Can an OST File be imported into Outlook

If you use MS Outlook, you are probably aware that it restores mailboxes data in two main file format such as OST and PST File. While PST File are portable and can be easily imported into Outlook on any device, an offline OST Files come with certain restrictions. According to Microsoft Official guidelines, an outlook OST Files can’t be directly imported into Outlook or any other email clients.

However, situations may occur where you require to access data stored in an Offline OST File- perhaps due to mailbox deletion, system crash, or switching to a new device. In such cases, the best and effective solution is to Convert the OST File to PST File format, which Outlook fully supports for imports.

This article, will provide all the methods to perform this conversion and easily import your OST File mailboxes items into Outlook versions included- 2021, 2019, 2016, and earlier.

Effective Ways to Import OST Files into Outlook

The process of converting the OST Files data into PST File can be done using multiple methods. Below are the most practical methods to Convert and Import Outlook OST Files. Select the one that suits your requirements.

#1: Convert OST to PST Using the Archive Method

You can effortlessly follow all these steps to Convert OST to PST using Outlook’s Auto Archive feature:

1. Open the Microsoft Outlook application on your computer.
2. Now you Go to the File tab.
3. Choose Options, then click on Advanced.
4. Under the AutoArchive section, click AutoArchive Settings.
5. Check the box for Run AutoArchive, and specify the number of days and frequency for auto-archiving.
6. Select the folder where you want to save the archived file and click OK.

Using this method, you can Import your OST data to PST format. Once converted, you can import the PST file into your Outlook application. Though, if this technique doesn’t work for you, consider using the Import/Export wizard.

#2: Import Outlook OST File in Outlook Using the Import/Export Wizard

Now you can follow these steps to import an OST file via the Import/Export wizard in Outlook:

• Launch the Outlook application and click on the File tab.
• Go to Open & Export, then select Import/Export.
• In the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a file, then click Next.
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst) as the export format and click Next.
• Choose the folder(s) you want to export, such as your inbox or specific subfolders.
• Browse to select a destination location to save the new PST file, then click Next.
• Set your preferences for handling duplicate items, then click Finish to complete the export.

These steps assistance you convert emails from Outlook OST to PST. However, manual methods can have drawbacks, as outlined below.

Drawbacks of Manual OST to PST Conversion Methods

Though manual methods are valuable, they come with some limitations:

• Time-consuming and multifaceted: The manual procedure needs alert implementation, which can be slow and problematic for beginners.
• Technical knowledge needed: Manual conversion needs a certain level of technical skill.
• Single file conversion: Converting multiple Outlook OST files at once is not maintained.
• Corrupted files issue: Manual methods may fail if the Outlook OST file is damaged and corrupted.
• Risk of data loss: The users who are unfamiliar with the procedure, there’s a high chance of data loss during conversion.

Given these potential drawbacks, it may be safer to usage a expert tool designed for this purpose.

#3: Professional Tool for Hassle-Free OST to Outlook Import

The vMail OST to PST Converter is a consistent, full-featured tool that enables you to recover data from corrupted OST File and convert OST files to PST format without any data loss. This advanced features-based Outlook OST Converter software simplifies the process of recovery Outlook mailboxes items included- emails, contacts, calendars, task, notes and importing OST files to Outlook by letting bulk conversion and offering cutting-edge features such as email filtering and duplicate removal.

Best Key Features of vMail OST to PST Converter Software

• It repairs corrupted, damaged OST file by fixing all errors.
• Recover OST mailboxes included- emails, calendars, task, notes, journals and etc.
• Allows users to convert selective single and multiple items from OST File to PST File.
• Compatible with MS Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 & older versions of OST file
• Import all emails and other data from Outlook OST to PST, MSG, HTML EML, MBOX, vCard, & PDF format.
• It let you Import OST File into IMAP Server Accounts, Office 365 accounts, Gmail accounts & Live Exchange Server.
• It gives you option to split large PST File into small PST File upto 5GB during conversion time.

Rapid and Easy Steps to Convert OST to PST Format

STEP 1 : Open vMail Import PST/OST File to Outlook

STEP 2 : Browse & Select OST file

STEP 3 : Scanning OST file Data

STEP 4 : Start The Conversion Process

Conclusion

This article has provided numerous ways to import Outlook OST files into Outlook, cover both automated and manual methods. While manual methods work, they often come with perils and limits, such as data loss and difficulty. For a more consistent and well-organized solution, using an automated tool like the vMail Import PST/OST File to Outlook Software is recommended. It guarantees a seamless and safe conversion process, even for users with little technical knowledge.