PST files, referred to as Personal Storage Table, are the offline files that contain the items of an email account. Everything managed through the Outlook client can be stored across this file. However, if you wish to create one for yourselves, there are a few settings that need to be configured for this purpose. This article features some of the best ways that can be used to create PST Outlook with ease.
Part 1: A Clear Differentiation Between OST and PST Files
OST files are the other form of storage files that are contained across the Outlook email client. These files, however, are connected online with the Exchange account, which makes them different from the other form of storage files. This part will recognize some of the major differences between OST and PST files which would be essential for understanding their significance:
- The prominent difference between OST and PST files can be covered across their use case and significance for Outlook mail. OST files store data that can be utilized in offline systems; however, PST files are saved across local drives under the motive of saving data for unprecedented events.
- OST files are only supported by Microsoft Exchange servers, while PST files are compatible across other services, which makes them a versatile option compared to OST files. On the other hand, OST files are server-dependent and cannot be transferred to any desired location.
- Automatic synchronization is turned on for OST files, which essentially saves all the data with an internet connection. For PST files, you have to manually synchronize the file for saving data on your computer from the Exchange.
- Users can read, view, reply to, and compose emails across the OST files, even in the offline version. PST files do not provide such services, making them an element that only saves the Outlook data across the computer as a backup.
Part 2: Create a PST Outlook File – 3 Free and Quick Methods
In this part, we shall assert our focus across the free methods that explain how to create PST on Microsoft Outlook. You can consider using these methods to effectively create a PST file from scratch:
Method 1: Using Outlook Cleanup Tool for Moving Mails to PST File
The first method that can be considered to create PST Outlook file is through the Cleanup Tool offered across the platform. To follow the steps for this method, you need to look at the following details:
Step 1: Launch Microsoft Outlook and proceed into the “File” tab of your platform. Look for “Info” across the left navigation pane. Following this, locate the “Cleanup Tools” option in the list and select “Archive” from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: This opens a new window. You need to select all the files and folders you wish to transfer across the PST file. On selecting all the appropriate items for this purpose, set up the location of the PST file by clicking on “Browse.” Once you have set up all the basic settings for your Outlook PST file, click “OK.”
Step 3: You can find the PST file stored across the respective location that you’ve specified in the process. This is how you successfully create PST Outlook file using Cleanup Tool.
Method 2: Export Mailbox Directly
Another simple and effective approach to creating a PST file from scratch is directly exporting it. You need to export the complete mailbox as a PST file from the available options. If you are looking forward to how to create PST file in Outlook, you need to go through the described steps:
Step 1: Launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer and ensure that you are logged in with the right email account. Click on the "Files" tab to proceed into the new section. Proceed to the "Open & Export" section and click "Import & Export" from the available options.
Step 2: A new window pop-up opens on the front. You need to select “Export to a file” in the available list and click “Next.”
Step 3: On the next screen, proceed by selecting “Outlook Data File (.pst)” from the available options.
Step 4: Figure out all the files and folders you wish to export into your PST file. Once selected, click on "Next."
Step 5: The final option to create a PST file requires you to set up the location of the file across your computer. Browse the location and select an appropriate option for the duplicate items across your Outlook account. Click "Finish" to conclude the process of creating a new PST file.
Method 3: Enabling the Auto-Archiving Option on Outlook
If you are looking for consistent methods that explain how to create PST files with ease, Auto-Archiving can be a great consideration. This method essentially saves all the items from the OST file across the Exchange into a PST file.
Archiving is considered optimal to save the older messages and emails in a separate PST file, saving the space across the email account. Look across the steps to learn more about how to create PST file in Outlook:
Step 1: Open Outlook on your computer and proceed into the "File" tab. Find the "Options" section in the left pane to open the settings for your Outlook account.
Step 2: As a new window opens, find the "Advanced" section on the left side of the window. Once located, click on "AutoArchive Settings."
Step 3: You need to set the number of days for running auto-archiving across your Outlook account. Specify the location of the folder that would save the PST files. Make sure all the archiving options are looked into. Once done, click “OK.” Your PST file will be created and saved automatically across the set location on the computer.
A Video Tutorial on How to Create A PST File In Outlook 365
Part 3: Default Locations for PST Files (According to Windows Version)
This part introduces you to the default locations set for PST files according to the specific Windows version. Before coming onto the details, you should realize that the default size of a PST file is almost 20GB for Outlook 2003 and 2007 users. This limit was increased to 50GB for Outlook 2010 and later versions. The following table shows all the respective default locations for PST files according to Windows versions.
|
Windows OS Version |
Default PST File Location |
|
Windows 10/7/8 |
C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\ |
|
Windows XP |
C:\User\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook |
|
Windows Vista |
C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook |
Part 4: Convert Your OST File to PST – Stellar Converter for PST
While creating a PST file from scratch, you can also have an OST file converted into PST for convenience. This, however, needs to be done with the help of a powerful tool that offers unique and explicit features to its users for execution. If you are looking for a tool that supports all major versions of Outlook and provides significant features during conversion, Stellar Converter for PST is the perfect option that you can inherit in such a situation.
This tool offers the option of converting multiple OST files into PST with the help of batch processing. Along with that, the consistent conversion of files is accompanied by a preview window that helps the user select a respective file to convert. If you are looking forward to using this tool to get a PST file with ease, you need to look across the following steps.
Step 1: Launch Stellar Converter
Open Stellar Converter for PST on your desktop and proceed to the "Select Outlook OST" button in the Home section. A new window opens on the front that demands importing the OST file to be converted.
Step 2: Add File and Start Conversion
You need to click on “Browse” if you are aware of the location. In the other case, click “Find” to automatically locate the OST file on the computer. Once added, click on “Convert” to initiate.
Step 3: Select Files and Folders
The converted items are displayed across the platform's screen in the respective OST file structure. You will also find the deleted items across the list. Select the mailbox items that you are looking forward to converting to PST.
Step 4: Convert to PST
Once selected, click on “Save Converted File” in the Home section. You will find a new pop-up window on your front. Select “PST” from the available formats and click on “Browse” to set the location for the file. Click “OK” and let the platform execute the process before displaying the message of completion.
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Closing Words
This article has specifically explained how to create PST file across Microsoft Outlook. If you are a user who is not aware of the appropriate methods, you should go through these provided options and understand the dynamics of the procedure. If you have an OST file and wish to convert it to PST, you should recognize Stellar Converter for PST as the optimal platform for this purpose.
