How to Migrate Outlook OST to Gmail with GSMMO Application?
Are you looking for a solution on how to import Outlook OST file to Gmail account? If you are nodding at this question, then, you are at right page. Here, we will shed lights on the best way to migrate Outlook .ost file to Gmail via. GSMMO ( G Suite Migration for Microsoft Outlook) Tool. With the help of this workaround, users can easily take entire backup of OST file data into Gmail account.
Related: How to Backup Outlook Emails to Gmail – Complete Guide
Overview of OST to Gmail Migration
MS Outlook is one of the most popular emailing application. It also offers users a criterion to work in synchronization with Exchange Server. When the user is in synchronization with Exchange then, MS Outlook saves complete data in a file called OST (Offline Storage Table) file. This OST data file consists of an identical copy of complete data items that exist on the server. Moreover, it allows users to work with the Exchange server in an offline mode.
In other words, the .ost file assures the offline presence of server data of Exchange. Just like other data files, OST files are vulnerable to corruption too. Because of the corruption issues in OST files, users in large numbers tend to backup OST data to Google accounts. Also, for the fact that Gmail has unfailingly proved to be a milestone in emailing applications. So, now in this blog we will emphasize on situations that require the migration of files from .ost to Gmail.
Why Import OST to Gmail Account?
Since Gmail is a web-based email application, therefore, users are provided with the freedom to access the account from any location around the globe, irrespective of the system they are working on.
However, it is difficult to open an OST file on any other system than the one on which it was configured. Also, accessing OST files require proper connectivity with Exchange server. For these reasons, users import their files from OST into Google Mail account
Solutions to Migrate OST to Gmail Account
Originally, there is no direct way to import Outlook OST file(s) data into Google Gmail account. Therefore, you need to opt an indirect way. So, first, it is important to export OST to Intermediate files and then, import intermediate files in Gmail. Before beginning to export OST to Gmail, it is advised to archive the entire OST data to prevent any mishappenings.
Solution 1: Archive OST File
This solution is used when a user wishes to move the entire mailbox items including emails, calendars, tasks, notes, etc. from OST to Gmail account via PST file format. There is a method called an auto-archive method that offers users an option to select the desired number of days post which one requires to backup data. Follow the below-written steps to archive the OST file.
- MS Outlook >> Tools >> Options >> Auto-Archive option from dialog box that opens. Afterward, click on OK button.
- Run Auto-Archive post every option and specify the number of days. Also, select location to save Auto-Archive file and click OK.
NOTE: Archiving OST file contacts is not supported by this archive feature.
Solution 2: Export OST Mail Data
MS Outlook’s inbuilt Export feature is a fast as well as a simple method to export all contents from Outlook OST to Gmail. This feature can also be used for moving contacts and calendars in .csv and .xls file formats. But, this method is used rarely because it does not give any guarantee of safeguarding data while migration of files from OST to Google account.
Solution 3: Move Items to New Outlook Data File
One can transfer mailbox contents from OST file to Gmail. For this, first create a new Outlook PST file. After this, drag and drop all folders you wish to move in this newly created Outlook data file.
NOTE: Default folders of OST files like Inbox, contacts, notes, etc. can not be moved by this method.
Solution 4: Trouble-Free Solution
Above all solutions are manual ones and these solutions do not assure data integrity while migration from OST. This is due to the fact that default folders of the OST files can not be moved. Thus, some other workarounds are used to make the process simpler for users to Convert OST to PST format.
The tool is built in such a way that Outlook and Exchange connectivity is not essential for the conversion. The plus point of using this tool is that original data integrity is preserved before and after the conversion process. Now, once OST files are exported, it is, even more, simpler to export converted OST data to Gmail by the below-mentioned techniques.
How to Import Migrated OST file Data Into Gmail?
Generally, there are two techniques that can import converted OST files into Gmail accounts. Both the techniques are discussed here-
Method #1: Using Google GSMMO Tool
There is no free direct way to import files to Gmail except by GSMMO utility. It has the potential to import Outlook to Gmail account. However, it requires Outlook installation for its working. Follow the below-written steps to import OST to Google Apps or Gmail account.
- Firstly, download and launch the GSMMO tool from the official Google website.
- Sign in to Gmail account to start an export process from OST to Gmail.
- Choose the PST file and Select migrate all data options to import OST file to Gmail.
- Select particular data items that are to be imported from the .ost data file to Gmail account.
- Choose Migrate option to begin the process to migrate the OST file to Google Gmail.
After the process gets finished, one can easily access all the Outlook data by the process to import OST to the Google account without hampering data quality.
Method #2: Take Help of Intelligent Application
If you are a novice user and Microsoft Outlook is not installed in the Windows operating system, then Outlook to Google Apps Migration Tool is the best option. It is an impeccable utility that can import PST into Gmail Without an Outlook account within a few clicks. You can download its free version here and follow the below instructions to import Outlook .ost file data into your Gmail account.
Step-1: Install the software and open it.
Step-2: Upload the converted OST file i.e., Outlook importable PST File.
Step-3: Enter desired Gmail account credential for the migration task.
Step-4: As per need, select any data Category and Filter.
Step-5: Hit Export to initiate the process.
Few Closing Thoughts
Gmail is the heart and soul of email users. Users often come across various issues on other email applications due to which they migrate their data to Gmail accounts. One such migration is from OST to Gmail account. In the above content, various useful ways have been discussed to import OST to Gmail in an incredibly easy manner.
Frequently Asked Questions-
No, you need to convert the OST file into Outlook local data file, i.e., Personal Storage Table. Afterward, import the resultant file into Gmail via. GSMMO tool.
If you want to move a .ost file that has huge data, then do not opt for a free solution, because they are not reliable. Try the above-mentioned utility for the same.
No, Gmail does not provide an option to do the same.
Open Outlook and move towards File tab. Afterward, click on Account Settings >>Account Settings. Under the Data Files tab, click on the configured account & click on Open Folder location.