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How can I convert a .ost from Outlook 2003 to a .pst file?

How can I convert an .ost from Outlook 2003 to a .pst file? I have tried ost2pst.exe, but it does not support 2003.

Well, to begin with, there is an (expensive) program called Exchange Recovery 2.0 that claims to handle the new 2003 file
formats.

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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.

A Google Search for “OST PST
conversion” returns several companies that provide for-fee conversion
services.

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12 comments on “How can I convert a .ost from Outlook 2003 to a .pst file?”

  1. My exchange 2003 failured and i had to re-install it,TRIED to restore the mail box into the new exchange but failed.Fortunately .ost file is available with my old emails.Now i want to import the same into my inbox,..how do i go about?

    Reply
  2. The easies way to open your .ost file on outlook is to export your mail account to a .pst file. You can open the file on other outlook applications.

    Reply
  3. I tried a lot to recover my ost files. But i really fedup for one day. After all when i am searching internet for a solution i got this link to your web page. I succeeded in the opertion. I am thanking this site for the kind information.
    Thanks a lot.

    Rajesh Raman
    Technical Executive
    Vinirma Consulting Private Limited.

    Reply
  4. I just recovered an Outlook 2003 .ost by converting it to .pst using the stellar phoenix demo program which was linked to above. Definitely helped me dodge an IT bullet.

    Reply
  5. I’m closing comments on this article because the majority have been thinly veiled product advertisements posted by various recovery and conversion utility producers. I have removed those. (Sorry if I removed legitmate posts from real people with real recommendations, but this was turning into an ad-fest.)
    If you want to advertise, please see this page: Advertising on Ask Leo!

    – Leo
    26-May-2008
    Reply

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