Emails are now essential to modern communication. Additionally, you’ve probably come across OST (Offline Storage Table) files if you use Outlook email client. In this blog we will see what is OST file and How to Open an OST File in Outlook?
Understanding the OST Files
It’s important to understand the “what” and “why” of OST files before delving into the “how.” For users who operate in an Exchange environment in particular, OST files are a crucial component of Microsoft Outlook.
With the help of these files, you can work offline without requiring an internet connection to check your mailbox. When you reconnect to the server, any modifications you make are automatically synchronized.
Quick Solution
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Download Free OST ConverterHow to Use Outlook to Open an OST File
Let’s get right to the point: how to use Outlook to open an OST file manually.
1 Find the OST file
OST files are normally kept on the hard drive of your computer. The default location usually is:
C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
It is imperative to verify the route, though, as it may differ based on your Outlook configuration and version.
2 Make an OST file backup
Making a backup of your OST file is generally a smart idea before making any modifications. Just copy and paste it somewhere safe so that you can recover your data if something goes wrong.
3 Transform OST to PST
OST files cannot be directly opened by Outlook on a different profile or machine. You must convert the OST file to a PST (Personal Storage Table) file in order to view the contents.
There are several third-party tools that can be used to carry out this conversion but we would recommend you to use the Free OST to PST Converter by A2Z Migrations.
4 Open Outlook and import PST
Importing the PST file into Outlook is simple once you have transformed it. Here is how:
- Start Outlook.
- Select ‘File’ > ‘Open & Export’ > ‘Import/Export’.
- Choose “Import from another file or program” and click Next.
- Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click Next.
- Navigate to your PST file and import by following the instructions.
It’s that simple! An OST file has been successfully opened in Outlook.
Summary
Although OST files may initially seem mysterious, they can be readily converted and accessed in Outlook with the correct information and resources. The ability to open an OST file is an essential skill for any Outlook user, regardless of the reason for the file—lost emails, device switching, or just creating a backup.