How to Make a Copy of an OST File?

If you are here then you are definitely interested to know the process to make a copy of an OST file. In this guide, we will explain both manual and using OST to PST Converter to create a copy of an OST file.

Microsoft Outlook is the widely used desktop email client. It can easily manage emails, contacts, calendar, tasks, journals and notes. It supports multiple email clients such as Outlook.com, Gmail, Yahoo, Exchange and all IMAP Supported email services.

OST stands for offline storage table and it synchronizes automatically in local drive when user configures email with Microsoft Outlook.It allows users to access Outlook emails, contacts, calendars, contacts and tasks offline. 

Reasons to Create a Copy of an OST File

• If an OST file becomes corrupted or inaccessible, a copy ensures that crucial emails, contacts and calendar are not lost.
• If The Exchange server crashes or Outlook is uninstalled, the OST file becomes orphaned.
• If you switch to another computer, the original OST file cannot be transferred.
• A copy enables email backup and long term storage in PST format.
• Some organizations need to retain email records for compliance and audits.

How to Make a Copy of an OST File Manually?

If you are the owner of the exchange profile or have an active profile in Outlook. Then, you can easily export OST file using Outlook:

1. First, open Outlook and navigate to the file.
2. After that, click on open and export and next click on import/export.
3. Chosen Export to a file and click on next to continue.
4. Browse Outlook data file(.PST) and again tap on Next button.
5. Select Outlook mailbox folders as you want to export.
6. Browse destination and click on finish to get results quickly.

Why Do Users Always Skip Manual Methods?

• It will take lots of time and be a very complicated process.
• Users must be required to hire technical expertise to handle this approach.
• You can’t export orphan, corrupted, damaged, inaccessible OST files manually.
• Data can be exported, but some portions may be deleted.
• Outlook installation and sharing profile are required to perform this approach.

How to Create a Copy of an OST File Via Automated Approach?

As you see manually it has lots of drawbacks and also possibility of data loss. So, according to professionals' choice we recommend you to opt SysTools OST Converter as this software is completely advanced and completely tried and tested by experts.

1. Download and launch automated software on your system.
2. Click on select files and browse OST files as you want to convert.
3. Choose the PST file in the several options of export type.
4. Browse location and press export to successfully create a copy of an OST file.

Benefits of Automated Approach

• It preserved the mailbox structure as appears in the OST file. 
• This software is specially created with a user-friendly interface to easily perform by any professional and individual users.
• You can also restore and convert orphan, oversize, corrupted, inaccessible, dismounted, damaged, OST files without leaving any data behind.
• With this wizard, you can also import OST to Outlook.
• This software also supports advanced features such as excluding empty folders, maintaining folder hierarchy, ignoring system folders and so on.

Final Thoughts

In this blog post, we have outlined all effective methods to make a copy of an OST file by manually and using an automated approach. As manually it has lots of drawbacks and also possibility of major data loss. So, we recommend you to opt for an automated approach as it allows you to convert any individual or batch numbers of OST files at one shot without losing any information.