If you use Microsoft 365, MS Exchange, POP3, or IMAP, you are probably familiar with PST and OST files. The data holding files for such servers are known as PST and OST. According to your needs, you may effortlessly convert an OST file to a PST file and vice versa.
The difference between an OST file and PST file is that an OST file stores data for offline use, whereas a PST file keeps data on the user’s local drive. The.ost extension is used for OST files, while the.pst extension is used for PST files.
In this article, we are going to discuss OST and PST files and their differences.
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About OST
In Microsoft Outlook, an OST file is essentially your offline file mode. Offline Storage Files saves the user’s mailbox data for offline use on the local system. It accomplishes this by enrolling with Exchange Server and utilizing Microsoft Outlook. It is created automatically the first time you use Microsoft Outlook with server connectivity. Once the folder is created, the data is organized with the mail server for offline access.
Clients can create OST mails and other data components even when they are offline, but the data will not be synchronized. The local copy and the server will be at the same pitch to sync information once your server is linked to the internet.
The following are the contents which OST format can sync:
1. Headers: Descriptive identifiers that provide information such as the sender’s name, message subject line, message delivery time, and message size.
2. Full items: The header, message body, and any attachments such as photographs or objects are all included. The items in the offline file can be deleted, added to, or changed.
You can also items between folders, see what’s in your public offline folder, and send messages from your offline inbox. New messages are also preserved in the server inbox, where other users can remove, add or edit the contents.
About PST
PST, or Personal Storage Table, is a proprietary Microsoft file format used to save copies of calendar events, messages, and other components in Microsoft products such as Windows messaging and Microsoft Outlook. PST files have the advantage of being easily portable and transferable from one Outlook user to another. While it offers the advantage of portability, it also has a few security problems.
PST files aren’t designed to store large amounts of data, such as email archives. As a result, data loss and corruption may occur regularly. PST files also include emails that aren’t easily archived. Therefore, they are not always placed in the proper retention classified system or deleted. PST files can be password protected this way, but a quick search on the internet will turn up a slew of tools that can quickly crack the passwords you’ve saved. This essentially puts the client’s information at risk.
PST files are a widely used mail archiving type that underpins all Microsoft email products. Understanding how to handle and secure PST files is critical in any Microsoft-based environment for preventing legal difficulties, assaults, or data loss while using archived mail data.
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OST Vs PST (differences)
OST files allow Outlook to work offline and immediately sync with Outlook once it has access to an internet connection. It can also be utilized in an exchange setting with an MS exchange server. This allows customers or users to compose, delete, read and respond to emails while offline. PST mode, on the other hand, cannot be used on an MS exchange server but can be found on other servers. Only PST folder files are used by HTTP and IMAP. The PST format is used to save messages, journals, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox components that are saved locally.
The other differences are as follows:
• PST Stands for Personal or Online storage Folder, while OST stands for Offline Storage Folder.
• OST files allow users to read, reply compose and view emails even when they are offline, however, the PST file format does not provide this benefit.
• Only the Microsoft Exchange server is supported by OST files. You can use the exchange mode with the PST file format.
• OST files can be worked on both online and offline, however, PST files can only be used to save files and data locally.
• OST is dependent on account configuration and can not be opened on its own. In the case of PST, no such functionality has been discovered.
• PST files aren’t designed to store large amounts of data, such as email archives. While Offline Storage Files saves the user’s mailbox data for offline use on the local system with OST mode.
Other Comparison
| Parameters of Comparison | OST | PST |
| Portability | It can’t be port because its server dependent. | Its lightweight and can be installed anywhere on a local system. |
| Dependency factor | Individual emails cannot be transferred from the Exchange server. | It is possible to create a database Outlook file individually. |
| Sync Possibility | It can be synced automatically with a strong internet connection. | No auto-syncing. |
| Sever compatibility | All Exchange server versions are supported. | Compatible with servers other than Microsoft Exchange. |
| Benefits | If your internet connection is poor or low you can work with domains. | It is used to have a backup of Outlook. |
The Last words
The difference between an OST file and a PST file is that an OST file stores data for offline use, whereas a PST file keeps data on the user’s local drive. The.ost extension is used for OST files, while the.pst extension is used for PST files.
