This guide will teach all you need to know about OST files and how to convert them into other kinds of files that would make data movement or backup simple. We will discuss both free and paid approaches to accomplish it so you have all the tools you need!

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Turning Files From an Offline Storage Table (OST)

OST files are Microsoft Outlook's unsung heroes interacting with Exchange Server. They preserve copies of your contacts, calendar entries, and emails as well as sync your phone with your computer. The site speeds things up by keeping data locally, hence you may still view it even without internet access.

Conversely, OST files are not perfect for everything. Outlook is the only email tool you can use to access them; none else. You might not be able to retrieve the information in an OST file lost, moved computers, or changed email provider.

This is where an OST converter program is quite useful. Changing your OST file to a format with more flexibility will help you to manage and retrieve your data faster.

  • If you have a customized PST file, moving your Outlook data to another machine is easy.
  • Demand another email application? Outlook might not be the most suited tool for you. Moving your emails between apps won't cause you to lose any information if you convert your OST file to an EML file.
  • For safety, make a copy of your OST file in EML or MSG form. Many tools make accessing these files simple, which protects your data should your computer fail or files get deleted.
  • You might have to delete certain emails from your OST file to follow the policies. Changing them to EML or PDF makes it simple to include them in reports or forward them to the appropriate parties.

 

Techniques for Turning an OST File into a Different File Format: Paid and Free Alternatives

OST files can be turned essentially in two ways:

Either purchasing conversion tools or leveraging the free Outlook capabilities. Let's review the advantages and drawbacks of every approach:

Free Way: Using Outlook's Import/Export tool offers

This makes use of Outlook's inherent data movement capabilities. These will be required:

  • Check to be sure your machine runs the most recent Outlook version.
  • A little patience is needed, especially in cases of a large OST file.

Pros:

  • Free: No further program purchases are required.
  • Outlook's Import/Export Wizard features a straightforward interface that is easy to operate.

Negatives:

  • Your only changeable file type is PST, which does not have many choices. For other types, such as EML or MSG, you must use additional instruments and follow extra procedures.
  • Converting big OST files might take a lot of time, which will cause your work to lag.
  • This approach alters the full OST file, hence it is difficult to obtain just a few emails.

 

Paid and Safe Method: Turning Huge OST Files into Different File Formats

The TrustVare OST Convert is the most effective way to turn OST into a different file format. They run in all Windows versions, including Windows 11,10,8,8.1,7, etc. This software installs itself rather effortlessly. With a few clicks free of technical knowledge, their simple-to-use interfaces help the user rapidly turn OST to different file formats, like EML, PST, MSG, MBOX, HTML, etc. The software claims highly advanced degrees of compatibility. This application comes with batch-converting tools. Support filtration of easily available and healthy OST files turns into different file formats. Both non-commercial and commercial use would fit them. Users of the free edition of the service can convert a few email items per folder.
Instructions to turn OST files into a different format

  1. Download and run the OST Converter software.
  2. Add the files/folders from the browser option.
  3. Check the preview on the screen.
  4. Select the Export Types, like PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, etc.
  5. Choose the location where you save the converted file.
  6. Finally, Click on the Convert Now option.

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Benefits:

  1. This program highly precisely recovers OST from OST to PST.
  2. Many times, software can change enormous files significantly faster than a free alternative.
  3. Usually, these systems let you export files in EML, MSG, PDF, and other formats as well as other ones.
  4. It does not call for credentials on live exchange servers.
  5. As it converts the data, this program does not compromise the original structure.
  6. Data migration with this program does not depend on an IMAP active account.

Cons: The user must buy the program; some options could offer limited editions or free trials.

 

How Should You Choose the Best Method?

Your needs and objectives will determine which approach best fits you. Done using this guide? You now know all you need to know about OST files, how to move them, and what to consider. Knowing now how to change your OST file to the correct method. This will guard your key Outlook data.