Summary – Do you want to open OST file in Outlook account? Or are you looking for solutions to convert your OST file into an Outlook PST format? If yes then you can follow this article till the end. But before explaining different methods to transfer OST files into PST, let us first have a short introduction to OST files and Outlook PST files.
Overview of OST and Outlook PST File
OST file is an offline folder file that is created by MS Outlook but this file cannot be directly opened in an Outlook account. These files facilitate users to work offline and then it automatically updates the data whenever it gets connected to the exchange server. On the other hand, PST files or Personal Storage Table is a file format that is used by Microsoft Outlook to store the data of its users. But sometimes due to various reasons the Outlook OST file cannot be opened and in such a scenario users need to import their OST file into PST. However, the main factors for which you are not able to open OST file in Outlook are discussed below.
Reasons Behind Outlook Cannot Open OST File
- If your Exchange Server is not working properly then you cannot open OST file in Outlook account. To open the file you have to export them to Outlook PST format.
- OST files are not easily accessible and flexible. Hence, because of this users cannot view their OST file in Outlook account.
- When users mistakenly delete files from the Exchange server then it cannot be possible to open that file in Outlook.
- Exchange server needs time to time maintenance and when it goes for maintenance then you cannot open OST file from your Outlook account.
These are some of the most important causes that lead to Outlook data file cannot be opened. So, now we will move to the most important part of this guide and learn about different methods to open OST file in Outlook.
Solution of “Outlook Data File OST Cannot be Opened” Issue
This issue can be solved by two different methods. The first method is a manual technique and the second method is an automated technique. If you choose the first approach then you have to perform the task by performing the manual methodology. And in the case of the automated approach, users can take help from third-party software like DRS Convert OST to PST tool and perform this task without any hassle.
Manual Method to Open OST File
If you want to open the OST file into PST by following the manual methodology then you can check out the three different types of manual methods that is listed below.
Method 1 – Auto Archiving Option
- At first, open your Outlook account and then move to the File option.
- From File Menu select the Options Menu.
- Now you have to choose the advanced option and then select Auto Archive Settings.
- Now, additional options will appear in front of you. Here, you have to select the duration for the auto-archiving option. Then choose the folder to store your processed file and at last hit on the OK button.
Method 2 – Drag and Drop Option
- Open MS Outlook and then move to a blank PST file.
- Now, you have to drag your OST file into the blank PST file and drop it there.
- Finally, now you can view your OST files in your Outlook account.
Method 3 – Import /Export Option
- Open your Outlook account and log in to it with the same exchange id.
- Now, go to files and then click on Open and Export.
- Here, select the Import /Export option.
- Choose export to a file and then go for Next.
- Choose the Outlook Data File (.PST) and move Next.
- Choose the items that you want to convert and hit the Next option.
- At last set destination for the new Outlook PST file and also select a suitable option among the three given options.
Although, these are free methods to solve OST files cannot be opened issues. But the manual techniques have some limitations that a user must know before proceeding with the manual approach.
Drawbacks of Manual Method to view OST file in Outlook
- The manual method is a complicated and laborious procedure.
- To perform the Import Export manual method, users are required to have a stable connection with the MS Exchange Server.
- The manual technique does not allow users to import contacts, calendars, etc. To view all data of your OST file in Outlook you need to repeat the process separately.
- Technical skill or knowledge is a must to perform this approach.
- Security of data can be affected while converting the files into Outlook.
- The accuracy of the result depends on the successful implementation of the steps that are required to perform the manual mode.
Till now we have discussed three manual methods of migrating OST files into PST. But we could also see that the manual approach has some disadvantages that make users search for a reliable and easy method.
Automated Method to Open OST File in Outlook Format
The most appropriate technique to convert OST files into Outlook file format is DRS Convert OST to PST tool. It is professional software that enables users to transfer OST files into PST and also in other file formats. Along with different file formats, the tool can also convert your OST file into multiple email clients. Any non-technical or novice user can use this utility without any hindrance. The software is designed with innovative functionalities that make it unique from others.
Features of the Automated Tool
- This software can convert your OST files into PST, MBOX, EML, EMLX, MSG, PDF, CSV, GIF, JPG, TIFF, HTML, MHTML, PNG, DOC, DOCX, DOCM, VCF, and ICS.
- It can also convert your OST files into Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Thunderbird, AOL, Hotmail, and IMAP.
- The software has a very simple GUI and ensures proper safety to users’ data.
- By using its advanced feature, users can also skip their attachments and continue with the conversion process.
- The most innovative quality of this utility is that it can split your output PST file into multiple small-sized files.
- Mail filter and task filer options of this converter tool facilitate user to select specific OST files that you want to convert into other file or email formats.
- The application renders a free demo version and round-the-clock support to its users.
- If you want to remove duplicate content from the conversion process then you can enable the relevant option while performing the transfer task.
- Users can install this tool in any version of Windows and perform the migration task.
Conclusion
From this article, we have understood the requirements for which user wants to open OST File in Outlook. We have also disclosed two categories of methods through which you can view OST files in Outlook PST format. The manual technique is lengthy and cannot perform the task for a large number of files. Whereas the smart tool can perform the task with complete accuracy. Thus, users are requested to go thoroughly with this piece of information and choose the most appropriate method that can help them to import OST files into PST format with complete accuracy.