OST VS PST – Difference Between PST and OST Files Used in MS Outlook
Getting confused between two storage database files of MS Outlook? OST and PST?
Now keep your own concepts aside and remove confusion here.
With help of this blog of OST vs PST file, you will be able to discover a brief idea about both these Outlook files. As per the Microsoft team survey, there are around 60 million of users who are using Outlook. But, only 5% of users are aware from the actual difference between OST and PST file. Therefore, this blog is going to help you in clearing your doubts regarding both these file formats, in tabular form.
| Attributes | OST File | PST File |
| Abbreviation of | Offline Storage table | Personal storage table |
| Created By | The file is created when Microsoft Outlook account is configured with MS Exchange server. It is considered as an offline copy of Exchange mailbox. | The file gets generated when any IMAP or POP3 account is configured in Outlook. The items are saved in form of a local copy of account mailboxes. |
| Purpose | An OST file is used for holding offline copies of data that exists in the Exchange server. | The purpose of this file format is to have Outlook backup mailboxes locally on machine. |
| Location | The location of this file is C:\Users\User Profile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OutlookThis path cannot be changed and is default. | The location of this file varies with the requirements of an Outlook user. By default, the location of this file is same as that of OST files. |
| Can be Separated From Exchange / Not | The file cannot be backed up separately because it is the primary file of the Exchange server. | Outlook users can create backup of their data by archiving files in PST file format, separately. |
| Portability | The OST file is the server dependent file because of which it cannot be portable. | The Outlook PST file is a portable file, which can be located or moved anywhere on the PC. |
| File Conversion | Users can convert OST file to PST format. | A PST file cannot be converted into OST file format because OST is the offline mailboxes copy of the Exchange server. |
| Available Mailbox Items | Outlook emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, journals, etc. are stored in OST files. These data automatically get synchronized when the server comes in online mode. | The file comprises of same data as that of the OST file. But, this data can be transferred on new computer in form of the PST file. |
| Compatible With Server | OST files are compatible only with all versions of the Exchange server. | A PST file can be used for setting up the Exchange platform but, it is not preferred by experts. |
| Modification Activity | OST file enables users to edit, delete, and modify emails. | PST file does not provide feature to edit emails. |
| Benefits | These files are best-suited for domains where there is limited internet connection. | These files are recommended when users want to create backup their Outlook data and port it on a new platform. |
It seems that you are now cleared with all your doubts regarding OST and PST files. Still, if you are having some doubts then, feel free to put a comment below. Our experts team will help you in resolving all your queries regarding OST vs PST file.