Outlook profile configuration totally changed since the introduction of version 2013. With the introduction to this version, the client changed its way of handling IMAP based accounts. In place of creating two data files like the earlier pattern (IMAP email and Calendar & Contacts), the application uses offline storage for the IMAP configuration and stores the components other than email in the IMAP data file under the labeled folders, generally named - "This computer only". However, the drawback of using an IMAP OST is that, it cannot be moved or transferred from one machine to the other. In order to do so, the file data has to be migrated into a PST file from the non-mail folders. Therefore, the following segment helps understand how to migrate from IMAP to POP, i.e. OST migrate to PST in case of IMAP configuration.
As discussed above, the IMAP OST consists of non-mail folders and therefore, it needs to be transferred to a PST file first. You can't backup an OST therefore, a regular export of the folders need to be done to ensure the same. Moreover, besides the complications with backup and moving of IMAP OST calendars or contacts, you cannot even set flags or use Categories on the stored items. The best thing to do in such a case is to use a PST file for the same. Use a POP3 profile and set it as a default to move the calendar and contacts to a PST. Remove the folders by terminating Outlook and deleting the IMAP OST profile. Now, when you re-open Outlook it will automatically create a fresh new OST, excluding the special folders of Outlook.
A few conditions are applicable in such a condition, which brings in the need to go for other alternatives instead of just exporting data and recreating OST.
1. Exchange Server Unavailable: Unavailability of the Exchange Server environment makes it impossible for a user to gain access to their OST profile, let alone recreating it. Therefore, the respective Exchange environment should be live and in a working state in order to carry out the procedure of migration.
2. Server Mailbox Deleted: If the OST file is deleted, it is possible to recreate it all over again with the help of its server mailbox. However, the user mailbox on server end itself is deleted then you will no longer be able to recreate the profile.
Moreover, the OST profile must be well synchronized with Exchange Server before it is deleted from the client end. If the synchronization is not done then the deleted OST will take away all the unsynchronized data with it leave you only with the old data in your Exchange profile. You will no longer be in a position to reuse the profile contents.
You won't be able to know how to migrate from IMAP OST to POP PST if Exchange is unavailable or the mailbox on server side has been erased. Therefore, only one option remains to go with, i.e. to use a commercial application for the purpose of migration. There are not many dependable solutions but to know which one is, you can always go for a trial based testing. One of the many tested products for this requirement is choose OST Conversion tool that also deals to convert offline OST files to PST, i.e. without the need of Exchange environment to be available.