Read time: 8 minutes
Protection of valuable data stored in the Outlook Data file (OST) is a business priority. If you are a dedicated user of Microsoft Outlook, then you are familiar with the OST file risks. The risk factor forces organizations to choose the right OST to PST converter, if they are out of the manual approaches.
The need for OST file conversion comprises multiple reasons and errors. In the same context, first understand “What is an OST file?” An OST file is an offline copy of your Outlook mailbox data, which stores all the backup components.
OST files are mainly helpful because they allow the modification of the data file even when the Exchange Server is disconnected. However, issues in the OST file put stored data at risk and also cause inaccessibility.
These vulnerabilities of OST files are one of the prime reasons for PST conversion, and the use of proper software for better results. But if you’re having doubts about what to look for in an OST to PST converter. Then, follow the article below for help with your OST to PST export process.
Why is choosing the right OST to PST converter essential?
The worst nightmare of any business is data loss or breach, which directly hampers business productivity. As per VPN Ranks, the cost of a data breach is expected to reach 5 million dollars in 2025. In 2024, IBM recorded a data breach cost of $4.88 million, increasing significantly from 2023.
While considering OST file data loss, it can occur due to various system errors or external breaches. Such issues leave your data inaccessible, and for a better solution, businesses want to convert OST to PST.
Usually, administrators prefer to use manual methods, but they carry risks for failure. That’s why the selection of the perfect OST to PST converter is essential. The common reasons to search for the best converter are:
- Helps you to protect data integrity after conversion, including data formatting, structure, metadata, etc.
- Allows you to get accurate results in conversion without the risk of data loss.
- It can convert small OST files to even large ones without failure.
- Ability to convert corrupt or inaccessible OST files with full data integrity.
- Convenience to run multiple OST to PST conversion batches.
Note: The above points are essential in ideal software, so select a converter accordingly.
Key factors about how to select an OST to PST converter?
When you begin the search for a useful OST to PST converter, you need to conduct a proper business assessment. Multiple highly rated software and tools are available, but most of them offer limited services.
So, prepare a proper action plan by analyzing all your needs and then choose the converter accordingly. Some of the OST to PST converter features to consider are:
User interface
The execution process for any user should not be complicated. The main factors that work in this aspect are the design, functionality, and interface of the tool you’re using. So, try to explore trial versions of the tools to choose the perfect software with a user-friendly interface.
Compatibility with Your Outlook Versions
OST file sometimes fails to support the Microsoft Outlook version. The reasons, such as software/hardware issues, corruption, or OST file size, may differ. It usually displays the error: ‘Not a valid path. Outlook is not able to find the OST file.’ So, check for the software that adheres to Outlook version compatibility with OST issues.
Support for Large OST Files
The OST file limit has increased over the years from 2GB to 50 GB, parallel to Outlook version upgrades. OST files exceeding the size limit will indeed display compatibility and accessibility errors. So, find software that supports large OST files and can even solve ‘Oversized’ OST file issues.
Data Integrity and Accuracy
It’s important to protect your data, even if you are using third-party software. When you opt for any OST to PST converter software, make sure the tool is capable of maintaining data integrity post-conversion.
Advanced Features
Perform an OST to PST converter comparison according to their feature offerings. The more features, the better your conversion process will be. Look for quality features like date filters, search specific files, and split files (if they are too large).
Customer Support and Reliability
When you plan to select an OST to PST converter or any other software, keep a check on how good their customer service is. The software should offer top-quality support and quick issue-resolution services for long-term stability.
How to Evaluate OST to PST Converter Software?
Creation of a strategy is not only essential to move OST file data to PST. But it is also crucial to choose the right OST to PST converter. Even though we have discussed a few factors to find a better converter above. Still, you should also know the technical aspects to check before selecting any tool. Let’s discuss the useful factors to consider.
Read User Reviews and Testimonials
The best way to learn about software performance, functionality, and services is to check user reviews. A common question is what to look for in an OST to PST converter. Different businesses may seek different solutions, so check reviews and testimonials to learn about a tool’s capabilities.
