Outlook OST vs. Outlook PST

Attribute	Outlook OST	Outlook PST
File Format	Offline Storage Table	Personal Storage Table
Storage Location	Stored on the local computer	Stored on the local computer or network server
Syncing	Syncs with Exchange server	Does not sync with Exchange server
Size Limit	2GB in Outlook 2002 and earlier, 20GB in Outlook 2003 and later	2GB in Outlook 2002 and earlier, 20GB in Outlook 2003 and later
Accessibility	Accessible only when connected to Exchange server	Accessible offline

Introduction

Outlook is one of the most popular email clients used by individuals and organizations around the world. It offers two main types of data files for storing emails, contacts, calendars, and other information: OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table). Both file formats have their own unique attributes and advantages. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Outlook OST and Outlook PST to help you understand which one may be more suitable for your needs.

Storage Location

One of the key differences between Outlook OST and Outlook PST is their storage location. An OST file is stored on the local computer and is synchronized with the Exchange server. This means that you can access your emails and other data even when you are offline. On the other hand, a PST file is stored on the local computer and is not synchronized with the server. This means that you need to manually back up your PST file to ensure that your data is safe.

Accessibility

Another important difference between Outlook OST and Outlook PST is their accessibility. An OST file can only be accessed using the Outlook profile that created it. This means that if you try to open an OST file with a different profile or on a different computer, you will not be able to access your data. On the other hand, a PST file can be easily imported into any Outlook profile or computer, making it more versatile and accessible.

Size Limit

When it comes to size limit, Outlook PST has a clear advantage over Outlook OST. PST files have a maximum size limit of 50 GB in Outlook 2010 and later versions, while OST files have a maximum size limit of 20 GB in Outlook 2010 and later versions. This means that you can store more data in a PST file compared to an OST file. However, it is important to note that larger PST files can become slow and prone to corruption.

Backup and Restore

Backing up and restoring data is an important aspect of managing your Outlook files. When it comes to backup and restore, PST files are easier to manage compared to OST files. You can simply copy the PST file to an external drive or cloud storage for backup purposes. In case of data loss, you can easily restore the PST file to recover your emails and other information. On the other hand, backing up and restoring OST files can be more complex and may require specialized tools.

Security

Security is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between Outlook OST and Outlook PST. OST files are more secure compared to PST files because they are synchronized with the Exchange server. This means that even if your local computer is compromised, your data on the server remains safe. On the other hand, PST files are stored locally and are more vulnerable to security threats such as malware and hacking. It is important to take extra precautions to secure your PST files, such as using encryption and strong passwords.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Outlook OST and Outlook PST have their own unique attributes and advantages. OST files are ideal for users who need offline access to their data and want a secure storage option. PST files, on the other hand, are more versatile and accessible, making them suitable for users who need to easily backup and restore their data. Ultimately, the choice between Outlook OST and Outlook PST depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you understand the differences between the two file formats and make an informed decision.