We call Outlook OST files "Offline Storage Tables." They are the locally saved copies of the data in the mailboxes on the Exchange server. The most important function that these files were supposed to achieve is providing an offline access to saved mailbox data files, for example, email messages, calendars, contacts, and more.
However, an OST file can become "orphaned" if it loses its link to the Exchange server or Outlook profile with which it exists. Data File (.ost) is often unavailable due to network problems, corruption, insufficient space, and others. MAPIEntryID GUID key guards the OST file, hence cannot be read by another profile. The only way to read the contents of the mailbox is to convert the OST data file into PST format.
There is no specific tool from Microsoft that would allow you to change mailboxes from OST files into PST files. Thus, using the Import/Export Wizard or some manual process in Outlook can not be effective in such cases of orphaned or inaccessible OST files.
The easiest way to get mailbox data saved in an encrypted or inaccessible OST file is by using a professional OST to PST conversion tool. This article will instruct you on how to convert a protected OST file to a PST file. We will also have a look at a simple method of converting big OST files to PST format.
In what Situations does an OST file Become Encrypted?
- The server provider can enforce encryption.
- A user using Outlook can do it by using the security settings.
- Third-party tools can help protect data.
- The user can protect certain OST files by hand to keep them safe.
Why Should Convert an Encrypted OST File?
In many situations, you need to convert protected OST files to PST files. Here are some of the possible situations:
- Recover mailbox data from unavailable, orphaned, or corrupted OST files.
- To make sure that data is moved if you need to move your computer or email account.
- To make a copy of important mailbox info.
- To get back mailbox info if you delete or disable your Exchange account.
- To make the OST file as small as possible to try to avoid problems with corruption.
How to Convert Encrypted OST Mailbox into PST?
The Import/Export method lets us change a lost, damaged, or encrypted Outlook data file (.ost) to PST format. Follow these steps after logging in to Outlook with the same Exchange account that was used to make the OST files:
Method 1: Using the Import/Export Wizard.
- Select Files, Open & Export, then Import & Export.
- Choose "Export to a file" from the pull-down list, and then click "Next".
- Now you'll be seeing an "Export to a File" menu. From the drop-down menu, click on "Outlook Data File (.pst), then click on "Next."
- Browse through the files and the subfolders you wish to share and then hit the Next button.
Choose the destination in which you wish the new PST files to be saved. That's the one that says "Replace duplicates with items exported." Once you do that, click "Finish."
Limitations of This Method:This manual way is hard for those who aren't proficient in technology to use.
The process takes a lot of time. Each folder has to be exported separately by the user. It also requires manual selection of the targeted mailbox contents, which consumes a large number of hours of work.
There is a chance of losing data even if we can use this way to export large mailboxes.
This is a manual method that is very hard to use for a user who are not proficient with technology.
How to Convert Encrypted OST Mailbox into PST format Securely?
Another smart way of OST Mailbox to PST file format conversion is through a application: Softaken OST to PST ConverterSoftware. Based on a complex algorithm, this tool can turn mailboxes from OST files that are locked, encrypted, or missing users. It can convert large OST files to PST formats while keeping the integrity of the target file intact. It has a free view feature to see all items in your mailbox before you change them to a PST file.
Conclusion
Converting Outlook data files (.ost) that are encrypted, or orphaned to PST format is a difficult task. One manual way was talked about in the previous post: using Outlook's Import/Export Wizard. This manual method, however, has certain limitations.
We also looked into another easier, faster, and smarter way to convert OST files to PST format using third party tool like Softaken OST to PST Converter. It has many smart features. This converter program might turn an inaccessible or orphaned OST file into PST files or any other file formats in just a few clicks.
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