What is the difference between a PST and OST?
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The main difference between OST and PST is that OST files store data for offline utilization while the PST format saves data in the users local drive. An OST file is saved with a . ost extension, while a PST file is saved with a . pst extension.
What is a PST file and what is the difference between a PST file and OST file what file is used by Outlook Express?
1. The OST file folder is an offline data storage area which can be used when there is no Internet connection while the PST file folder is a personal data storage area which can be used for locally stored files.

What does PST and OST stand for?
Overview. In Microsoft Exchange Server, the messages, the calendar, and other data items are delivered to and stored on the server. Microsoft Outlook stores these items in a personal-storage-table (. pst) or off-line-storage-table (. ost) files that are located on the local computer.
What is an OST file used for?
An OST file (. ost) is an offline folder file in Microsoft Outlook. Offline folders make it possible for the user to work offline and then to synchronize changes with the Exchange server the next time they connect. The ability to work offline is useful in environments with limited or unreliable connectivity.

Do I need to backup OST files?
In most cases the need to backup a *. OST file is not necessary as these files are merely cached copies of online mailboxes in Exchange or Office 365. Since it is a cached version of your mailbox data even if that *.
Is it OK to delete Outlook OST file?
You can delete OST file. There will be no data loss when users remove OST file as it can be again downloaded from Exchange Server. Along with it, professionals also recommend to take backup of offline storage file into PST format. This will help users to access the data when Outlook profile is not available.
Can I delete the OST file?
Step 4: Select OST file and click on Delete button. A confirmation message appears on the screen ‘Are you sure you want to move this file to Recycle Bin? ‘ Click on Yes button and the file gets deleted. Once the OST file is deleted, you may feel the need to recreate the file to let the Outlook work efficiently.
Can you delete .OST file?
Right-click on the OST file and click Delete option to delete the file. Note: Before deleting the file, close the Account Settings and Mail Setup windows; otherwise, the system will give an error message. It will automatically create a new OST file for the account (downloading all the data from the Exchange server).
Can an OST file be converted to PST?
ost file must be converted to a pst file using Recovery Toolbox for Outlook and then opened in Outlook. Conversion from OST to PST using Recovery Toolbox for Outlook doesn’t require the availability of Exchange Server or Windows Domain Controller.
What happens if I delete .ost file?