google Workspace, Yahoo, Exchange Server, etc. If you have orphaned PST and OST files, then this is a highly recommended solution because in this situation manual method will not work.

The PST to OST converter has a simple and user-friendly interface, hence suitable for all levels of users. Users having the bulk of PST files to change into OST can also use this tool. It provides various advanced batch and selective conversion and several useful features to ease the PST to OST conversion process.
import or convert PST to OST

Salient Features of Free PST to OST Converter

After getting a quick brief of the PST to OST converter, it’s high time to learn about its unique features that make it win over other methods and tools. So, have a quick look at the below-mentioned points.

  • Allows to import PST to OST file on both Mac to Windows.
  • Offers options like Select File, Select Folder, or Convert Configured Outlook mailbox data to add files.
  • Provides “Use Recovery Mode” option to repair PST file.
  • Preview folders to select and convert only the required folders.
  • Multiple saving options to convert PST to OST files and several more.
  • Maintaining folder hierarchy and converting PST to OST without data loss.

Some Tips For PST to OST Conversion

After learning about different methods to convert PST file to OST, let’s learn some tips and tricks to practice effortless conversion processes. Thus, for the same, read and follow the below-shared points:

  • Never forget to keep a backup or copy of the PST files that you want to convert into OST.
  • Moreover, to avoid glitches or data loss, do the PST to OST conversion in small batches. 
  • Always check and cross-verify that the OST account is activated and correctly synced with the mailbox. 
  • Do not use any third-party online converter or unreliable software to do the PST to OST conversion as they may lead to data breaching or major alteration. 

Questions You Might Have

Q 1: When does Outlook create PST and OST files?

If you configure MS Outlook using POP3 settings, then it creates a PST file. If you configure an Outlook account using IMAP settings, then it creates an OST file. Also, if you sync the Exchange Server with Outlook then it generates OST files.

Q 2: Can I convert PST to OST file without Outlook manually?

No, MS Outlook should be installed and configured to convert PST to OST manually.

Q 3: Can I import a PST file into an OST?

Yes, if your OST file should be connected and configured with Outlook then you can transfer PST file data in the OST file.

Q 4: Is an OST file the same as a PST file?

No, OST and PST are two distinct file formats. OST stands for Offline storage table that is used to store offline copies of emails syncing with the Exchange server in Outlook. Moreover, PST stands for personal storage table, used to archive emails and personal data locally in Outlook without server synchronization.

Q 5: How to convert PST to OST file offline?

By using the above-mentioned expert-suggested PST to OST converter, one can effortlessly convert their PST files and folders to OST extension swiftly. Moreover, this solution provides easy-to-use features, interactive layouts, offline usability, and a lot of ease in the conversion procedure which makes it users’ first choice. 

Conclusion

This article explored manual methods to import PST to OST in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 versions. You can follow the above-mentioned steps to convert PST to OST file in Outlook desktop client. Alternatively, you can use the suggested software that supports PST and OST files and offers 30+ unique saving options.

Read Next:  Expert Guide To Save PST File to CSV Format