Introduction:
Microsoft Outlook is known for its ability to manage email databases in the most efficient manner. Its user interface and security features are also awesome. But this email client is also prone to some internal errors. Corruption in its data file format (.ost) is one of the major issues faced by Outlook users. In this situation, users are required to convert OST to PST file format.
A common query by many Outlook users is ‘How to convert OST to PST for all users at once using a PowerShell script.’ Before leaping forward, let’s understand PowerShell. Developed by Microsoft, it is a cross-platform solution for automation. This utility comprises a command-line shell, a scripting language, and a configuration management framework. As a command-line utility, it facilitates automating the management of everyday administrative tasks. You can perform some complex tasks using scripts, which you can reuse. Unfortunately, there are no PowerShell commands for converting data from OST to PST file format for all users at once.
Understanding Outlook Data Files:
Microsoft Outlook utilizes two file formats — OST and PST, to store mailbox data on the local storage. The brief introduction of these formats is mentioned below:
Offline Storage Table (OST): These are highly-encrypted files which store a local copy of the user’s mailbox data. IMAP OST files facilitate users to access email messages and other mailbox data even without an Internet connection. Modifications made while working offline are synchronised with the Exchange server when the Internet connectivity is restored. You can’t open an OST file on a different profile.
Personal Storage Table (PST): Unlike OST files that are linked to a particular Outlook id, PST are open format files. PST files can be imported or accessed in any Outlook profile. These files are touted as the nucleus of Outlook.
Major Differences between OST and PST Files:
| Features | Offline Storage Table (OST) | Personal Storage Table (PST) |
| Formation | Created when the user configures Outlook to work in caching exchange mode | Formed with the creation of a new Outlook data file |
| Size | Pertaining to synchronization, the file size is large. | Relatively smaller in size than an OST file |
| Backup | Automatic | Manual |
| Security | More secured due to encryption | Relatively less secured than an OST |
| Usage | It is used in Exchange Server environments | It is used in non-Exchange Server environments |
Converting an OST File into PST Format using the PowerShell Script:
You can use the script ‘New-MailboxExportRequest’ to convert Outlook data file (.ost) to PST. It will export OST mailbox content to PST. Below is the syntax for this PowerShell script or command:
New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox <mailbox> -FilePath <PST file path> -IncludeFolders ‘<folder1>, <folder2>’
Swap <mailbox> with the name of the data file you want to export, <PST file path> with the data file location and name of the PST file that needs to be created, and <folder1>,<folder2> with the names of the folders you want to export.
Limitations of this Process:
Using the steps mentioned in the above process, we can convert OST to PST file format using a PowerShell script. But this entire process is extremely time-consuming. It also involves complex steps. Only an experienced user with an expert level of technical knowledge can perform this task efficiently. Since any error may lead to the loss of vital mailbox content, it is suggested that users with limited technical knowledge restrict themselves from performing this task. In addition to this, there are certain preconditions for this manual exercise. For instance, the user account must be active, and the user must be able to access the Exchange Server/IMAP profile. Some other limitations of this manual process are discussed below:
–It doesn’t support heavy or oversized OST files.
–You can only convert emails without attachments.
–It may not convert corrupted OST files.
–It may not be able to maintain email properties and folder structure.
Convert OST to PST Easily with The Professional Solution:
You must be wondering if there is some easy way to convert data from an inaccessible OST into PST format. Of course, there is a better way to perform this task. We can use third-party converter software like Stellar Converter for OST. This tool supports Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and even earlier Outlook versions. It converts the Outlook data file (.pst) to OST in just 3 steps: Select the file, initiate the conversion process, and save the converted file as OST or other formats. There is also no file size limitation. It even works well with orphaned, encrypted, IMAP and corrupt OST files.
Benefits of Stellar Converter for OST:
- It helps convert large-sized OST files
- It efficiently converts encrypted or IMAP OST files into PST
- It maintains an Outlook-like structure after conversion
- It allows the scan and preview of all the converted OST file items
- This tool supports Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002, & 2000
Conclusion:
PowerShell, a cross-platform solution, is an automation tool created by Microsoft. It enables Outlook users to automate routine daily tasks. Using the PowerShell script, users can convert an Outlook data file (.ost) to PST format. But this process involves complex steps. It is also time-consuming and requires proficient technical expertise. There is also a simple approach to convert an OST to PST file format utilizing third-party applications like Stellar Converter for OST. Unlike the manual way, this utility can convert big OST files. It converts all mailbox contents efficiently, including email attachments, which a PowerShell script may not be able to do.
Read More: How Feedbackmagazinne.org Is Revolutionising Online Magazine Content
