Summary: The Outlook PST files are an excellent method for importing and exporting mail and are frequently used for creating mail backups. On the other hand, OST files cannot be imported yet still have all of your mail items. How can we import mail from OST to PST, ideally at no cost, then?

When you use an IMAP connection or have Cached Exchange Mode enabled for your account, Outlook will produce OST files. A local copy of the mail is kept in both scenarios. Even without an internet connection, you may use this to access and view your mail. Every time you establish a connection with your (Exchange) mail server, the local copy is updated.

Converting the OST file to PST will allow you to import the mail once again in the case of a mail server data loss or when you need to restore a deleted mailbox.

What are the Techniques to Import Mail from OST to PST?

There are multiple ways to convert from OST to PST manually (for free), but all solutions require that you have access to the Outlook profile. The reason for this is that the OST file can only be opened with the same profile.

The only practical approach is the one listed below. The quickest and simplest option is to export the OST mailbox to PST if you have access to the Outlook profile.

However, this will only export things that are older than x days. You might also enable auto archiving in Outlook. Also, exporting to PST is considerably simpler than creating a new PST file and dragging and dropping items from the Outlook profile into it. When you wish to export your mailbox to a PST file, you don't need to be connected to the internet. To import mail from OST to PST all that is required is access to the Outlook profile.   

Convert OST to PST by using Import/Export Tool

User have to follow few steps for performing this task.

To manually convert an OST file to PST we will need to use Outlook self. Make sure you have access to the original Outlook profile.

  1. Open Outlook and click on File
  2. Select Open & Export and choose Import/Export
  3. Select Export to a file
  4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst)
  5. Select the folder you want to export or select the whole account. Make sure Include subfolders is selected.
  6. Click Next and choose a location for the export and click finish

When the export is finished you will have a PST file that you can use to import the mail into another account.

Why Manual Solution is Not Preferable – Limitations

You may import OST files to PST format in MS Outlook using any of these manual techniques, but doing so takes time and has additional drawbacks.

  • The manual processes take a lot of time and effort.
  • The OST to PST conversion may fail if the OST file size is too huge.
  • The process is not for OST files that are corrupt or damaged.
  • It is difficult to manually import OST to PST files.
  • Experts advise that there is a danger of data loss.
  • If you follow the incorrect technique, the process can become stuck.
  • There are no assurances about the backup of every mailbox item.

Best All Rounder Solution to Import Mail from OST to PST

BitRecover OST to PST File Converter Wizard is best for performing this task in few simple steps. By using this application user can import OST to PST with Emails, Contacts, Calendars, Journals, Tasks, Notes, To Do, etc. It's simple to utilize this tool.

This program is simple to use for both home and professional users. With the aid of this tool, users may effortlessly store the resulting data in the specified spot.

Important Note: Free demo version of the tool is also available for the user. In this user can easily import 25 emails from each folder. After having satisfaction and for more features user can purchase the paid version of the software as well.

Wrapping Up

Consequently, in this article, we will discover how to import mail from OST to PST. A big number of users would want to utilize the above-mentioned tool, among other applications and tools. Use this program, which is available for free download, to complete the conversion program. Manual approaches will cause problems for the user. Using a professional tool is therefore a sensible choice.

Users can also get in touch with our live support service if they have any problems. They are accessible around-the-clock. The software's free trial version is also available for users to utilize. After fully understanding the tool, the user can upgrade to the licensed version for further features.