What is OST File? Get the Comprehensive Info

To improve the workspace, Microsoft Outlook automatically generates a local OST file that keeps a record of your emails, contacts, and other data that you can access offline. The OST file can undoubtedly help you in managing multiple tasks offline, and all the edits will be automatically synchronized once you have an internet connection.

To know more details about what is OST file Outlook, you are at the right place for authentic and comprehensive information.

Part 1: An In-depth Introduction to OST Files

The OST files are generated as a local data copy when adding or creating an account in Microsoft Outlook. For example, if you add your email account to Microsoft Outlook, a similar local copy in the form of an OST file will be produced containing email messages, contacts list, messages, and relevant data. The main benefit of this type of file is that you can reach your mail messages, contacts, and calendar even in an offline mode.

Once the internet connection has been activated again, the recent edits in the OST file will be automatically synchronized with the account. There are various accounts such as Exchange accounts, IMAP accounts, and Outlook accounts that use OST files to save the copy of synchronized data that enables the editing mode without the availability of an internet connection. Thus, OST files assist users in continuing their work on email accounts even with a poor connection.

Part 2: Understanding More About the Location of the OST Files

Being a professional, you must know the location of OST files to have the backup of your Outlook data and to perform various functions using it. Following are some reasons to find the OST file's location:

2.1 Default Storage Locations of OST Files (According to OS Versions)

See the table below to find the default OST locations according to your MS Outlook version and the Windows version installed on your PC:

2.2 What to Do If You Cannot Find Your OST File?

If you find problems or confusion in locating your OST files, follow the below instructions to have easy access to OST files:

Step 1: Proceed to Account Settings

On Microsoft Outlook, tap on the “File” tab displayed on the top menu bar. A new window will appear from where you select "Account Settings" and then click further on "Account Settings."

Step 2: Select Data Files

On the displayed window of account settings, tap on "Data Files" and choose the OST file you want to open. Now tap on "Open Folder Location," and a dialog box will appear locating your OST file.

Part 3: Additional Things You Should Know About an OST File

Even though OST files offer a flexible environment for workspace, they still got a few limitations that you must know before using them:

Chances of Orphaned File

There are chances that the OST file becomes orphaned due to the lack of connectivity between Outlook and Exchange mailbox for a longer period of time. Or, if you have not backup the OST file in case of accidental deletion of the Exchange server, the file will become orphaned.

Corruption in OST File

Your OST file can also get corrupted due to numerous reasons, such as an unstable connection while synchronizing the data or a virus infection. In other cases, corruption can occur in OST files due to large file size and internal software conflict. In all of these scenarios, you may receive an error message like “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook” or “Errors have been detected in the file xxx.ost”.

No Data Transfer Between System

You cannot transfer your mailbox items from one system to another using OST files. The transfer can only happen if you convert the OST file to a PST file. With the help of a PST file, you can transfer your data from one system to another or any email client easily.

Part 4: Difference Between OST and PST Files

After knowing what is OST file Outlook, you should also be aware of PST files. You may come across the name of PST files that may seem similar to OST files for you. However, there are major differences between these two Outlook files that you should know before proceeding.

Part 5: Understanding How to Convert OST Files to PST

In many cases, users need to convert their OST files into PST files for various purposes. For instance, if you want to backup the Exchange mailboxes before deleting them, PST files can be beneficial. To convert OST files to PST files, the steps are:

Step 1: Log in to Microsoft Outlook

Start with logging into Outlook through the Exchange account that you utilized for making OST files. Now proceed to the “Files” option on the top and select “Open and Export” from the left section.

Step 2: Click to Export

From the appeared options on the right, select "Import and Export" by clicking on it. A new window will pop up from where a tap on the action "Export to a file" and then click "Next."

Step 3: Choose Outlook Data File

From the new displayed options on the screen, choose the second option saying “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click on “Next” to proceed.

Step 4: Select Location Folder

Now select the Outlook folders that you want to export and then tap on "Next." On the "Browse" dialog box, save the exported file by naming it and select an option about duplicate items. Once done, click on "Finish" to end the conversion process.

Bonus Tip: Repair Your Corrupted PST Files – Repairit for Email

If you are converting your OST files into PST files, there are possible chances that your PST file will become corrupted after the process. The reason can be the inappropriate termination of the application of Outlook during a sudden shutdown of your device. Also, unexpected system crashes, and network failure can also corrupt your PST files. As a result, you can lose your important stored data.

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Conclusion

To maximize your professional work speed, you must know what is OST file Outlook along with its beneficial properties. To increase your working performance, OST files enable you to conduct offline editing in a secured environment. In this article, we have combined all the essential information regarding OST files in a descriptive manner.