How to Merge OST and PST Files Safely in Simple Steps?
Hello Folks, are you struggling to merge OST and PST files into one? The OST files are created in a case when you configure your Outlook email client with an Exchange server, or with an IMAP account. Secondly, if you configure an account through POP3 in Outlook or use its export option, you will get the PST file.
Due to various circumstances like managing Outlook file clutter, backup needs, etc. Users many times required to join OST and PST files together. Today, within this technical column, we cover the most reliable and secure free and advanced methods to overcome the problem. Therefore, it is requested to read each section of the comprehensive guide.
OST Vs PST: What is the Major Difference? Quick Comparison
| Criteria | OST File | PST File |
| When created | When Outlook is configured with an Exchange or IMAP account. | When exporting from Outlook or configured with a POP3 Account. |
| Purpose | To access the IMAP and Exchange accounts offline. | For local backup, migration, or accessing POP3 accounts. |
| Editable or not | Not directly editable outside Outlook. | Can be opened, edited, and accessed via many third-party solutions |
Free Way to Combine OST and PST Files
If you are looking for a free approach to join OST and PST files securely. You may use the Outlook Classic import/export functionality to overcome the problem. You simply require an active Outlook profile with the OST files you need to combine with PST. To have a step-by-step guide, please follow the below guided steps.
How to Merge OST and PST Files? Solution
- First, open Outlook on your PC.
- Next, click on File> Open and Export> Import/Export.
- Then, choose Export to a File> Outlook data file (.pst).
- After that, select folders from your OST files and click on Next.
- Now, go to File > Account Settings > Data Files
- Thereafter, click on the Add button and choose the location of a blank PST file.
- Next, enter the names of your blank PST files and click on Ok button.
- Now, repeat the 2-step and choose import from another program or file > (.pst).
- Then, select the PST files exported in the previous steps and the second PST for merging.
- Finally, choose the destination location newly created blank PST files and click on Next to complete the OST and PST merge process.
Limitations of the DIY Approach
- Very Technical Approach: One pitfall of choosing the DIY approach for combining OST & PST files is that it is a very technical process. Users must have a detailed understanding of how to create a blank PST file, how to export OST files as PST, etc.
- Large PST files may get corrupted during import: Another drawback of choosing the above guided approach is that your PST data might get corrupted during the import process. Therefore, if you are handling crucial data, this approach is not suggested.
- Very time-consuming process: Another limitation of using the DIY technique is that it is a very time-consuming process. Since it includes multiple repeated import/export steps.
Professional Solution to Combine OST and PST Files
If you find the above DIY approach difficult. In such situations, you may use the MailsWare PST File Converter Program to simplify the OST and PST merging process. You need to simply select the OST and PST files from the merging process. To discover the working steps of this simple and secure solution, please follow the below guided steps.
How to Merge OST and PST Files? Automated Approach
- At the start, install and run the suggested solution on your PC.
- Next, click on the Select Files or Folders option from the tool console.
- Thereafter, enable the folder that need to be merged in OST and PST files.
- Now, select the saving format as PST from the drop-down menu.
- Finally, click on the Convert button to finish the OST and PST merge process.
Note: To keep the Outlook OST and PST merge process simple and secure, keep your OST and PST files in the same source folder for the merging process.
Final Verdict
In conclusion of the above blog on the topic of how to Merge OST and PST files. We have started our discussion by understanding the difference between OST vs PST. We have seen that when these files are created, editable or not, their use cases. Secondly, we have seen the DIY approach to join Outlook OST and PST files. However, this approach is a very lengthy process and has many pitfalls. Therefore, to overcome these drawbacks, we have one easy and simple approach. Lastly, we have seen the working step of this alternative solution to overcome your problem.
