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How to Open OST File in Outlook 2019, 2016 & 2013 using Best Solutions

Summary: Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients used by individuals and businesses worldwide. It provides a wide range of features to manage emails, calendars, tasks, journals, and contacts efficiently. However, as we all know, OST files can’t be opened directly into MS Outlook, so to open OST files in Outlook 2019, 2016, 365, 2013 & 2010, or earlier versions, we need to convert OST files into PST files format. In this blog, we are going to discuss the top 03 methods to open, view, and read OST(Offline data file) in Outlook. Furthermore, you can also go for the Best OST to PST Converter Tool, which allows users to open OST files into Outlook PST files in bulk.

Let’s Briefly Understand what an OST file is:-

An OST file, or Offline Storage Table file, is an offline copy of your mailbox data in Outlook. It allows you to work with your emails, calendar items, and other mailbox data even when you are not connected to the internet. OST files are primarily used in Outlook with Exchange Server accounts, where they help users access their mailbox data offline.

Why Need to Open OST Files in Outlook?

There are several reasons that insist us to open Exchange OST files in Outlook. Here are some of the common ones:-

  • One of the most common reasons to open an OST file in Outlook is to check and view emails and other data stored locally or not.
  • OST file open in Outlook helps us to ensure that changes made offline are synced with the server when you connect, keeping your mailbox up to date.
  • Allows access to mailbox data even if you can’t connect to the server, serving as a backup.
  • Users also want to open OST files to export data for transferring to another email account or system.
  • This process is also useful for diagnosing issues with Outlook profiles or mailboxes.
  • In case your OST files become damaged or corrupted, then you may want to open them in Outlook to recover and preview your mailbox data.

Top 03 Methods to Open OST Files in Outlook

There are several methods that help you to open, view, and read OST files in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, etc. Follow the steps of the mentioned methods; each step is implemented and will allow you to open OST file in Outlook 2016 easily.

Method 1: Open OST file in Outlook Using the archive Feature of Outlook

Microsoft Outlook comes up with an archiving feature that helps you to convert all the data from the OST mailbox to PST file format. However, you need to make sure that it allows you only to move the emails and not the contacts. Follow the steps given below to open an OST file in Outlook:-

  1. Run the Outlook Application and open the OST file from where you want to move it.
  2. Go to the File>>Info>>Cleanup tools.
  3. Here, choose the Archive from the available options. 
  4. In the pop-up box, make sure to check the Archive this folder and all subfolders options are checked.
  5. After that, select the folder that you need to export to PST.
  6. Go to the Archive items older than the box, and assign a date. 
  7. It will allow you to receive all the items before the specified date and will be archived. 
  8. Choose the destination path for the new PST file and click OK to complete the process.

Method 2: Open OST Files Using Outlook Import/Export Feature

Import/Export is a built-in option of Microsoft Outlook, which allows the opening and reading of OST file data into Outlook by converting it into the PST files. Go for these given steps:-

  1. The first step is to find the location of your OST file on your computer. The default location for OST files is usually:
    • For Windows 10 and 8: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outloo
    • For Windows 7: C:\Users\\Documents\Outlook Files
  2. If you cannot find your OST file in these locations, you can use the built-in Windows search to locate it.
  3. Open the Outlook application on your computer.
  4. Now, click on the “File” tab in the top left corner.
  5. Select Open & Export and then click on Import/Export.
  6. Choose Import from Another Program or File option and click Next.
  7. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
  8. Click on the Browse button to locate and select your OST file.
  9. Choose whether you want to replace duplicate items or allow the creation of duplicates, then click “Next.”
  10. Select the destination folder where you want to import the OST file data.
  11. You can choose to include subfolders if necessary and click Next.
  12. You can also add a password to protect your PST file and click OK to begin the import process.

Drawbacks of the Manual Methods

While manual methods for opening OST files in Outlook, as discussed above, can be effective, they also come with several disadvantages and limitations that users should be aware of:-

  • These methods are complex for non-technical users.
  • It may be possible there is a risk of data loss during the process.
  • This manual method may not always work smoothly when moving OST files between different versions of Outlook.
  • Manually opening an OST file can be a time-consuming process.
  • This process is only for Outlook for Windows.

Method 3: Open OST Files in Outlook Using the Professional Method

OST to PST Converter Software is a safe and cost-effective solution to open OST files in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and earlier. The software is competent enough to open, view, and read multiple OST files into Outlook PST file format without compromising the hierarchy.

Simple Steps to Open Single or Multiple OST Files in Outlook

  1. Download, Install, and Run the OST to PST Converter Tool.
  2. Add OST files or a folder containing multiple OSTs.
  3. Check the folders that you need to convert and click Next.
  4. Opt for the saving file format as PST from the drop-down list.
  5. Choose the built-in software features and click Convert.
  6. Finally, you can easily open and view OST data in Outlook.

Conclusion

Opening an OST file in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, or 2010 manually is a straightforward and easy process. By following the steps of manual ways, you can easily open mailbox data of OST files in Outlook, and one more advantage is that it provides a user-friendly way to open and access this OST data in different versions of Outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I open OST file in Outlook 2019?

Ans – Yes, you can open OST files in Outlook 2019, and other different versions like O365 2016, 2013 & 2010, 2007, etc. These methods will help you to directly open OST files in Microsoft Outlook without any data loss.

Q. How Do I open multiple OST files in Outlook?

Ans – With the help of the third-party OST to PST Converter, you can easily convert single as well as multiple OST files into Outlook. The software allows one to open OST files in Microsoft Outlook hassle-free manner.

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