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I need to find an inexpensive program that will convert my old outlook mail from an .ost file into a readable file. The computer guy converted it and now tells me that I need to buy software to open it as a .pst file. He's not trying to sell me the software, I think that he just screwed up when he was cleaning up my computer that was formerly networked- turning it into a stand alone. It is critical that I have the ability to view and print these e-mails and I told him how important it was when I brought it in to him.
It's just one file and the software that I found online is $200. Are there less expensive alternatives?
Don't you have Outlook already? .ost and .pst files are both used by Outlook but for different purposes. Data from an .ost file can be dragged or exported to a .pst file in Outlook so you have a copy independent of the Exchange server.
Yes, I had them set up my website addresses to go to Outlook. So I can just drag the .ost to the Outlook program file? Hmm.... stupid me- I will back it up on a thumb drive and try it. I've been terrified of losing the info.
I'll report back- thanks!
UPDATE: It just keeps acting like it is moving the file, making that running noise, but says "not responding"- when I try to stop it, I get the message that my system could become unstable if I end the program now.
Last edited by Magnolia Bloom; 12-09-2009 at 04:02 PM..
Reason: Reporting back
This might be of interest to you too: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/ha010563001033.aspx (broken link)
For .ost files created in Outlook 2003, I think you'll have to ante up the money for software such as this: Ost 2 pst converter. Convert ost 2 pst. Switch ost to pst.. You can download the demo version of this to test if it works before you buy the full version.
I don't have first-hand experience on these. Rather, I watched my friend convert his .ost files. It worked fine for him. One other thing to consider is the size of your .ost files. I've read some reviews that mention some of the converter software choking on .ost files over 1 gig in size.
This is one of the reasons I avoid using MS Outlook when I can. Or if I can't avoid using MS Outlook, I save all my emails to text files at the end of every day.
It was Vista. Thank you for the links- I will check them out. The file is quite large, so I may just need to pay the $. Almost one week's worth of unemployment
It was Vista. Thank you for the links- I will check them out. The file is quite large, so I may just need to pay the $. Almost one week's worth of unemployment
What version of MS Outlook or MS Office was in Vista? This might narrow down the search for a more relevant solution.
For a better understanding of these file types, here the description from MS:
Personal Folders file (.pst) (Personal Folders file (.pst): Data file that stores your messages and other items on your computer. You can assign a .pst file to be the default delivery location for e-mail messages. You can use a .pst to organize and back up items for safekeeping.)
Offline Folder file (.ost) (Offline Folder file: The file on your hard disk that contains offline folders. The offline folder file has an .ost extension. You can create it automatically when you set up Outlook or when you first make a folder available offline.)
You can't drag an ost to Outlook and have it work you need to set it into the default location. Most likely:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
Rename the existing OST in that folder to BAK and then copy your OST in question. Make sure it has the same name as the one you renamed (except the bak of course). Then open outlook. Make sure you keep a copy of the OST in the original location to make sure you don't lose it.
If you can open the OST file in off-line mode, you can then create a PST and simply copy the contents of the OST over to the PST. The trick here is opening the OST at all since it is typically tied to a specific profile or Exchange Server account settings. If that account is not available, then you may not be able to open the OST.
You all are life savers- I am off to get a monster hard drive backup and am going to make this happen tonight when my 16 YO comes home and can hold my hand
Tek & Fastninja- it will be in the 40s here tonight.... Just sayin......so you don't feel so bad in your chilly climes!
Thank you to everyone!
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. In the search box, type offline files, and then, in the list of results, click Manage offline files.
