In this review, I’m going to test Stellar’s free online and desktop OST to PST conversion solutions to see how they perform in real-world conversion scenarios. I’ll look at the conversion process, ease of use, file-size limits, processing time, preview options, selective conversion, and the level of control available with each option.
An OST file may be the only remaining copy of your Outlook data, especially when the original Outlook profile becomes unavailable or corrupted. In such cases, emails and other locally cached data stored in the OST file can become inaccessible.
OST files are typically linked to the original Outlook profile and its associated Exchange or Microsoft 365 account. Unlike PST files, they cannot normally be opened or accessed independently in Outlook.
This is where converting the OST into a PST becomes helpful because mailbox data can be accessed through another Outlook profile.
Why Are OST Files Difficult to Open?
An OST file is connected to the original Microsoft Outlook profile or Exchange/Microsoft 365 account. It cannot be opened independently in Outlook. It can also become orphaned if the original profile is unavailable.
The emails may still be stored locally. But no one can access them through the original account remain unavailable. The OST to PST conversion creates a portable mailbox file. It can then be opened through the original account even if the original account is unavailable.
Free Online OST to PST Converter by Stellar
It is a browser-based converter for converting OST files into PST format. Online ost to pst converter by Stellar doesn’t require software installation or Microsoft Outlook. The complete process can also be completed through the web browser.
Stellar’s online ost converter takes a very different path to OST conversion. You can do it without software installation and Microsoft Outlook. It follows a simple approach where you can upload the OST file, let the online service process it, and download the converted PST after the conversion is completed. You must initially sign in with your email to start the conversion.
You can then upload the OST file and start the conversion by clicking or tapping on the “Start Conversion” button. The conversion and generation of the HTML file may take a few minutes or seconds based on the file size. The upload time may depend on your internet speed or the file size. It usually takes around 53 seconds in testing for around 50 MB files.
Although the free plan supports files up to 500 MB, the paid plan increases its limit to 5 GB.
The Online OST to PST Converter Works Well for Quick Conversions
It works well for fast conversions. IT administrators, meanwhile, often deal with larger mailboxes, multiple OST files, compliance requirements, mailbox verification, and data conversion scenarios in online conversion. Its desktop version helps solve these concerns.
Stellar Converter for OST: Desktop Tool Testing
Stellar Converter for OST is perfect for users who need complete control over the conversion process. I’ve tested top features here:
OST Discovery
It is helpful for finding the OST files connected to the configured profile. Users can also select the OST file manually if it isn’t detected automatically.
This option lets you browse the file location and select it manually. It is also useful for orphaned files stored outside the usual Outlook data-file location.
Mailbox Preview
The software also showcases its mailbox content before you can export it to Outlook. Emails, contacts, calendar items, tasks, notes, and attachments are usually showcased in the preview.
The preview helps you verify the available mailbox data before creating the final PST file. Deleted emails can also be identified separately here when the recovery option is used.
Key Features Tested
- Preview Before Conversion
It lets you check the mailbox content before saving the converted file. You can check here whether the required emails, folders, contacts, and calendar information are present before exporting the data.
- Selective Conversion
Users can also select the particular folders they want instead of choosing the complete file.
- Large OST Support
Stellar Converter for OST desktop software supports large OST files without size restrictions. This makes the software useful for enterprise mailboxes and larger conversion jobs.
Online vs Desktop Tool Comparison
| Feature | Online Converter | Desktop Converter |
|---|---|---|
| Fast conversion | Yes | Available |
| Advanced Conversion | No | Yes |
| Browser-based | Available | Not available |
| Installation | Not needed | Needed |
| Outlook needed | No | Yes |
| Enterprise scenario | Limited | Suitable |
| Advanced requirements | No | Yes |
| Mailbox preview | HTML-based | Full mailbox preview |
Who Should Use the Online OST to PST Converter?
It is perfect for:
- Home users
- Non-technical users
- One-time conversions
- Small OST files
- Quick mailbox access
- Users who don’t want to install software
Who Should Use the Stellar Converter for OST Desktop Tool?
It is ideal for:
- MSPs
- IT administrators
- Exchange administrators
- Microsoft 365 administrators
- Consultants
- Legal and compliance teams
- Large mailbox users
Conclusion
Stellar offers two ways to convert OST files to PST, depending on your requirements. The online service is suitable for quick, browser-based conversions without installing Outlook or any software. For larger OST files or multiple files, the desktop version provides greater flexibility and control. The right option ultimately depends on the OST file size, number of files, and the level of control you need during the conversion process.
