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Both OST and PST files hold importance to an Outlook user. They function as storage containers of all the user’s data including emails, contacts, tasks, calendars, etc. The only difference is that PST and OST store this information in the online and offline modes, respectively. Due to the vast quantity of information, the file size turns out to be oversized. It gets tricky to manage oversized OST files and in addition, corruption in any of these will result in Outlook data to suffer. To be prepared in advance for such possible future scenarios, the OST file size limit has to be your highest priority. Hence, reducing the OST file size and solving one-way, oversized OST file issues in Outlook is crucial. Also, the file’s storage capacity depends on the MS Outlook application’s installed version.
Outlook Version | OST File Size Limit |
Outlook 2002 and earlier versions | 2GB |
Outlook 2007 | 20GB |
Outlook 2010 and later versions | 50GB |
Try automated tool Kernel for OST to PST Converter to resolve OST file corruption issues due to Oversized OST file, Virus Infection, Storage Media Failure or any other reasons.
OST file contains all the data you have generated or received since the account is activated on Outlook. It includes all emails (different folders), attachments, calendar schedules, tasks, contacts, notes, hidden items, public folders, etc. When you forget to delete unimportant data, it gets piled up, exceeds the file storage limit, and causes corruption in the OST file and troubles in Outlook. Large-sized attachments also cause oversized OST files. So, if you don’t prioritize keeping the OST file size within the limit, potential difficulties may await you.
Basic Activities: Follow these primary activities or instructions to manually eliminate the unused and unwanted data from the OST file.
Disabling all add-ins: Add-Ins in Outlook may disrupt or affect its normal functioning. To improve the performance of Outlook, disabling Add-Ons is a suitable option. To perform this, follow below steps –
Archiving OST file data: Archiving OST file data might reduce OST file size and clear some space occupied on the server. You can change the archive OST file location in your system. Archiving an OST file may prevent your OST file from crossing a predefined size limit. To archive the file, follow the steps shared below.
Compressing Outlook data file: Shrinking of OST file size can become a reality using the In-built utility in Outlook. Reducing file size might help improve Outlook performance provided the user has deleted substantial items. To reduce the OST file size, follow the given steps.
Using clean-up option: As a means of reducing the size & having a compact OST file, it is possible to delete surplus emails and other items. Outlook provides a clean-up option for removing emails from the Deleted Items folder. Follow these steps to do so:
Disable shared folder synchronization: A shared folder can also rapidly increase OST file size and cause oversized OST file problems and other Outlook performance problems. By following these steps, you can disable synchronization of Shared Folders:
The above-discussed methods might help reduce OST file size or clear space on the server by moving these files to a different location. But if OST files become corrupt due to their size, you might lose their data. A third-party tool comes in handy to overcome such oversized OST file issues if it has caused inaccessibility issues in Outlook.
Kernel for OST to PST Converter is a useful utility that repairs OST files completely and converts them into PST files efficiently without losing any data. You can download “Trial Version” for free and retrieve your lost or inaccessible data in different formats as per the requirement. Features like In-built search option, smart filters, splitting OST files, a complete preview of file and File Analysis report can be utilized through this utility. The user can make use of another remarkable feature Saving snapshot of the current process for future use by buying a “Full Version” of the utility.
With the ‘split PST’ feature of the software, the user can resolve issues related to oversized OST files. The tool converts oversized OST file size to PST format and then, using Split PST feature, saves the file into multiple PST files. Let us understand it with the steps.
Hence, dealing with oversized or corrupted OST files with this converter tool is quite easy.
Outlook and Exchange users suffer from issues, including data accessibility and synchronization, due to an oversized OST file. The blog suggests filtered practical DIY solutions like disabling add-ins, archiving OST files, compressing OST files, etc. For dealing with over-sized OST files, reliable OST to PST Converter software is recommended.
Read more: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windowsserver/en-US/f6885ef7-fdc5-460c-86a8-cf262ec795ef/microsoft-excgane-2010-mailbox
A- Outlook Offline Data (OST) files are a vital component of the Outlook application, as they store all mailbox data for users locally on their computers. Typically, the mailbox items make up much of the file size, but there are other items, such as public folders & hidden items, which may contribute to an increased file size. It is crucial to manage these items effectively to ensure that the OST file remains at a manageable size & prevents any potential productivity issues.
A- It is entirely possible to delete old OST files without any significant repercussions. This action will not result in any data loss as the said file can be fetched back from the Exchange Server by downloading again when required. So, if you have any old OST files hanging around, taking up valuable space, you can delete it.
A- To clear the OST cache follow the below steps: