For any user who depends on Microsoft Outlook for emailing, the Outlook OST file is very crucial. Sometimes, files become corrupted or the Exchange server crashes. Another reason might be to switch over to another email client, all of which call for the need to convert the OST file to PST format. Even though professional software is available for the job, it doesn’t come cheap. Fortunately, there are free OST to PST converter tools that can be helpful and cost-effective for users who want quick, reliable, and user-friendly options. Here, we will look at the best free OST to PST converters with their features, benefits, and limitations.
Why Convert OST to PST?
Before we discuss tools, a word of context is appropriate about why converting OST to PST should be done at all:
- Accessibility: OST files are bound to specific Outlook profiles and cannot independently be opened. This means one can have access once they are converted to PST without the original profile or server.
- Backup and Migration: PST files are portable and perfect for creating backups or migrating to a different system or email client.
- Data Recovery: Conversion of OST file to PST helps in recovering data when such OST files become corrupt and inaccessible.
Features to Look for in OST to PST Converter Tools
A good OST to PST converter should have the following features:
- Ease of Use: The user interface should be intuitive so that all users find it easy to convert.
- Speed: Fast conversion reduces downtime.
- Compatibility: The tool must support multiple versions of Microsoft Outlook and Windows.
- Data Integrity: The folder structure, email properties, and attachments must be maintained during conversion.
- Free Usage: The fact that a significant amount of data can be converted for free is an essential feature of free tools.
Best Free OST to PST Converter Tools
- OST to PST Converter by vSoftware
OST to PST Converter converts OST files into PST format, offering a very easy conversion process with an intuitive interface, making it easier even for the most non-technical users to carry out their conversions without much trouble.
Key Features:
- Works on multiple Outlook versions.
- Saves folder hierarchy and email properties.
- Free version supports basic OST to PST conversion.
Limitations:
Advanced features like bulk conversion are only available in the paid version.
Key Features:
- Batch conversion is supported
- Email formatting and metadata are retained
- The interface is easy to use
Limitations:
Free version restricts conversion to a limited number of emails per folder.
Tips for Successful Conversion
- Backup Your OST Files: Always create a backup before initiating the conversion process.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure the chosen tool supports your Outlook version and operating system.
- Verify Data Integrity: After conversion, review the PST file to confirm all data, including attachments, has been preserved.
- Avoid Overwriting: Save the converted PST file in a different location to avoid accidentally overwriting some existing files.
Conclusion
Free OST to PST converter tools can be very useful for users who seek fast, reliable, and easy-to-use solutions without breaking the bank. Although such tools have limitations like file size constraints or fewer advanced features, they are good enough for individual or small-scale use. vMail OST to PST Converter have different features which are helpful for different situations. The right tool with the proper best practices applied will ensure smooth OST to PST conversion without the loss of access to data.
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