How to Import OST Files to Outlook for All Versions?

If you want to move data to a new system, recover emails from an inaccessible OST file, or switch profiles, you’ll need a proper method to extract and import OST files in Outlook. This guide explains step-by-step guides to import OST files in Outlook including manual and alternative approaches to easily open OST files to Outlook.

Microsoft Outlook stores its data in OST and PST file. An OST stands for offline storage table and it allows to store emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox items offline when connected to an Exchange or IMAP server. However, Outlook doesn’t support directly importing OST files, especially when they become orphaned, corrupted or disconnected from the exchange profile or server.

An OST(Offline storage table) is a data file used by Microsoft Outlook to store a synchronized copy of your mailbox from an Exchange, IMAP or Exchange account. It allows you to access your emails, contacts, calendars, even when you’re not connected to the internet. Once you reconnect, Outlook automatically syncs changes as you have done with the mail server.

Reasons to Import OST Files into Outlook

• If your original Outlook profile is corrupted, deleted or no longer available, you may be left with an orphaned OST file. Importing an OST file helps you to retrieve important emails, contacts and other data.
• When setting up Outlook on a new computer, the OST file from the previous system cannot be directly used. To retain access to your old mailbox data, you need to import it.
• OST files are not meant for backup. They’re temporary cache files that Outlook can recreate when you connect to the mail server. After importing you have permanent backup.
• If your Exchange or IMAP account is no longer available, you won’t be able to access your OST file through Outlook. Importing a file is the only way to retrieve your emails.
• Sometimes, you just need to access your old emails, attachments or calendar items from an OST file without configuring a full Outlook profile. Importing it into a standalone Outlook instance helps in such cases.

How to Add OST File to Outlook Manually?

Outlook doesn’t allow users to directly open OST to Outlook because they’re tied to specific profiles and servers. However, if your OST file still accessible through Outlook when its not orphaned you can manually extract and transfer the data by performing instructions as we have explained below:

Method 1. Using Import/Export Feature

1. Open “Outlook” with the profile connected to the OST file.
2. Navigate to file and click on “Open & Export”.
3. Hit on Import/Export and choose “Export to a file”.
4. Click on “Outlook data file(PST)” and select the folder you wish to export.
5. Browse location and click on finish to start “Export PST file from OST Outlook profile”.

Method 2. Use Outlook Archive Feature

1. Go to file and click on “Options” in the list.
2. Press on “Advanced” and select under AutoArchive Settings.
3. Click on “AutoArchive Settings” and choose the folders and age of items.
4. Select the “Path” where you want to save the resultant file.

Lacks of Manual Methods

• Outlook is connected to the original profile or mail server. If an OST file is orphaned or corrupted, Outlook won’t open it making manual export or archive impossible.
• The manual export process doesn’t always include all mailbox items like hidden items, rules or metadata. By manual it also has the risk of losing emails, attachments or folder structure as appears in the OST file.
• Exporting or archiving large OST files can take a long time, several hours. Outlook may freeze or crash during the process, especially if the system resources are limited.

Simple Steps to Import OST to Outlook

1. Download “Recommended Software” on your pc then launch it.
2. Click on “Configured Outlook mailbox data” and press Next button.
3. Now, choose the “OST mailbox folder” as you want to import in Outlook.
4. Browse the “PST file” in the list of Saving options.
5. Choose the destination path and press Convert to start “Import OST files in Outlook”.

Import PST to Outlook

1. Open “Outlook” and navigate to file.
2. Click on open and export then next click on “Import/Export”.
3. Select “Import from another program or file” and press Next button.
4. Choose “Outlook data file(.PST)” and hit on Next to continue.
5. Browse PST file and click on Next to start “import PST in Outlook”.

Helpful Features of Professional Tool

• It offers you to convert OST to CSV, EML, MBOX, PDF and 25+ select saving options.
• This software offers a user-friendly interface to easily perform by any professional or individual users.
• With this wizard, you can also use filter features such as date range, from, to, subject, exclude folders, organizer, root folder, exclude empty folder, use Microsoft Graphs, Mails, Calendas, Contacts, Create Exception log etc.
• This software can also export OST emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, journals, notes and all other data contained in an OST file.
• You can also import OST to Microsoft 365, Gmail, Thunderbird, and all IMAP Supported email servers.

Best Practices and Tips

• Using the latest version of Outlook ensures better stability, compatibility and performance. Update also fixes bugs related to syncing and file handling that could prevent OST files from being accessed correctly.
• If you need to import an orphaned or corrupted OST file, rely then always use recommended software as it is completely trustworthy. These tools can extract OST mailbox items such as emails, contacts, calendars etc.) and help you securely import into Outlook without data loss.
• OST file syncs from the server, they do not mean it’s reliable for long term preservation or think of backup OST file. Regularly export mailbox data to preserve access especially before profile changes or switching machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an old OST file in Outlook?

No, Outlook doesn’t allow you to directly open an OST file if it’s disconnected from the server. To access the OST file, you must convert OST to PST file, then you can import the PST to Outlook using Outlook native Import/Export feature.

What is an OST File in Outlook?

An OST file contains a local copy of Outlook mailbox data from Exchange or IMAP accounts and allows it to work offline. It reflects changes with the server when connectivity is restored, but can’t be used for import and backup data.

Why is Outlook creating OST instead of PST?

Outlook creates an OST file when configuring an Exchange, IMAP or Microsoft 365 account. This file enables offline access to mailbox data. PST files created when you configure it via POP accounts.

Closing Remarks

Let’s conclude, we have learned one of the most effective approaches to Import OST File in Outlook by manually and automated approach. If you link the OST file with Outlook then you can go manually. When the OST file is dismounted from the server then you need to opt for an automated approach to open OST file to Outlook as it keeps data secure and protected. After importing, you can easily manage the OST file.