Yesterday, 08:20 PM
Outlook doesn’t allow you to import OST files directly because OST files are tied to a specific Outlook profile and Exchange account. They are designed to store a local copy of your mailbox data when using an Exchange, IMAP, or Office 365 account.
When the account or server connection is lost, the OST file becomes orphaned or inaccessible, and Outlook can’t read it without that original profile. That’s why you need to convert OST file to PST format, which is portable and can be opened or imported into any Outlook profile on any system.
In short:
OST files are linked to one specific mailbox and profile.
PST files are independent and can be imported anywhere.
Conversion is required to access data from an old or orphaned OST file.
When the account or server connection is lost, the OST file becomes orphaned or inaccessible, and Outlook can’t read it without that original profile. That’s why you need to convert OST file to PST format, which is portable and can be opened or imported into any Outlook profile on any system.
In short:
OST files are linked to one specific mailbox and profile.
PST files are independent and can be imported anywhere.
Conversion is required to access data from an old or orphaned OST file.