Outlook’s OST file is linked to a specific profile. It is a highly encrypted file and is secured with a MAPEntryID GUID key. Also known by the name of an offline folder, it stores a synchronized copy of mailbox items from live Exchange Server, Office 365, IMAP, or Outlook.com on the local machine. Sometimes this data file (.ost) becomes inaccessible or orphaned. The main reason that may lead to orphaned PST files is corruption arising from file size exceeding the supported limit, forced application shutdown, etc. Since the OST file can’t be accessed through a different profile, we need to convert this corrupt OST to PST to access mailbox content in the Outlook data file (.ost).
Now the question arises as to how to convert mailboxes from an OST file to PST, as Microsoft does not provide any specialized tool. Although we have an option (the Import/Export Wizard) in Outlook for the same, it doesn’t work in cases of an orphaned or inaccessible file. We can also rebuild the OST file, but it has its own limitations. In such a scenario, we need reliable OST to PST converter software to perform this task.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best converter software for Windows available in the market. Critically analyse and evaluate their features, and select the best available option for your requirements.
OST to PST Converter Software: Best to Use in 2024:
Below is the list of 5 trustworthy OST to PST converter software. We will also explore their respective features, advantages and limitations.
- Stellar Converter for OST: It is a reliable OST to PST converter software, which is widely recommended by Microsoft MVPs and IT admins. This tool is quick and trustworthy. Its USP lies in quickly converting orphaned, or inaccessible OST files to PST format. The software can convert multiple OST to PST file format without any file size limit. This tool also allows you to export the converted file in other formats as well like EML, MSG, PDF, RTF, and HTML.
Features:
- Supports Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Outlook 365
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10, 11 (64bit only)
- Capable of converting inaccessible, encrypted, and orphaned OST files to PST
- Has the ability to convert Outlook data file (.ost) of any size
- Features advanced filters to convert selective emails or messages
- Proficient enough to recover deleted mailbox items
- Offers batch conversion option of multiple OST files (Technician version)
- Exports OST file to Office 365 account or live Exchange Server directly (Technician version)
- Option to export Contacts as CSV in just one-click (Technician version)
- Offers option to split or compact PST files; and direct migration to Microsoft 365 (Technician version)
Pros:
- Promises 100% data integrity
- Offers quick OST to PST conversion
- Easy-to-use interface
- Option to save converted file in multiple file formats
- 24/5 support for technical assistance
- Demo version available to preview converted items
Cons:
- Free version saves only 20 items per mail folder. But it facilitates user to preview all OST mailbox items for free after conversion.
2: SysTools OST to PST Converter: It is also a popular OST converter software. This tool supports Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and below versions. It is capable of converting inaccessible, corrupted, or offline OST to PST file format. This converter software is recommended by Microsoft MVPs.
Features:
- Capable to convert inaccessible or orphaned OST files to PST
- Allows export of converted file to formats like PST, EML, MSG, HTML, and PDF
- Can convert a large OST files
- Supports batch conversion
- Exports Contacts into vCard and Calendars in ICS Format
Pros:
- Converts with accuracy
- Maintains data integrity
- User-friendly interface
- Offers professional support
- Capable to export selective items from any folder
Cons:
- Requires .NET framework 4.5 to avoid compatibility issues
- No option to compact PST file
- Advik OST to PST Converter: This software converts OST file to PST without any file size limit. Moreover, you can also save the converted file to other formats like MSG, MBOX, PDF, EML, TGZ, and DOC.
Features:
- Supports Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and earlier versions
- Converts all OST mailbox items
- Supports batch conversion of OST to PST format
- Can convert large OST file
- Maintains Mailbox Folder Hierarchy and Email Attributes
- Compatible with Windows 11 and all previous versions
Pros:
- Easy to navigate interface
- Capable of exporting to different file formats
- Offers 24/7 customer support
- Advanced Email Filter Option
Cons:
- Compact PST option is not available
- No option to export OST to live Exchange
4: Kernel for OST to PST Converter: It is an advanced converter software for windows. This tool efficiently converts inaccessible, encrypted, or orphaned OST files into PST format.
Features:
- Can convert orphaned OST files to PST
- Ability to transfer OST data to Office 365, or Exchange Server
- Capable of migrating OST mailbox to web-based email clients like Gmail, etc.
- Can export the converted file to PST, MSG, EML, PDF, and other formats
Pros:
- Converts OST to PST with accuracy
- Retains original folder structure
- Provides advanced filters options
- Generates a detailed HTML graphical report for later analysis
Cons:
- The free version offers limited options
- Most features are available only in paid versions
- No option to compact or split PST
5: Shoviv OST to PST Converter: This software efficiently retrieves all OST file data like email messages, calendar, contacts, etc. In addition to this, it is also capable of recovering corrupt OST file items in a trouble-free manner.
Features:
- Capable of converting inaccessible or orphaned OST files into PST format
- Converts single or multiple OST files without any file size restriction
- Previews mail items extracted from OST file
- No OST file size limit for conversion
- Previews OST items before saving to PST
- Maintains the hierarchy of the folder and data integrity
- Supports multiple saving options, such as HTML, EML, vCal, vCard, MSG, etc.
Pros:
- Can convert large Outlook data file
- Offers a wide range of output file formats
- Maintains folder hierarchy and metadata
Cons:
- Does not distinguish the deleted items
Conclusion:
We have discussed in detail the salient features of 5 best OST to PST converter software. You can select any one of them after analysing their features, pros, and cons mentioned in the above guide. These specialized tools also help you resolve multiple issues arising from a damaged Outlook data file (.ost). After comparing features, we can say Stellar Converter for OST is the best option. Available in 3 versions—Corporate, Technician, and Toolkit—it outsmarts other software on different performance metrics.
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