Quickly learn the simple ways for effortless OST to PST conversion from this comprehensive review of Stellar Converter for OST:
If you’ve used Microsoft Outlook, you are probably aware that it stores its mailbox data in OST format. An OST file keeps all mailbox data on local storage, thus allowing for its use offline. While this is beneficial, the problem arises if such offline data gets corrupted and becomes inaccessible.
Furthermore, as OST files are linked to the profile in which they were created, it would be impossible to import this data to another profile directly. The only way to resolve these issues is to convert the OST file into PST (Personal Storage Table).
There are a plethora of tools out there that do an excellent job of converting an OST file to its PST counterpart in a simple manner.
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Stellar Converter For OST – A Complete Overview
Stellar Converter for OST is one such tool and also the focus of my review. Widely regarded as the best OST to PST converter, I was naturally curious about the tool. As such, I put it to the ultimate test.
So without much further ado, allow me to share my honest opinion about Stellar Converter for OST after having spent a substantial amount of time fiddling with its many features.
Stellar Converter is a versatile, feature-rich software that’s widely known for its ability to convert OST files. Ever since its inception, we have used the tool for converting an OST file to PST and other file formats, as well as extracting mailbox data from OST files.
The software can easily convert all OST mailbox components. These include contacts, attachments, calendars, emails, and much more with the utmost precision. There is no limit to the number of files you can convert.
It can convert any inaccessible or encrypted file without hassle and supports almost all versions of Microsoft Outlook. The software is free to download and very simple to install.
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Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to install Stellar on your system:
- Hit the ‘Free Download’ button available on the home page of Stellar Converter for OST.
- On the appearing Dialog Box, hit ‘Save File’.
- Double-click the file shown on the Downloads Windows.
- Click ‘Run’ as soon as the Security Warning Dialog Box appears.
Technical Specifications
Processor | Intel Compatible |
Memory | 4 GB Minimum |
Hard Disk | 250 MB for Installation files |
Operating System | Windows 7 and Above |
License | Single User |
Price | Starts $79 |
Website | Stellar Converter for OST |
When testing the tool, I laid special emphasis on its overall utility, functionality, and user-friendliness. I would like to share my experiences on all three elements. We will see how to use Stellar Converter for OST, starting with Stellar’s User-Interface.
User Interface
The interface of Stellar was so impressive that it left a lasting impression on me. One thing you’ll immediately realize when you land on Stellar’s interface is how functionality-focused it is.
You are asked to choose the OST file to convert straight away. The instructions are presented to you from the beginning. All you have to do is follow them.
The UI is immaculate. All the features you need are just a click away. It has that simple look that also accommodates sophistication. In essence, I was happy with the interface. The functions were not confusing at all and I don’t think you’ll need to be a tech wizard to use this software.
Features
As I mentioned before, Stellar is known for its features. It can do a lot more than just convert OST to a PST file format. Here are all the features it offers and my thoughts on each one of them:
#1) OST to PST Conversion
Let’s start by first taking a look at its primary feature. Stellar makes the process of converting OST to PST files very simple. It is incredible at converting large-sized OST files at exceptional speed. Extracting mailbox data from OST files for conversion does not mess with the original folder hierarchy, attachments, or email formatting.
This, in my opinion, is what makes Stellar Converter for OST a cut above the rest. It can convert and extract mailbox data with 100% precision and accuracy. The tool supports OST files that have been created by almost all versions of Outlook.
The conversion process itself is also very simple.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how Stellar performs OST to PST conversion:
1. As soon as you launch the software, you’ll be greeted with a choice. Click the ‘Browse’ button if you know where your OST file is located. On the other hand, click the ‘Find’ button to auto-locate the file you wish to convert.
2. Select the OST file you wish to convert and hit the ‘Convert’ button.
3. Hit ‘OK’ once the conversion is complete.
4. You will now see all mailbox objects appear on the left pane of the interface.
5. Select all or specific folders that you wish to save.
6. Click the ‘Save Converted File’ button that’s present on the file menu.
7. This will take you to a dialog box with multiple saving options. Select ‘PST’ to convert and save the data in PST format.
8. Specify the path where you wish to save the converted file and hit ‘OK’.
Besides PST, you are also provided with multiple file format conversion options. You can convert your OST file into MSG, EML, RTF, HTML, and PDF format using the same steps.
#2) Precisely Extract all Offline Outlook Data
Another thing that Stellar does well is extract all data from an OST. This includes emails, contacts, attachments, journals, notes, etc. It maintains the integrity of mailbox items during the extraction/conversion process.
This makes the tool perfect for OST file extraction or conversion, especially when an outlook profile is not there.
The tool also does a commendable of sorting and organizing OST file data that’s extracted. Once the scan is complete, you are allowed to sort or organize emails by Subject, Date, Type, Attachment, Importance, To, From, etc.
#3) Auto Locating an OST File
Stellar is a useful tool especially if you have no idea where your OST files are located. As you already know, Stellar presents you with two options to initiate the OST conversion.
One of those options is to auto-locate an OST file to convert. If you don’t know where your OST file is located on the system, you can rely on the software to locate and list the files on your behalf from the default location. Or you can also select OST file manually if you know the location.
#4) Preview Offline Outlook Data File
The software presents you with a detailed preview of every item stored in the converted OST files. You can view its content by simply clicking on the mailbox item, which could be anything from an email and calendar to a folder.
