Convert OST to PDF: IT Administrator’s Guide for Large Mailboxes

Export OST to PDF Explanation

• Open and read OST emails in PDF format without installing Outlook.
• Extract emails from OST files when the original Outlook profile or Exchange account is unavailable.
• Store business conversations, legal records, and important communications in a long-term accessible format.
• Save email records for audits, investigations, and regulatory purposes.
• Send email conversations as PDF files without requiring recipients to have Outlook.
• Maintain email content, headers, dates, and layout during conversion.

How to Convert OST File to PDF Manually?

In case you only have to preserve a limited number of emails and you have access to your Outlook account. You can utilize the Print to PDF feature already available in Outlook. The use of this option is free of charge and doesn’t necessitate the installation of any other software. 

Convert Outlook OST Files to PDF Using Outlook

1. Launch Outlook and make sure the mailbox containing the OST file is accessible.
2. Browse to the folder and open the email you want to save as a PDF.
3. Click File and then select Print.
4. From the list of printers, select Microsoft Print to PDF.
5. Click Print, choose the destination folder, enter a file name, and save the email.

Drawbacks of the Manual OST to PDF Conversion

• You can save only one email at a time.
• Outlook must be installed and working.
• It does not work with orphan OST files.
• There is no batch conversion option.
• It becomes time-consuming for large mailboxes.
• Folder hierarchy is not preserved.
• You cannot apply filters to export selected emails.
• Attachments are not saved as separate files.

Automated Bulk Process to Convert OST to PDF

When handling large mailboxes, complex folder structures, and emails with heavy attachments, a specialized conversion solution is required. The DRS Softech OST to PDF Converter is designed to overcome Outlook profile dependencies and export complete OST mailboxes in bulk. It helps IT administrators convert large and orphaned OST files into PDF format while preserving email details, folder hierarchy, and attachments.

Handling Large, Orphaned OST Files

A professional tool offers several advanced features and filters to handle large and orphaned OST files.

• Click Select Files or Select Folder to add a single OST file or multiple OST files at once.
• Large OST files containing thousands of emails, attachments, and folders can be converted into PDF.
• Important attachments such as documents, images, invoices, and reports can be handled during conversion
• Preview mailbox folders, emails, and other details before starting the conversion process.
• Convert OST to MSG, PST, EML, and other file formats.
• Select emails from a specific time period before conversion.
• The duplicate email detection feature identifies repeated messages during conversion.

Simple Steps to Change OST Files into PDF

1. First, download and install the DRS Softech OST to PDF File Converter.
2. Choose “Select Files” or “Select Folder” to add your OST files.
3. Now, you can preview (with Search and advanced search options) and select them to convert. Hit Next.
4. Select PDF as the Saving Format from the drop-down list. 
5. In the end, apply General Settings and Advanced features as per your needs. Press Start Export.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we explored several methods to convert OST to PDF. The manual method requires Outlook and converts only a few files. However, it has several limitations. Therefore, it’s best to use the professional tool. It supports batch conversion with multiple advanced features. You can also download the demo version of this tool to test its features and functions.

Frequently Asked Questions