Methods to Backup OST file in Outlook 365

Ever wonder why majority of global executives love Microsoft Outlook 365. The answer is simple. Everyone falls in love with its advanced technical features. The users love the efficient management of their mailbox through a cloud-based environment. It may be noted that one of the major forces behind technical prowess of this email client is a data file known as the Offline Storage Table (.ost). This file is created automatically with the creation of Outlook 365 with Exchange, IMAP, or Microsoft 365. Its main role is to assure users to continue their work even in the absence of an active Internet or Exchange Server. It means you can send and access emails without Internet or without the availability of Exchange. The changes made while working offline will be synced later with the restoration of internet.

Why Creating OST File Backup is Crucial?

Noone loves data loss. Many users often query “how to backup OST file?” If we investigate, we came across that .ost files are linked to a specific profile. These are also highly-encrypted and difficult to restore. All these features of .ost file make them imperfect for data backup. Now the main challenge is how to create .ost file backup. Well, we can create the backup of Outlook data files (.ost) by converting them to .pst format. Check out this guide titled “Methods to Backup OST file in Outlook 365,” to unearth the best approaches for the same. In addition, this post will also shed light on how to convert ost file to pst format using reliable OST converter.

Why You Should Backup OST Files?

Data loss is a nightmare of everyone. The remedy available to this grave threat is not only following standard practices but also creating the data backup. It is always great to backup OST files in Outlook on the regular basis. Experts strongly argue to convert .ost file to a Personal Storage Table (PST) file format for archiving purpose. Some convincing reasons for such conversion are discussed below:

• Data archiving: Digital data is always at risk of corruption. To prevent such a devastating situation, we must create backup by converting an .ost file to PST format. Since the PST file is shareable and easy to restore, this conversion is often considered as the most effective approach.
• Exchange server issues: Unavailability of the Exchange server due to technical reasons also demands such conversion.
• Server downtime: If the user is working on some urgent project and the Exchange is down for scheduled maintenance, the need of such conversion arises.
• Oversized/ inaccessible OST file: Reasons like Exchange Server problems and Profile issues make an .ost file inaccessible or orphaned. Conversion in this case become mandatory.

Ways to Backup OST file in Outlook 365

This section of the post will shed light on different manual methods for creating backup OST file in Outlook. Follow the below guide.

➤ Method 1: Import/ Export Wizard

First and foremost, access the Outlook using same credentials with which the targeted .ost file is created. After accessing Outlook follow the below instructions:

=> Go to the Files.
=> Browse Open & Export.
=> Then click the ‘Import & Export’.

=> Now choose ‘Export to a file’ action. Press ‘Next.’

=> A box named ‘Export to a File’ will appear.

=> Then create a file of type. Select Outlook Data File (.pst). Click Next.

=> Select folders as well as sub-folders. Press Next.

=> Give folder path for the converted .pst file export. Don’t forget to check the ‘Replace duplicates with items exported’ option.

=> After this click the ‘Finish’ tab.

➤ Method 2: Drag & Drop Method

This is one of the easiest, hassle-free approaches for data file conversion. This method is strongly recommended when the quantity of folders is few. This method involves the following steps:

• Create a blank PST file.
• Choose the targeted OST mailbox items.
• Drop those selected folders to the newly created PST file.

Drawbacks of Manual OST to PST Conversion

• Tough for a Non-Tech Users: Non-technical users may face difficulty in executing such tasks.
• Time Consumption: Such methods consume loads of productive hours. The users tend to export every folder individually.
• Not Fit for Large Mailboxes: Experts strictly warn of exporting large mailboxes using the manual methods.
• May Harm Folder Hierarchy: The above discussed approaches may distort folder structure as well as its hierarchy.
• Oversized or Inaccessible Files: Manual methods may fail to bring results in case of orphaned, inaccessible .ost files.

What are the Ways to Convert IMAP, or Orphaned OST to PST?

The above discussed approaches will also fail to convert an orphaned or oversized file (.ost). We need a specialized OST to PST converter tool to handle such situation. Such tools use advanced algorithms to convert inaccessible or orphaned data files (.ost) of any size. Tools like Stellar Converter for OST are also extremely easy to use.

Highlights of Stellar Converter for OST:

This popular OST to PST converter software is recommended by experts for the following reasons:

• Easy-to-use interface.
• Capable of handling large OST files efficiently.
• Capable of exporting the converted .pst file directly to Office 365—Technician version.
• Auto-splits oversized PST files besides saving the mailbox content.
• Migrate Offline OST files to Microsoft 365 or Office 365 -Technician version.

Conclusion

In the above guide titled “Methods to Backup OST file in Outlook 365,” we have learned 2 manual approaches to convert profile-linked .ost file to PST format. But these manual methods - Import/Export Wizard and Drag & Drop, have some limitations. The main issue is their lengthy procedures. Also, these approaches require a level of technical knowledge. Moreover, they pose a risk of data loss as well. We have also explored third-party Stellar Converter for OST. This tool is extremely reliable. This OST to PST converter software is known for its ability to convert mailbox data even from inaccessible as well as encrypted IMAP OST files to PST files.

You Might Also Like - How to Repair Corrupt Outlook Profile?

Microsoft Tools