Check for Free Trials or Demos
Most of the time, things get complicated when you compare multiple OST to PST converters. You can explore the features and services of every tool that you find online. The better way to check the execution of features and functionalities is to use the trial version. Simply install the converter and launch it on your system. After activation, you can choose to use the trial version.
Compare Pricing and Licensing Options
The pricing structure generally answers all your doubts about choosing an OST to PST converter for Microsoft 365. Companies have different budget plans for finding the perfect converter.
In some cases, you can find multiple tools with quality services, so affordable prices and license plans help in the selection. You can also refer to the Kernel OST to PST’s license and pricing page, which can also guide you to select the plan you need.
Top Use Cases for OST to PST Converters
Proper plans can eliminate the difficulties in choosing the right OST to PST converter. Still, there are some misconceptions about OST to PST conversion. But the organization knows that when you run an online business, there are numerous scenarios that ask for OST to PST conversion. Find the top use cases below:
Migrating to Microsoft 365
Online businesses always fear cyberattacks and corruption, which directly means valuable data loss. If you are using Rackspace to host Exchange Server, then you may know about the complications that can occur. The common data protection practices suggest migrate Rackspace to Office 365. It is indeed more beneficial because Microsoft 365 carries various security policies to protect data.
Recover Data from Corrupted OST Files
Serious situations such as corrupted or inaccessible OST files make it difficult for businesses to manage workflow. This outlines the need to recover data from the corrupt OST file without damage.
The basic procedure suggests recreating the OST file and transferring data from the damaged file to the new one. So, use the proper methods to recover damaged OST files.
Legal and Compliance Needs
Whether you run a business online or offline does not matter; everyone needs to manage their data for legal or regulatory compliance. That’s why businesses often need to perform an OST to PST export to save a valuable amount of data. The data you save in PST format will help you in legal practices or to fulfill any regulatory requirements.
Why Kernel for OST to PST Converter is the Best Pick
It takes a detailed assessment of features, services, price structure, reviews, etc., to conclude which tool is best for you. As per the above discussions, you must know what to look for in an OST to PST converter.
We advise using Kernel for OST to PST converter, an automated tool especially designed to recover data from corrupt/damaged OST files and convert them to PST. It offers additional features to run multiple conversions or accept large OST files without any difficulties. The easy-to-operate user interface makes it the ideal choice for users, as anyone can use it with no training required.
Key Features of Kernel OST to PST Converter:
Integration of exceptional features, filters and functionalities highlights the use of this utility. It allows you to execute a specific or complete export of your OST file data, even if corrupted. Check out the primary features below:
- Move data to PST from offline, orphaned, damaged, inaccessible, or corrupt OST files.
- Option to convert OST to HTML, MSG, EML, PDF, etc., along with PST.
- Perform bulk migration without size restrictions.
- Preview your recovered OST files before conversion.
- Preserve the folder hierarchy post conversion to PST.
- Support & convert oversized-OST files through split-PST features.
- Get a graphical analysis report for your conversion process.
Customer Success Stories for Quality Assurance
This tool is widely accepted by businesses worldwide, as it has solved their issues in the meantime. Everyone knows that the best way to verify any product’s efficiency is through customer reviews.
Case Study: Let’s take the example how we helped a German firm as they encountered an Exchange Server crash, which has resulted in the corruption of their database that left OST files corrupted. So, we suggested them to use this software to convert the OST file to PST to recover data files.
As a result, they were able to recover corrupt OST file data and all the attachments through OST to PST conversion.
Final verdict!
We know that, as a user, it is quite challenging to choose the right OST to PST converter. In the above article, we have highlighted multiple factors that businesses should analyze. From key factors, types of conversion process to top use cases, everything guides you in selecting an OST to PST converter.
As per our recommendation, you can try the advanced Kernel OST to PST converter software for easier and more accurate results. Go through the supporting case studies to understand the benefits of this converter and then proceed to use it.
Still, for more clarity, you can opt for the trial version.
