The PST File stores local copies of your calendar events, messages, task data, contacts, etc. The structure of PST Files also makes it possible to export (back up) and import your calendar event details, messages, tasks, contact, etc., to any device. Fix Outlook Not Opening After Windows Update Although both file formats serve storage purposes, they differ significantly on the root level. Read the following section to get the complete knowledge about PST and OST differences. The .ost file is synchronized with the items on the server that runs Exchange.

Step 3: Click REPAIR

The Lost and Found folder contains any folders and items recovered by the repair tool that Outlook can't place in their original structure. While working on Microsoft Outlook, have you ever thought about how your email data is stored or managed with OST & PST file format? Knowing the comparison between OST versus PST files will help you to provide a clear understanding of them. Moreover, it helps take suitable steps when opting between the OST and PST files. From the heading above, you can notice two tools were listed. Yes, but they function for a different reason, that'll be mentioned in this section.

Differences Between Outlook PST and Outlook OST

PST files have password protection options, but Exchange connectivity diagnostic they are not encrypted by default. PST files can be exported and imported into any Outlook account. PST files can be accessed easily with any Outlook profile or account.

Part 1. What Are Outlook PST Files?

It can save you a lot of grief, but isn’t the most reliable. I’ve had it tell me it repaired files, but then I open them in Outlook and they are empty. In typical MS fashion, the tool can fail, but won’t tell you until the very end…after you’ve run it for an hour.

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This allows you to use Cached Exchange Mode or to work offline when a connection to the Exchange computer may not be possible or wanted. The .ost file is synchronized with the Exchange computer when a connection is available. The tool repairs & converts complete OST data into the desired format at the user-desired location with full data hierarchy. With its user-centric filters and split features, users can easily manage the converted OST file size. To check out the credibility, explore the software’s trial version.

• Because a .pst file is kept on your computer, it is not subject to mailbox size limits on the mail server.
• In the Folder Pane, you might see a folder named Recovered Personal Folders that contains your default Outlook folders or a Lost and Found folder.
• Meanwhile, new messages are kept in your Inbox on the server, and other people might add, delete, and change items in public folders.
• PST files have password protection options, but they are not encrypted by default.
• For users with Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2002, 2003, you'll open the Scnost.exe tool using the instruction below.
• Created when the account is configured with IMAP protocol, Office 365, Outlook.com, & Exchange.
• You can check the location of your Outlook Data Files in Outlook.
• The structure of PST Files also makes it possible to export (back up) and import your calendar event details, messages, tasks, contact, etc., to any device.

Outlook Data Files (.pst) are used for POP3, IMAP, and web-based mail accounts. When you want to create archives or back up your Outlook folders and items on your computer, such as Exchange accounts, you must create and use additional .pst files. Typically, when you use a Microsoft Exchange Server account, your email messages, calendar, and other items are delivered to and saved on the server. You can configure Outlook to keep a local copy of diagnose Office activation conflicts your items on your computer in an Outlook data file that is named an offline Outlook Data File (.ost).

Key Characteristics of PST Files:

PST File Format is used for POP Accounts, while the OST file format is used for IMAP Accounts. The outlook is extremely popular all around the world because of its strong functions. And we have frequently seen Outlook OST and PST files in our daily work, but don't even give a thought to the difference between Outlook OST and PST. And in today's post, we can explore Outlook PST and OST together. Perfectly repair and recover corrupted Outlook PST & OST files. If you're using an Exchange email account, you can delete the offline Outlook Data File (.ost) and Outlook will recreate the offline Outlook Data File (.ost) the next time you open Outlook.



A. No, OST files are specific to the computer where they are created and synchronized with a particular Exchange server mailbox. Adhered with specific email accounts and profiles, limiting its accessibility across platforms. Used for offline accessibility to work even in an unstable internet connection. This extraordinary feat (when comparing the size of older PST and OST files to newer ones) also brought to the table more recent problems with the OST and PST Formats.

With high-end features and advanced filters, Recoveryfix OST Converter stands out as the ideal tool over others. Less susceptible to corruption or damage, as it is attached to the Exchange server. They are independent of the server and don’t get synced automatically. Created when the account is configured with IMAP protocol, Office 365, Outlook.com, & Exchange. Step 1 Firstly, you'll have to open the respective tool depending on your Microsoft Outlook version. You can check the location of your Outlook Data Files in Outlook.