Convert OST File to PST Without Outlook: Suggested Solution
User Query: I have some old OST files from my previous job. But I don’t have access to Outlook anymore. How can I convert OST file to PST without using Microsoft Outlook?
Summary: OST (Offline Storage Table) files are created by Microsoft Outlook to store mailbox data offline. These files are synced with the Exchange Server when you’re online. However, if the Outlook account is disconnected, deleted, you may be left with an inaccessible OST file. In such situations, converting the OST file to a PST (Personal Storage Table) format becomes necessary. This blog will show you how to convert OST to Outlook PST using the manual method and a professional DRS OST to PST Converter. In addition, each method offers you a quick, reliable, and hassle-free conversion with no data loss.
Difference Between OST and PST Format
|
OST File |
PST File |
|
Full Form: Offline Storage Table |
Full Form: Personal Storage Table |
|
Used for offline access to Exchange data. |
Used for backing up or exporting emails |
|
Works with Exchange Server |
Besides that, it doesn’t need a server connection. |
|
OST files are automatically created by Outlook |
PST files are manually created by users. |
Simple Steps to Convert OST File to PST in Outlook
- Download & install the DRS OST File Converter.
- Choose: Select Files/Select Folder to add OST.
- You can preview & Select the OST file to convert.
- Choose PST as the Saving Format from the list.
- Lastly, apply advanced features and click Convert.
Why Convert OST to PST Without Outlook?
- You can’t directly open OST files if Outlook is uninstalled or unavailable.
- A downed Exchange Server orphans OST files and makes them inaccessible.
- Also, converting OST to PST allows you to backup important emails.
Is Manual Method Available to Convert OST File to PST
No. You cannot manually convert an OST file to PST if Outlook is not installed. The manual method requires Microsoft Outlook to access the OST file and perform the export. You cannot access the file without Outlook if it’s orphaned (not linked to an active Outlook profile).
Manual Method Using Outlook (When Available):
- Firstly, open Microsoft Outlook with the profile connected to the OST file.
- Now, click on File and choose Open & Export > Import/Export.
- After that, choose Export to a File and click Next.
- Next, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
- Then, select the mailbox folders you wish to export and click Next again.
- Finally, pick the location where you want to save the PST file and click Finish.
Important Note: This method won’t work if:
- Outlook isn’t installed.
- The OST is orphaned.
- The original profile or Exchange account is missing.
So, in such cases, you need a reliable OST to PST Converter Tool to access and convert the data.
Professional Tool to Convert OST File to PST: Suggested
To convert an OST file to PST without using Outlook, you can use the trusted DRS OST to PST Converter. This tool is built to convert multiple OST files at once while ensuring there’s no data loss or disruption. It preserves the original data structure, formatting, and privacy during the entire conversion process. You can also convert OST to MSG and other formats (File and Email Clients). With its user-friendly and simple interface, every user can easily use it.
Moreover, the demo verison of this utility is accessible to understand its features and performance. This software is highly compatible with all Windows versions, including Windows 11 and more. At last, this tool offers you quick and 100% accurate conversion.
One-Time Service Available
If you want a more customized and budget-friendly solution, you can contact our support team to request a one-time OST to PST conversion service without Outlook.
How to Convert OST File to PST Without Using Outlook?
- First, download and install the DRS OST Converter Tool on your computer.

- Next, pick: Select Files or Select Folder to add a Single/Multiple OST files.

- Check the added OST files and choose the ones to convert. Then, click Next.

- After that, choose PST as the Saving option from the given list.

- Use advanced filters and click Convert to initiate the OST to PST conversion.

Is It Safe to Convert OST to PST With This Utility?
Let’s discuss a real-life scenario:
Rahul, an IT expert based in Mumbai, found himself with an old OST file from his former workplace. But he no longer had access to Outlook or the company’s Exchange account. When he needed to retrieve important client emails for legal reference, he couldn’t open the OST file directly. After some research, he found the DRS OST File Converter, which allowed him to convert the OST file to PST without needing Outlook. Using the tool’s simple interface, he converted the file in just a few steps.
Conclusion
In this detailed blog post, we explored all the necessary information about the OST to PST conversion. You cannot convert an OST file to PST manually if Outlook is not installed. In such cases, it’s best to use a professional tool like the DRS OST Converter, which allows you to perform the conversion without needing Outlook. Furthermore, it supports batch conversion, the Preview feature, Remove Duplicate, and more advanced features to make the conversion more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Yes. You can convert an OST file to PST without Outlook by using the professional DRS OST File Converter. This tool helps you convert an OST file without using Outlook and offers you a 100% accurate result.
Ans: You can use the Demo (Free) verison of DRS Outlook OST Converter to convert your OST files into PST format for free.
Ans: No. With the top-notch OST File Converter Tool, you can convert Outlook OST files into PST and other formats without affecting the original data.
Ans: Absolutely! The folder structure remains the same during the OST to PST conversion while using the DRS OST to PST Converter.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.