In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between OST and PST files used in Outlook and how can you open the OST files in Outlook. Using two reliable methods which we will be using a manual method.
And in another technique, we are going to use the application of MSOutlookTools OST to PST Converter. Before we start our main topic of the day let’s talk about the difference between OST and PST.
What is the Difference Between OST and PST Files Used in Outlook
The OST file and PST file both are used in Outlook but they both perform different duties and work with different sets of rules. In this section of this article, we are going to show you the difference between OST and PST files used in Outlook.
Functions Of OST File Format
- OST files are used for offline access to your mailbox. They store a copy of your mailbox data from a Microsoft Exchange Server, allowing you to work with your email, calendar, and other items even when you are not connected to the Exchange server.
- OST files are automatically sync with the Exchange server when you’re connected to it. Any changes you make while offline are updated on the server when a connection is back.
- OST files are more secure because they are tied to your email profile. They are protected with your login credentials and encryption.
- OST files are used to organise the emails using Microsoft Exchange for email services. They allow users to work with their mailbox in Outlook, even when offline, and then synchronize changes with the Exchange server.
Functions of PST Files
- PST files are used for local storage of email files. They allow you to store email messages, calendar items, contacts, and other data on your computer’s hard drive. They are not tied to a server.
- PST files are portable and can be moved or backed up as separate files. Users can create multiple PST files and organize their data as needed.
- PST files do not automatically sync with the server. They are copies of your mailbox data. Any changes made to items in a PST file do not affect your mailbox on the mail server.
- PST files are often used for personal email archiving, organizing, and creating local backup of email data. Users might use PST files to free up space in their mailbox by moving older emails.
As you can see the clear difference between OST and PST files used in Outlook but they are equally important for Outlook to function properly. In the upcoming section, you are going to learn what problems prevent you to access OST files.
Manual Way to Open OST Files in Outlook
To open OST files you need to connect with an Exchange Server or change the OST file format to PST then you will be able to open the OST files. In this part, we are going to show you how you can perform this task.
- Open Outlook and select the file option
- Then hit the open & export option on the next page and go to the import/export
- After clicking on export to a file and choosing the next page, a new window will appear
- In that window click on the option Outlook data file and hit the next
- On the new page select a mail account and choose the individual folder one at a time
- Also, select the include subfolder section then you can go on the following process by clicking the next
- In the last part go to the browse and choose a new location for your exported file
- In browse open you will also see a few options, Choose the option do not export duplicate files then hit finish.
Limitations of Using Manual Method
You can face many limitations while opening OST files in Outlook, First of all, the process is too lengthy and tiring it is ideal for a few OST files but not ideal for batch.
- You can only open one file at once if you have a large number of files it will be tiring for the file user
- Corrupted files will not open in your outlook
- Files can be repeated and consume your extra time
- Large OST files can crash your Outlook
- It is always troublesome to open orphaned OST files
- An incompatible version of Outlook can also cause problems opening your files
How to Open OST file with a Professional Application
Professional tools are always helpful, the application mentioned above can help you in many ways such as multiple formats to choose from, maintaining file structure and many more small and large functions.
- Download your application from the official site
- Install the application and choose the interface language
- Locate your OST file and choose your file in the application
- It will preview your OST files with many options
- Click the export button to begin the process of file conversion
- Hit the export selected to save your OST file in your chosen format
Benefits of Using Professional Application
- Faster the manual method
- Limitless file conversion
- Special features to repair your corrupted files
- Multiple formats to choose
- The application gives you a Preview feature to see your files before conversion
- The application maintains the OST file structure and remains unchanged. Also, PST File Converter offers advanced security to protect the file during the process keywords
Final Words
In this article, I have provided you with all the important information about OST files while showing you the difference between OST and PST files in Outlook. With the provided methods you can easily open OST files in Outlook. But we don’t recommend you to manual method to open your files.
Because it’s not safe and can damage your OST files and change the structure of the file. Professional applications are the best help you can get to manage your OST files with an easy-to-use interface, To know more visit the official site.