This feature is quite useful if you wish to extract certain items from an offline outlook data file.
#5) Finding Individual Mail Items
Let’s say you wish to find specific mail items. You can do so using the ‘Find Message’ button. Once you hit that button, you’ll be taken to the Find Message Window. Here, you can find a particular mail item by using parameters like Subject, Date, Type, Attachment, Importance, To, From, etc.
These items can then be saved in PST, MSG, PDF, HTML, and EML format by simply right-clicking on the chosen mail item.
#6) Save and Load Scanned Files
Stellar allows you to save a scanned file as a DAT to load it later for conversion. To do so, you’ll need to adhere to the following instructions:
- On the Home Menu, click on the ‘Save Scan Info’.
- You’ll be taken to the Save Scan Info dialog box. Click the browse button to select the folder where you wish to save the scanned information. You also have the option to create a new directory, which can be used to track a saved DAT file.
- Click ‘OK’ to save the DAT file.
- To load the saved DAT file, all you have to do is click the ‘Load Scan’ button on the home menu right beside the Save Scan button.
This is a great feature and stops a user from scanning the same file again and again. It can save you a lot of time, especially when large OST files are involved. With the help of this feature, you can efficiently split the scan and preview process based on your specific requirements.
#7) Auto-Split PST Files
Stellar provides you with an option to split a large PST file with its auto-split feature. You can use this feature to automatically split an oversized PST file. This is another useful feature that can keep your PST files from getting corrupted owing to their large size.
Besides auto-split, Stellar also presents you with the option to split files based on size. You’ll be able to split a PST file in sizes ranging from 1-50 GB while ensuring the original organization of mailbox data isn’t disturbed. This feature is exclusive to the Technician edition of the tool.
#8) Export OST Data to Office 365
Now this is a feature that’s only available to those who have purchased Stellar Converter’s Technician Edition. If you have, then you’ll be able to directly export your OST to PST-converted files to Office 365.
What makes this feature impressive is the fact that you can export the mailboxes from your Office 365 interface once logged in.
#9) Batch Conversion
Stellar Converter is a tool designed keeping user convenience in mind. Nowhere is this fact more apparent than in the tool’s ability to convert multiple OST files to PST, simultaneously. The software allows you to take multiple OST files and convert them into a PST via a single batch process.
This only makes the conversion process less tedious, especially when you have to extract data from multiple OST files.
#10) Compacts PST File
This is yet another feature that’s exclusive to the Technician Edition. You can compress a large PST file. This feature can save attachments from your PST file in a different folder while ensuring the interlinks throughout your PST file remain preserved. This feature can also help you save all attachments in a completely new PST file.
Customer Support
The technical support provided by Stellar is pretty decent. You have the option to raise a ticket or directly contact the team via phone or live chat. There is a comprehensive user manual, FAQs, knowledge base, and tutorials available for self-support as well.
Price
Stellar Converter offers three versions of its tool. The Corporate Version will cost you $79 for a 1 year license. You’ll be able to convert OST to PST and extract all mailbox items with this version.
The Technician version allows you to convert multiple OST files while also offering additional features, like exporting OST files directly to Office 365 or compressing PST files. This version will cost you $149 for a 1 year license.
Then there is the Toolkit version, which includes all the features of the Technician version, while also offering 7 extra tools. This version will cost you $199 for a 1 year license.
I have no complaints about the plan. I prefer the Technician Edition, but you can opt for either edition depending on your requirements.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Easy to use | 24/7 tech support would’ve been nice. |
Fast conversion speed | |
Convert OST to PST, MSF, RTF, EML, and HTML | |
Auto-Split PST files | |
Supports all versions of Outlook | |
Affordable subscription |
Frequently Asked Questions
Stellar Converter is free to download but you won’t be able to do much. The free version allows you to preview converted files and extract 20 mailbox items per folder.
Yes, Stellar was made for OST to PST conversion, especially to overcome issues where an OST file has become inaccessible or orphaned. You can rely on Stellar to convert inaccessible, orphaned, and encrypted files without hassle.
Stellar can save a converted OST file into MSG, EML, RTF, PDF, and HTML format.
Well, that completely depends on your requirements. If you only want the tool for OST to PST conversion, then go for the cheaper corporate version. If you want the tool to also split large PST files or directly export files to Office 365, then you should opt for the Technician edition.
Yes, you can rely on this software to convert an OST file that isn’t connected to Exchange Server.
Yes, you can rely on this software to migrate an OST file to Office 365 or Microsoft 365. For this, you need to use Technician Edition.
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Conclusion
Should you Use Stellar Converter for OST?
With Stellar, I expected a good OST to PST converter. To my pleasant surprise, I got a lot more. I think it is exceptional when it comes to its core functions, which include OST to PST conversion and extracting mailbox data. The tool works phenomenally well with almost all versions of Microsoft Outlook.
Regardless of whether your OST file is inaccessible or encrypted, you can count on Stellar to Convert OST file to PST in no time. It also ensures that your mailbox’s integrity isn’t affected during the conversion process. Simply put, it is very precise in the way it functions.
While the time it takes to convert files will vary based on the file size, I can still claim that the software is really fast. Not just PST, you can also count on Stellar to convert your OST files to other formats like HTML, EML, RTF, PDF, and MSG.
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Stellar Converter for OST stands out in my opinion with its performance, functionality, and user-friendliness. This is a tool that I have no qualms recommending to IT admins and businesses alike.