Best ways to import OST file into Outlook

Read time 9 minutes

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

However, if your Outlook profile or system is not working properly, in that case, you need to import the OST file into another system or a new Outlook profile to access its content. But Outlook doesn’t support importing OST files directly. So, you must convert your OST files into PST format to access your mailbox items. Let’s discuss different approaches to converting OST files into PST format and then importing that PST file into Outlook to access its mailbox content.

Major reasons to import OST files into Outlook

There are certain reasons to import an OST file depending on the user’s situation. But the most significant one that compels the user to import OST files are listed below

• Exchange Server downtime
• To migrate data from one system to another.
• Exchange Server maintenance
• Repairing Corrupt OST files.

It is important to know where your OST files are stored before importing them into Outlook. So, follow the below steps to locate your OST file

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

You can explore the following methods to import OST files into Outlook. To accomplish the task, you must convert your OST file into PST format first and then import that PST file into Outlook to manage your mailbox data.

There are three different methods to convert OST into PST format. Follow any one of them using its proper step-by-step guide.

• Solution 1: Using the Archive feature: Outlook has many built-in features that give its users user-friendly access to manage their mails efficiently. The Archive feature is one of them that helps you to archive old mails from OST files into PST format quickly. Follow the steps below to execute the task.
  1. Open Outlook, then click on the File tab.
  2. Select Options from the left panel.
  3. Select the Advanced option, then click on Auto Archive Settings.
  4. 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.
  5. After that, click OK, and Outlook will automatically create an OST email archive in PST form.
  6. You can also ensure the Archive utility works by navigating the location you picked to save the PST files.
• Solution 2: Using drag and drop method:

  It is also one of the best features of Outlook to move OST file items into PST format. So, follow the given steps to move OST files as PST.

  1. Launch Outlook, click New Items, select More Items from the drop-down menu, and choose the Outlook Data File option. It will create your new PST file.
  2. Choose the emails from the platform and right-click on them to select the Move option > Other folder.
  3. Now, select the created PST file and click OK to copy the OST file items into the new PST file.
• Solution 3: Using the Import/Export feature: It’s also an in-built Outlook application that migrates Outlook messages, items, tasks, notes, etc., from one system to another in PST format. Follow these simple steps to export the content from Outlook.
  1. Open Outlook, then click on the File tab.
  2. Select Open & Export and then click on Import/Export.
  3. Click Export to a file;, then click on Next.
  4. Now select Outlook data file .pst and click on Next.
  5. Now, select the folder you want to export into PST format and click on Next.
  6. Browse and select the folder to save your converted Exchange OST file and selectDo not export duplicate items option, then click on Finish.

With the above approaches, you can convert your OST file into PST. Then, to access the content of the OST file in Outlook, you need to import the converted file into Outlook.

Therefore, follow the given method to import the PST file into Outlook.

It is the only method to import PST files in Outlook. By following the instructions, you can import the converted file easily.

1. Launch Outlook, go to File tab and tap the Import/Export option.
2. Click on the Import from another program or file option from the Import and Export Wizard.
3. Select Outlook Data file(.pst) file format.
4. Browse the Location of converted PST file and check the Replace duplicates with items imported.

   Note: You can create a password to protect your PST file.

5. Select the folders to import from with various filters and hit the Finish button.

In this way, you can import your OST file into Outlook. But if your data file is corrupted, damaged, or orphaned, these methods won’t be helpful at all. Also, these methods are time-consuming and complex for beginners. Besides that, there is a high possibility of data loss with manual methods. To avoid these limitations, it is highly recommended to use an automated tool to import OST files into Outlook efficiently.

Kernel for OST to PST converter is a reliable, safe, and efficient tool to convert inaccessible or orphaned files. With the help of this tool, you can easily import your OST files.

It even helps you to retrieve OST file items like emails, attachments, calendars, contacts, tasks, etc., and save them to Outlook PST or Office 365/Exchange Server accounts. It comes with the following advanced features:

• Converts oversized OST files easily.
• Supports migration of multiple OST files.
• Advanced filters for selective email migration.
• Supports conversion of IMAP OST files.
• Saves OST emails to PST, MSG, EML, HTML, and PDF formats.
• Displays recovered mailbox items in the preview section

Conclusion

The blog had provided valuable insights on OST files and efficient ways of importing them to Outlook. However, if your Outlook is not connected to an Exchange Server, manual methods are not sufficient. In that case, consider using recommended OST to PST converter for a quick and efficient solution. Take advantage of its free trial version to optimize your experience.