A Simple Way to Move Outlook OST File to a New Computer

Read time 10 minutes

OST, short for Outlook Offline Storage Table, serves as a file format integral to Microsoft Outlook. Essentially, an OST file acts as an offline folder, enabling you to access your emails even when you’re not connected to the internet. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of migrating your OST files to a new computer, acknowledging the critical role these files play in your Outlook experience. We’ll explore various methods and techniques to achieve this seamless transition. So, let’s delve into the steps ahead.

If you have administrative access to the Exchange profile, setting up your account in Outlook on the new computer is a straightforward solution. You can easily download your mailbox data directly from the Exchange Server.

However, if your goal is to transfer OST file data to a different user, a more involved approach is required. You can convert the OST file and subsequently transfer it to the new computer. The recipient can then import the resulting PST file into their mailbox.

In this guide, we will walk you through the second method, which involves converting OST files and then migrating PST data to a new computer. To begin, let’s initiate the OST conversion process:

Know the name and location of your OST file on your system

Before embarking on the journey of transferring your OST file to another computer, it’s crucial to know where to locate it. If you’re unsure about the name and location of your OST file on your system, fear not, as we’re about to clarify this for you. The following steps apply to nearly every version of Windows.

1. Click on the Start menu or the Windows icon on your system and look for the Control Panel. Once found, open the Control Panel on your system.

or

If you are using Outlook at the moment, go to the File tab. Select Account Settings from the File menu and then select the Account Settings option again.

2. Now, make sure that the category customization is set to Small Icons.
3. Now, locate the Mail option in Control Panel and click on it.



4. Now, a small Mail Setup dialogue box will open. There you need to click on the Data Files button.



5. Once done, an Account Settings window will open. There make sure you are on the Data Files tab, this should be the default though; if you are not on that page, make sure you do click on it.
6. Now, select the account for which you want to know the OST file location. You will notice that a location is mentioned. That is what you were looking for. Trace the location and get your OST files. You can also click on the Open File Location tab to go to the folder directly.

Locate the OST in your system with the help of the above-mentioned steps.

In this step, we will convert the OST files. While you can export OST mailbox data to PST using Outlook’s built-in Export feature, we will demonstrate how to do it using the Kernel for OST to PST Converter tool. Follow the steps below to convert an OST file.

1. Install and run the software and click on the Browse button to select the OST file. Click on the Next button to proceed.


NOTE: Using the tool, you can search for OST files too (use the Search button).

2. Here you can have the preview of the items in the OST file. Click Save.



3. Select PST file (MS Outlook) and click on Next.



4. Apply mailbox data filters as per your requirements. Click on Next.



5. Manage PST file by deciding whether to split it or attach a prefix. Click Next.



6. Provide a destination to the new file and decide on the conversion of deleted items. Click on Finish to start the saving process.



7. After saving the data, click on OK.

Next, attach an external hard disk or another external storage device to your system and copy the newly created PST file to it. This external device will serve as a means to transfer your mailbox data to another PC.

After you have successfully created and copied the PST file to the new system, launch Outlook. If you haven’t configured an Outlook profile already, you’ll need to set up a new profile to proceed. Once the profile is configured, you can proceed to the next step.

Finally, import the PST file to Outlook by following the below-mentioned steps:

1. Open Outlook and click on the File button on the top left corner of the screen. In the Open & Export category, select Import/Export.



2. Use the option Import from another program or file (in Import and Export Wizard) and click on Next.



3. Here, select Outlook Data File (.pst); click Next.



4. Browse the file to import, select an option from the available options and click on Next.



5. Here, select the various folder options as required. Click Next.

Thus, you have successfully transferred an OST file to a new computer using OST conversion. It’s worth noting that we employed an automated tool for the conversion process, as manual methods have several limitations. To ensure a secure and efficient conversion of OST files into PST format, using a reliable third-party tool is often the safest and most practical approach.

This software is proficient at converting OST files to PST and various other formats in a secure and swift manner. It prioritizes file integrity and preserves the original hierarchy and structure of items. It boasts the capability to convert all OST items, including their attachments. Additionally, this tool offers a range of exciting features such as data retrieval from orphaned files, exporting contacts from Outlook, and recovering deleted items. Don’t hesitate to explore these capabilities for yourself by trying out the trial version.

CNET Review

Softpedia Review

Conclusion:

Moving OST files to another computer isn’t always a necessity, as you can create a new Outlook profile on the target computer. However, in cases where you don’t have an existing profile on the new system, manually converting OST files and migrating the data can be a viable solution.