Let’s first define an OST file before discussing how to import an OST file into Outlook. An OST file, or offline storage table, is sometimes known as an offline Outlook data file. An OST file is created automatically when you create a Microsoft Outlook account. When you use an Outlook account on a certain computer, the OST file is linked to a specific profile.
A synchronized copy of your mailbox is kept on your computer in the OST file. You may see and edit your contacts, notes, journals, appointments, emails (drafts), and more with its help. Even without an internet connection, you can use it. Any modifications you have made offline will automatically sync to the Exchange server when you connect your PC to the internet.
The location of an OST file on a computer has been thoroughly covered in this technical post. Then, there are a couple excellent methods for importing OST files into Outlook.
What location is your OST?
- Click File after opening the Outlook application with that specific profile.
- Select Account Settings from the menu.
- Click Data Files, then choose the account for the.ost file. Next, select Open File Location.
- Now, a new screen displaying your OST file’s default location will appear.
- Your OST file will appear in your system’s local directory, and you can now import it into Outlook with ease.
Techniques for Outlook to import OST files
These are two simple, tried-and-true methods for importing OST files into Outlook.
Method 1 using the Outlook Import/Export Wizard
One Outlook add-on is the Import and Export Wizard. Users can transfer Outlook data between systems, including contacts, calendar entries, tasks, notes, and more.
Let’s examine the subsequent steps to determine how this is feasible:
- Launch Outlook on your PC, then select the File
- Select Open & Export and then select the Import/Export option.
- Select Export to a file from this menu, then click the Next button to proceed.
- From the selection, select Outlook Data File (.pst). Select Next.
- Select the location of the OST folder using the list below, and then click Next.
- Select the folder in which you wish to store the data.
- Next, select the appropriate options for duplicate items and press the Finish button.
- To ensure the security of your data, add a password. You can select to add this password to your list if you frequently forget your passwords.
Note: If you created a password but forgot to save it or were unable to remember it. That is not where you will ever be able to get the information.
- Finally, to complete the import of the OST file into Outlook, click the OK button.
The drawbacks of the manual method are as follows:
- It is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the ongoing need for human input.
- Because only a specialist should use it. Manually, it might not complete the process or lose your data for several causes, such human mistake.
- An OST file that is damaged cannot be opened. Learn what causes issues with OST files and how to resolve them.
- If you are not using a dependable method to import and migrate your Outlook data, you should exercise particular caution while moving computers or updating your operating system. They might get wounded, or you might lose them forever.
- You can also lose items like file structure, rules, auto-fill text, etc. if you manually import an OST file into Outlook.
- However, there is an alternative to importing PST files into Outlook via a third-party program. This expert tool will complete the task accurately, swiftly, and safely.
Method 2: Using specialized software
An unparalleled tool is the DataVare OST to PST converter for Outlook. It enables you to transfer and restore OST files between Outlook versions. Importing OST files into Outlook is made as simple as pie using this utility.
Because of its straightforward interface, this outstanding program is simple to use. It makes no difference how big or how many OST files you wish to import into Outlook. It will ensure that the data in the folder structure remains unchanged throughout this operation.
Essential Features:
- Numerous OST files can be imported into PST files with this software.
- Prior to conversion, it restores deleted items and fixes OST files.
- You can view the status of OST file items before saving them to the target.
- The incremental Export/Backup feature avoids duplication and allows interrupted processes to be resumed.
- To test the ability to import an OST file into Outlook, you can process 50 items per folder using the sample version.
Read More :- Convert OST to MBOX converter
Concluding the post –
As we noted earlier, the manual process is not easy or clean, while being free. Professional software, on the other hand, comes with every feature a user might want. To make your job safer and easier, not much money is needed. Experts also advised users to locate a simple and secure method for importing OST files into Outlook. As we mentioned before, DataVare offers a unique solution that includes all of these skills.
