How to Convert Old PST file to New format?

Outlook uses PST files to store emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, notes, and other mailbox data. Sometimes, users wish to convert old PST file to new format for multiple reasons based on their specific requirements. In this blog, we will explain the manual method, its limitations, and introduce a professional tool that makes this task multi-faceted while keeping all your data intact.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many times, the need arises to convert old PST file to new format.
• The manual method is free but limited in terms of output saving formats.
• The professional tool provides multiple saving options.
• Do remember to keep a backup before initiating the conversion.

Why to Save Old PST files in New Format?

When you get the chance to change old PST files to new format, your data usage flexibility improves. Below are some common cases where it helps to convert old PST file to new format:

• While upgrading from Outlook 2003 or any earlier version to the new Outlook version (2016/2019/2021), such a conversion certainly helps as older PST files don’t open in new versions, so converting them to new format helps gain easy access.
• If your PST file is close to the 2 GB size limit, you can convert it to safeguard data. With time, old PST files become oversized & cluttered, so creating a new file tends to make it easy for you to manage your emails.
• If your Outlook email program becomes too slow while accessing old PST, you can change the file format and retain access.
• If you start facing PST corruption issues frequently, it is better to save data in some new file with a different format to protect it from permanent loss.
• Creating a new file can also enhance Outlook’s performance.
• When you migrate your email data to a new machine, you may need this conversion.
• This conversion ascertains that your mail messages, contact details, calendar data, and email attachments remain secure and accessible on multiple devices, including many modern systems with different email clients.

How to Change Old PST files to New Format Manually?

The manual way is possible via Outlook. This method is free but needs patience.

Convert Old PST file to New format by Creating New Unicode PST & Then Import Data

The manual method is done via Outlook, but it helps to create a new PST file (or a .csv file) ONLY and not any other different format, for which a dedicated tool would be required that presents more saving options.

1. First & foremost, open the Outlook email program.
2. Now, go to the File tab.
3. Here, click on Account Settings.
4. Thereafter, go to the Data Files tab.
5. Then, click Add to create a new PST file.
6. Then choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) & save it. This would form a new Unicode PST file.
7. Afterwards, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
8. Thereafter, select Import from another program or file.
9. Subsequently, click Next.
10. Now, choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) & browse the old PST file.
11. Next, select import options & choose the newly created PST file as the destination.
12. Finally, click Finish and wait for the import process.

Some Pluses of Doing a Manual Conversion

• No extra software cost has to be paid here.
• This is an uncomplicated process for small-sized PSTs.
• This method works directly inside the Outlook program.

Many Challenges are Faced with Manual Conversion

• Large PST files slow down this process significantly.
• There is a risk of data missing during the import process.
• The folder structure might as well change.
• There is no batch conversion option provided here.
• Performing such a process requires the Outlook installation.
• It is not possible to repair severely corrupted PST using these steps.
• You need technical knowledge to implement the steps correctly.
• Interrupting this process midway poses a significant risk.

Significant Software Capabilities

• There is a privilege to save Outlook PST file(s) files into many different file formats such as HTML, DOC etc.
• The simple & clean UI of the software is suitable for all kinds of users.
• Bulk/batch mode processing is very helpful in case of multiple files.
• Advanced filters are also there to select emails by date/from/to/subject, etc.
• The tool doesn’t modify data and keeps attachments, headers, timestamps, & folder hierarchy unaltered, ensuring full integrity & compliance for audits/investigations.
• Large PST files are also handled very smoothly.
• The demo version is also available for free to test-run features.
• This software is compatible with all the latest Windows versions.

How to Convert Old PST file to a New Format with Tool?

1. Download & install: Run the software on your system.
2. Start the tool: Add PST file(s) by using the Select Folder/Select Files option.
   
3. View Folders: From the left-hand folders’ display, select the required ones.
   
4. Select Saving Option: Choose a preferred output saving format and also define the destination path.
   
5. The Process of Migration: Begin the conversion process and wait until the process completes.
   

Manual Techniques vs Professional Tool

Discussing Some FAQs

Q 1: How to convert old PST file to new format without losing any emails?

Answer: The professional tool is quite safe; you can think about it if you have been considering this conversion.

Q 2: How to move a PST file from an old system to a new one?

Answer: First, decide the output format in which you wish to convert your PST file data, and then obtain an automated tool that provides multiple output saving format options to accomplish this task.

Q 3: Why do old PST files not open in new Outlook versions like 2019?

Answer: Older PST files have both format and size limitations, so they are not fully supported in many new versions of the Outlook program, making conversion essential in these cases.

Concluding Note

To conclude, saving old PST files in a new format does not have to be a hard process that takes too much of your time. Just follow the simple steps outlined above by making use of the dedicated software mentioned, and you will be able to convert old PST file to new format while maintaining folder structure. Pick the method that best suits your requirement and keeps your email data protected.