Cigati OST Converter vs Alternatives: Which OST Tool Should You Choose?

Convert OST to PST Easily with Cigati OST Converter: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Cigati OST Converter is a Windows tool for converting Exchange Offline Storage Table (OST) files into Outlook PST and several other formats. This guide gives a concise, prescriptive walkthrough to convert OST to PST using reasonable defaults (Windows, latest Cigati version, Outlook installed).

Prerequisites

• Windows PC with administrative rights
• Cigati OST Converter installed (trial or licensed)
• Source OST file accessible (or configured Exchange/Outlook profile)
• Microsoft Outlook installed (recommended for seamless PST export)

Step-by-step conversion (recommended settings)

1. Launch the application

   • Open Cigati OST Converter from Start menu.

2. Add the OST file

   • Click “Add File” or “Select OST” → browse to the OST file → click Open.
   • If converting from a configured Outlook profile, choose the profile option and let the tool load mailboxes.

3. Scan the OST

   • Click “Scan” (use Quick Scan first).
   • If the file is heavily corrupted, run “Advanced Scan” (deeper recovery).

4. Preview mailbox items

   • After scan completes, browse folders (Inbox, Sent, Calendar, Contacts).
   • Use search/filter to locate specific items if needed.

5. Select export items

   • Check folders or individual items you want to convert.
   • Default: entire mailbox selected.

6. Choose output format — PST

   • Click “Export” or “Save” → select “PST” as output type.
   • Recommended options:
     • Split PST: enable if the resulting PST may exceed 20–25 GB.
     • Maintain folder hierarchy: enable.
     • Exclude deleted items: optional.

7. Set destination and options

   • Choose destination folder for the PST.
   • If prompted, specify Outlook profile or password if OST is encrypted.

8. Start export

   • Click “Export” or “Start”. Progress bar will show status.
   • Wait for completion; time depends on file size.

9. Verify the PST

   • Open Outlook → File → Open & Export → Open Outlook Data File → select the exported PST.
   • Verify folders, emails, attachments, calendar entries, and contacts.

10. Post-conversion steps

    • If needed, use Outlook’s Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) on the PST.
    • Backup the PST to secure storage.

Troubleshooting (brief)

• Export fails or hangs: re-run with Advanced Scan; ensure sufficient disk space; run as Administrator.
• Items missing: verify filters; check preview to confirm items were recovered before export.
• Encrypted OST: provide correct password or convert from live Exchange profile.

Quick tips

• Run on a machine with Outlook installed for best compatibility.
• Use the trial to preview recoverable items before purchasing.
• Keep consistent backups of original OST files.

Estimated time

• Small OST (<1 GB): minutes.
• Large OST (10–50 GB): tens of minutes to hours, depending on system I/O.

If you want, I can write a shorter checklist, a shell of on-screen clicks, or a troubleshooting flowchart.