How to Convert OST file to PST via PowerShell Commands?

When OST Files become corrupted because of system failures or network issues, it can impact the access to email information. To ensure business workflow and recover the corrupted file, one of the effective methods is to convert OST file to PST. This enables enterprises to retrieve, manage, and repair their email data into a more portable and easy-to-manage format. There are two techniques by which the user can make this conversion using PowerShell commands. In addition to this, the user can also choose to directly change OST to PST files with the help of an automated OST to PST Converter Tool.

An OST (Offline Storage Table) File is a file that helps Outlook users to access their email data offline. It synchronizes the changes made offline when the user gets back online. A PST (Personal Storage Table) is an Outlook Data File that stores emails, contacts, etc, locally on your computer. They don’t sync changes made offline; rather, they are used for backup and archiving. If the user mistakenly deletes the OST File, it can become inaccessible. Converting it to PST will create a permanent backup. 

Why do OST Files get Corrupted?

There are several reasons why OST files get corrupted or damaged. Some of the common causes are:

• Poor network connections may cause data corruption while syncing Outlook with the mail server.
• A large OST File size may experience the risk of corruption as it is difficult to process it.
• Corrupted OST File due to sudden shutdown of the system or powercut. 
• Sometimes, antivirus programs can block the functioning of the Outlook application, leading to file corruption.
• Sudden Outlook crashes when sending the emails might cause corruption.

Why Convert OST File to PST?

• By converting OST to PST file, the user can access emails irrespective of the deletion of the mail account.
• OST files syncs with the online mail server. By converting it to PST, it will create a backup of the email data, which can be stored independently. 
• OST Files get corrupted due to system errors, and they may not get repaired. The ability to convert Orphaned OST to PST will make it easier to repair.
• By doing this conversion, the user can archive older emails locally on the user’s computer, reducing the server mailbox size. 
• Once converted to PST, the user can simply transfer the emails when migrating to a new computer. 

How to Convert OST to PST via Powershell Commands?

There are two primary methods for performing OST to PST conversion. Both method needs to be done manually using PowerShell commands. However, for a faster, more efficient, and error-free transfer process, opt for a professional conversion tool. Let’s start with the manual approaches first.

Convert OST File to PST Using Exchange Management Shell

Before using this method, make sure that your OST File is connected to an Exchange mailbox. It is suitable for enterprise environments for handling bulk conversions. 

Start the conversion process by following these instructions:

1. Assign the mailbox Import/Export role by running this command:

New-ManagementRoleAssignment –Role “Mailbox Import Export” –User “Administrator”

2. Export the mailbox to PST by running this command:

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox “user@example.com” -FilePath “\\ServerName\C$\PSTExports\UserMailbox.pst”

3. Run this command to check the export progress:

Get-MailboxExportRequest

Limitations: The user needs to have a good technical understanding of PowerShell scripts. If the process is not handled correctly, it might lead to potential data loss.

Convert Outlook OST to PST Using PowerShell to Export OST Data

It is useful when the user needs to convert specific folders. This method is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. 

Follow the step-by-step procedure to convert OST to PST:

1. Launch PowerShell as administrator.
2. Run the command to set the execution policy:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

3. Go to the OST File location by running this command:

cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop

4. Run the following command to export OST data to a CSV File:

New-Object -ComObject Outlook.Application | %{$_.Session.AddStoreFromFile(“C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop\YourOSTfile.ost”)$_.Session.GetDefaultFolder(6).Items |Select-Object -Property Subject, ReceivedTime, SenderEmailAddress, RecipientEmailAddress, Body |Export-Csv -Path “C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop\ExportedEmails.csv” -NoTypeInformation

5. Now, open Outlook and navigate to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
6. Choose Import from another program or file and click Next.
7. Select CSV > Next. Then, locate the exported CSV file and open it.
8. After that, choose the PST File where you want to import emails.
9. Lastly, click Finish.

Limitations: The user has to manually setup the PowerShell scripts, which is a complex task. Performance issues may occur when handling large OST files.

An Instant Way to Convert OST to PST

The OST to PST Converter Tool is an advanced solution for converting OST to PST files. It extracts the OST File data while preserving all the mailbox items such as emails, contacts, attachments, etc. This tool offers advanced features like a free preview option, removal of duplicate emails, and selective conversion. Furthermore, the tool can handle large OST Files, eliminating the file size constraints. Also, it’s easy-to-navigate interface makes the tool accessible to both individuals and businesses.

Quick step-by-step procedure to change OST to PST:

1. Download and install the tool.
2. Choose either from Single File or Multiple File/Folders and click on Next.
3. Browse the OST File that you want to convert and open it.
4. Tick and expand the tree structure. Select the folders and click on Next to continue.
5. Under the Saves/Backup/Migrate As tab, choose PST as the saving format. 
6. Choose the optional features if required and select the path to save your file.
7. At last, click on the Convert button to start the conversion process.

Conclusion

Converting OST to PST is an essential task for Outlook users. One of the effective methods is using PowerShell commands via Exchange Management Shell and by exporting OST data. Both of them require advanced technical skills and proper setup. For those looking for a more instant way to convert OST to PST, choose OST to PST Converter Tool. It simplifies the process and is a more reliable, efficient, and error-free choice. In the end, choose the best method according to your requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- What is the difference between OST and PST files?

Ans- OST Files are synchronized with the mail server, while PST Files are not synchronized and are used for backup and archiving purposes. OST is for offline access for Exchange server, while PST File serves as a local storage.

Q- How to convert Outlook OST to PST for free?

Ans- Open Outlook > File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a File > Next. After that, choose the Outlook data file and choose the folders that you want to convert. Select the destination path and click on Finish.

You May Also Read : Convert OST to EML File. & Convert OST to EMLX Format.