Best Ways to Import OST File into Outlook

| Updated On - December 13, 2022 |

Read time: 7 minutes

Do you want to import OST files in Outlook but don’t know the proper ways? Don’t worry; this write-up will assist you in importing OST files into Outlook through manual methods and an automated solution.

As per the official statement from Microsoft – ‘we can’t move Ost files directly to Outlook.’ If you want to do it, then either configure Outlook and connect it with a server to create a new OST file or convert the OST to PST using a third-party converter tool.

In this blog, we will look at unavoidable reasons to import OST files into Outlook and methods for importing them. At last, we also talk about a professional OST to PST converter tool to effectively convert OST file to PST file and recover corrupt OST files.

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But before moving further, let’s briefly discuss OST files.

What are OST files?

OST means Offline Storage table, also known as Offline Outlook Data File. It is automatically created by Outlook when you create an account on it and configure it with Exchange Server. It saves a synchronized copy of your mailbox to your local drive and allows you to access emails, contacts, calendars, notes, appointments, etc., even in offline mode.

Undoubtedly, OST files are crucial for Outlook users, but you need to import OST files into Outlook in a few instances. Let’s have a look at such instances:

Major Reasons to Import OST Files into Outlook

Exchange Server downtime
Migrate data from one system to another
Exchange Server maintenance
Corrupt OST files

Before importing your OST files into Outlook, it is important to know where it is stored. Follow the below steps to locate your OST file:

Open Outlook, then click on the File tab.
Click on Account Settings, then select Account Settings from the drop-down.
Now, click on Data files, select your OST file account, and then click on Open file location.
Now the new window will open with the default location of your OST file.

Methods to Import OST Files to Outlook

Before moving to the importing part, we need to understand that you can import the Exchange OST file using manual methods but can’t do so with the Orphaned OST file. Now, let’s discuss manual methods to import OST files.

Using the Archive Feature

This method allows you to regularly archive old mails from OST files into PST format. Follow the below steps to do it:

Open Outlook, then click on the File tab.
Select Options from the left pane.
Select the Advanced option, then click on Auto Archive Settings.
Now, set up the auto archive settings as per your requirement. Set the day count to run auto archive and set a count to clear old mails.
After that, click OK, and Outlook will create an archive of OST emails automatically.
You can also ensure the working of the Archive utility by navigating the location you picked for saving the PST files.

Using the Import/Export Method

It’s an in-built Outlook tool that migrates Outlook messages, items, tasks, notes, etc., from one system to another. Follow the below steps to do it:

Open Outlook, then click on the File tab.
Select Open & Export and then click on Import/Export.
Click Export to a file; then click on Next.
Now select Outlook data file .pst and click on Next.
Now, select the folder you want to import into PST format and click on Next.
Browse and select the folder to save your converted Exchange OST file and select appropriate Options for duplicate items, then click on Finish.

You can use both these manual methods to import OST files into Outlook but ensure the OST file is connected to an Exchange Server before doing so. Both these methods are easy to use but have a few limitations because of which users rarely consider them.

Let’s have a look at a few limitations of the manual methods:

You can’t export the complete OST files using the Archive method.
It’s impossible to import multiple OST files into Outlook PST using these methods, and there is a possibility of data loss.
The process is too slow and time-taking.
You can’t import orphaned OST files into Outlook through these methods.

So, it’s time to move to an automated professional tool recommended by Microsoft MVPs and IT administrators to efficiently import OST files into Outlook and fix issues like oversized OST file issue in Outlook.

A Professional Tool to Import OST Files

With too many limitations and the inability to repair corrupt OST files, we can’t rely on manual methods to import OST files. At this moment, we suggest you go with a best OST to PST converter tool named Kernel for OST to PST Converter. It is a reliable, safe, and efficient tool to convert inaccessible or orphaned files, retrieve OST items like emails, attachments, calendars, contacts, tasks, etc., and save them to Outlook PST or Office 365/Exchange Server accounts. It comes with several advanced features; some of them are: