How to Open OST File into Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013? Complete Guide

Understanding OST Files

In this part, we’ll learn a little about Outlook OST Files. Additionally, many users seek methods to copy OST files to PST in Outlook. The table below will give us all the details.

Feature	Description
File Extension	.ost
Full Form	Offline Storage Table
Purpose	Allows users to work offline and synchronize changes with the Exchange server when connected
Associated with	Microsoft Outlook
Location	Typically stored in a hidden folder on the user’s hard drive
Contents	Replica of Exchange mailbox that includes emails, calendar entries, contacts, and other items
Accessibility	Can only be opened using the Outlook profile with which it was created
Compatibility	Compatible with Outlook versions 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and later
Conversion	Can be converted to PST (Personal Storage Table) format using third-party tools or specialized methods
Importance	Facilitates offline work and ensures synchronization with the Exchange server upon reconnection

Where is the OST file located in Your System?

Before opening the OST file, it’s essential to locate its position within the Outlook data on the system. If you have damaged your OST file then rebuild OST File in Outlook. Below are the steps to identify the correct location of the OST file:

1. Firstly, Open MS Outlook on the old system where the OST file is stored. All configured data items such as emails, attachments, contacts, etc., will be accessible.
2. Right-click on the configured account name and select Data File Properties from the menu.
3. In the new window displaying the configured account’s items, click on the Advanced option.
4. The file location can be found in the Data File settings, represented by a path similar to “C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\”.
5. Copy the file location, paste it into the search box of the Run command, and press Enter.
6. Choose the specific OST file for which you intend to access the items on another system.

Approach 1: Using Outlook to Open OST Files

In this method, we will outline the steps for using Outlook to open OST files. It’s important to note that the steps may vary depending on the version of Outlook being used. It is always preferred to back up OST Files before performing a major task. The general steps are as follows.

For Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021:

1. Firstly, Launch Outlook and go to the File tab.
2. Click on Open & Export and then select Open Outlook Data File.
3. Navigate to the location of your OST file, select it, and click Open.
4. Lastly, The OST file will be added to your Outlook profile, and its contents will be accessible.

In Outlook 2010:

1. Firstly, Open Outlook and go to the File tab.
2. Click Account Settings and then select Account Settings again from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Data Files tab, click on Add.
4. Navigate to the location of your OST file, select it, and click OK.
5. The OST file will be added to your Outlook profile.

For Outlook 2007:

1. Firstly, Launch Outlook and go to the File menu.
2. Click on Data File Management.
3. In the Data Files tab, click on Add.
4. Navigate to the location of your OST file, select it, and click OK.
5. Lastly, The OST file will be added to your Outlook profile.

If you are still unable to open your OST file. Then try to convert the OST file to PST.

Approach 2: Using the Import & Export Feature in Outlook

Many users prefer to avoid using Outlook to open their OST files. In such cases, you can open OST File without Outlook in Windows. In this, section we will explore the Import & Export in Outlook to open and view the OST files.

1. Firstly, launch Microsoft Outlook.
2. Navigate to the File menu.
3. Select Open & Export and then choose Import/Export.
4. From the Import and Export Wizard, select Import from another program or file and click Next.
5. Additionally, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) as the file type to import.
6. Browse to the location of the OST file and follow the prompts to complete the import process.

Approach 3: Professionally Open Outlook OST Files

The Aryson OST Viewer tool is a free software designed to scan OST files that are inaccessible or oversized. It enables users to open and view OST files without the need for Outlook. Additionally, this tool can export Exchange Server offline data to Outlook. Additionally, it can read the emails contained within OST files and export them to PDF format along with their attachments. The steps to view OST Files using the tool are:

1. Install the Aryson OST Viewer Tool and launch it.
2. Press the Add File button to initiate the scanning of OST files.
3. Choose the items from the OST file and preview them along with attachments.
4. From the dropdown menu, opt for the Save As PDF option.
5. Finally, click on the Convert button to convert and save the OST files into PDF format.

Conclusion

In conclusion, opening OST files in Outlook can be a crucial task for users needing to access offline mailbox data. However, in some cases, OST file corruption can be a hurdle to open them. Moreover, throughout this article, we have explored various methods to achieve this, including using built-in features of Outlook and specialized tools like the Aryson OST Viewer. Additionally, by following the steps outlined in this guide, users can effectively locate, open, and work with OST files across different versions of Outlook. Errors in Outlook can also prevent OST files from opening in Outlook. As technology evolves, it’s essential to stay informed about the tools and techniques available for managing Outlook data effectively.

Related Post