Exchange Server Mechanics

Its is but a known fact most programs working with lots of information generally use a database file of one form or the other to store the data. In case of Microsoft Outlook, these files happen to be OST and PST. Let’s explore further to understand what these OST and PST files are and what differentiates them so that we can come to conclusion on the OST vs PST debate. PST File The Personal Storage Table or PST files helps store user data for POP and IMAP accounts. The PST files contain all emails, attachments, contacts, to do items, etc. PST files are also generally used to archive data locally on the computer. The PST files can easily be imported into Outlook and its contents accessed. OST File The OST files are offline storage table and is created when the Outlook works in cached mode. The OST file can be easily described in one sentence as an ‘Offline copy of your Exchange Mailbox’. The OST files serve the purpose of allowing you to access your mails and even draft new on...

OST and PST files are very important for the proper functioning of Outlook, however there are marked differences between both these files and the way they function, this is why it’s important to explore the OST vs PST topic further. Personal Storage Table or .PST file The .PST file is generally created for POP accounts setup on your Outlook. It serves as a database which stores all your contacts, emails, calendar entries etc. PST files can be imported into Outlook easily and used independent of the system or Outlook profile that created them. It is for this reason that they are extensively used for archiving mailboxes from the Exchange to free up resources, giving them a tiny leg up compared to OST files in the OST vs PST showdown. Offline Storage Table or .OST file The .OST file, simply put, is a local copy of your exchange mailbox. This serves the purpose of allowing you to work on your mailbox and other items even when not connected to the Exchange Server. The changes you make ...