Every user is aware of Outlook OST (Offline Storage Table) data files. These files act as synchronised copies of mailbox data. It is because of these data OST files that a user can access mailbox data without an active server connection. Heavily secured and encrypted, these files are tied with a specific Outlook profile and Exchange. However, if the linked Outlook profile is deleted, or the Exchange mailbox becomes unavailable, it is impossible for the user to access the mailbox data. The only way available to the user is to extract data from OST file. One of the most practical approaches is to convert OST to PST online.
To know more about the technical process of OST data extraction, check out our guide titled “How to Extract Data from OST File Online for Free.” This post will outline the best practices for such data extraction.
What is the Need for Extracting OST Data?
Some of the circumstances that demand OST data extraction are discussed below:
- Orphaned OST File: When the secured link between an OST and its linked Exchange Server is broken, it becomes orphaned. It also happens with the creation of a new Outlook profile.
- Server Crash: Complete server-side failure can totally separate an OST, making the data file orphaned.
- Deleted Outlook Profile: It happens in case of the user’s Outlook profile is deleted (accidental or intentional).
- Mailbox Migration: Upgrading the server breaks the original connection keys, making an OST data file inaccessible.
- Outlook Profile Corruption: Every OST file is encrypted with a unique MAPI key. If any setting changes, Outlook fails to validate this key, leading to this scenario.
Backup Your OST File Before Extraction
Before extracting data from an OST file, it is highly recommended to create backup of OST file. Although the extraction or conversion process does not modify the source file, having a backup ensures that you have a safe copy in case the file gets corrupted, the conversion is interrupted, or you need to retry the process later.
You can locate the OST file by opening Control Panel > Mail > Data Files, selecting your Outlook account, and clicking Open File Location. Close Outlook completely before copying the OST file to another drive or an external storage device. This backup can prove valuable if you need to recover mailbox data in the future or perform another conversion.
How to Extract Data from OST File Online?
First, let’s understand the meaning of data extraction process. It means exporting of the mailbox folders. The user exports email messages, contacts, attachments, etc. from an OST file. The file will then be converted into a more portable format like a PST.
Utilize an Online OST to PST Converter:
Extracting data from an orphaned or inaccessible OST is challenging. Any miscalculation means irrecoverable loss of sensitive data. That’s why experts advocate for a professional converter. One of the simplest ways is to convert OST to PST online. This method does not required an active Exchange Server. It is also not dependent on an active Outlook profile or software installation. For an independent perspective, you can also read Ruud’s recent review of Stellar’s online OST to PST converter.
This online OST to PST converter is compatible with all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Users can convert an OST file smaller than 500 MB for free. Most importantly, it preserves the original folder hierarchy. With a user-friendly interface, the service also provides real-time tracking of upload, conversion, and download progress.
- Stringent privacy policy. The data is erased after conversion.
- Can work without the original Outlook profile.
- Can work in case of a deleted Exchange account.
- Can work on an inaccessible OST.
- Automated tools preserve folder hierarchy and data integrity during conversion.
- Works efficiently on an oversized or compact OST.
- No need of Outlook installation or active mailboxes.
- It provides option to preview the converted folder structure before saving.
Limitations of Online Converter:
Some of the shortcomings of online OST to PST conversion are discussed below:
- Process One OST File at a Time: The platform allows processing of one data file (.ost) at a time.
- No Multiple File Format Export: The platform only allows export in PST format.
- Conversion Speed: Usually, the conversion of a normal file takes 15 minutes. But this speed depends on factors like the file size and Internet speed. A big file size can take more time.
- Internet Speed: The poor internet connectivity may hamper the conversion process.
Best Practices for the Successful OST Extraction:
- Create a backup of the original OST data file before initiating the process.
- Verify that the OST file is not being accessed by Outlook or another application.
- Ensure sufficient disk space for the exported PST file.
- Use a stable internet connection for online extraction.
- Check the integrity of the OST file before conversion.
Conclusion:
In the above post, we have explored ways and reasons to extract data from OST file. One of the most practical ways to perform this task is to convert OST to PST online. The process is extremely simple. Upload an OST, Convert, Preview and Analyse, then download the converted data file(.pst). We have also explored Stellar Online OST Converter, which converts <=500MB OST into PST for free. It converts data file from a browser. No software installation is required. Most importantly, it maintains folder hierarchy and structure. What more? Stellar Online OST converter follows stringent data privacy policy. The entire process is automated. There is no human involvement in the conversion process.
