How to Convert OST to PST Online Without Data Loss

Last night, I received an odd-time call from my friend regarding some issues in the Outlook application. He is new to Outlook. He said in a concerned voice “My Outlook is crashing; I am afraid about my data.” He added fearfully “I am unable to find certain email messages, contacts, and calendar data. After analysing scenarios, I told him that all these symptoms suggest that there is some issue with Outlook OST file. The most practical solution is to convert OST file online.

Keeping in mind the safety of data stored in the affected OST, the safest way is to utilize a professional OST to PST converter. These tools work independently. They don’t need an active Exchange server or can work without Outlook too. To know more about the subject, checkout our guide titled “How to Convert OST Files to PST Online Without Data Loss.” 

Why OST to PST Conversion is Challenging?

This process is extremely challenging. Let’s discuss why it is so. Follow the below details.

• There is no direct tool provided by Microsoft to support such conversion
• OST files are heavily encrypted
• OST files are tied to a specific Outlook profile, making direct access difficult
• Manual functionalities (Import/Export, Archive) are limited and prone to errors
• Manual methods are Exchange server dependent
• Manual functionalities need Outlook installation
• Built-in functionalities are unable to fix an oversized OST
• Corruption in OST data blocks complicates extraction and increases risk of data loss
• Built-in functionalities struggle to maintain folder or metadata hierarchy

Why User Needs to Convert OST File to PST Format?

Some common reasons that require such conversion are discussed below:

• Access mailbox data when the Exchange server is unavailable or the profile is deleted
• Recover emails from a corrupt or orphaned OST file into a usable format
• Enable migration of Outlook data to a new system or environment
• Facilitate backup and archiving of mailbox items in a portable format
• Allow selective recovery of emails, contacts, and calendars for compliance needs
• Make data accessible across different Outlook versions without sync issues
• Ensure business continuity by restoring critical communication data quickly

Use an Online OST to PST Converter:

Many Outlook users are conscious about data safety. For them, the best way is to utilize an Online OST to PST Converter. It doesn’t need installation. It doesn’t need Outlook installation either. It is basically a browser-based service. It only needs an active Internet. Online tools like Online Stellar Converter offers not only convenience but also speed. The platform also offers free conversion of a single file (less than 500MB). Such free conversion is available for 24 hours to download. The conversion is fast and error free. What more? Online converters preserve folder hierarchy as well.

Is an online OST to PST converter safe?

Yes, it is totally safe. The user needs to select the platform wisely. Go for a platform that uses SSL encryption. Also, go-through the data retention policy. Platforms like Online Stellar Converter follow no user data retention approach. There is no human involvement. Data files uploaded on their servers are automatically and permanently deleted from their servers within a maximum of 24 to 48 hours.

Benefits of Online OST Converter: 

• No user data retention
• The uploaded data is deleted after the conversion process
• An Online OST to PST Converter unlocks orphaned files (.ost) without needing the original Outlook profile
• These web-based converters preserve folder hierarchy and data integrity during conversion
• No dependency on Outlook or active mailboxes
• The process includes uploading OST files, selecting output PST format, and mapping mailboxes

 Limitations of an Online OST to PST Converter:

• Maximum OST file-size restrictions
• Internet dependency
• Limited support for severely corrupted OST files
• Possible restrictions on large or encrypted files

What if the OST File size is 20 GB or More?

The best option for converting a 20 GB PST file is utilizing a desktop-based converter software. Tool like Stellar Converter for OST are developed to efficiently address large OST file issues. Another advantage of a desktop converter software is export of the converted file in multiple formats (PST, HTML, PDF, EML, MSG, RTF). Stellar is apt for beginners as well as professionals. In fact, this converter tool offers amazing enterprise-grade features for IT admins.

Benefits of Using Stellar Converter for OST:

• Can work without an active Exchange Server/ original Outlook profile
• Compatible with all Outlook versions (2024, 2021, and earlier versions)
• Can convert orphaned OST files
• Can deal an oversized OST data file
• Offers preview of recoverable items before saving
• Allows export of selective email messages, contacts, etc.
• Functionality of the batch conversion of multiple OST files (Technician version)
• Can facilitate OST file export to Office 365 as well as live Exchange Server directly (Technician version)
• Multiple output formats (PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, PDF)
• Pricing: Corporate ($79/yr), Technician ($149/yr), Toolkit ($199/yr)
• Free trial: Preview + save up to 20 items/folder
• Best for: Enterprise users, large mailboxes

Online OST to PST Converter vs Desktop Software

Conclusion:

Data safety is extremely important. We have discussed this in the guide titled “How to Convert OST Files to PST Online Without Data Loss.” Experts strongly advocate to utilize a professional tool for such conversion. This software is quick and reliable. It provides enterprise-oriented user interface for IT administrators. Additionally, we have learned the benefits of utilizing an online OST to PST converter. It works without Outlook installation. It is not machine dependent. Anyone with an active internet can use it. On the contrary, the desktop-based converter software will work inly on those devices where the software is installed. Also, an online converter platform is cost efficient. We have also explored the limitations of online converters.