10 April 2025, 04:21 PM
An OST (Offline Storage Table) file is created by Microsoft Outlook when connected to an Exchange or Office 365 account. It allows users to access emails, calendars, and other data even when offline. However, OST files are linked to a specific Outlook profile, meaning they cannot be opened directly in another Outlook account or system.
If the Exchange server crashes, or the Outlook profile is deleted, the OST file may become inaccessible, making it difficult to retrieve email data. To regain access, you need to convert the OST file to a PST file, which can be opened in Outlook.
You cannot open OST file in Outlook directly unless it is converted to PST format. If your Outlook account is active, you can use the built-in Import/Export tool. However, if your OST file is from a deleted account or an inaccessible Exchange profile, using a tool like Advik OST to PST Converter is the best solution. This ensures you can retrieve your emails, contacts, and other data without data loss.
How to Find OST File on Your Computer?
OST files are stored in a specific folder based on the version of Outlook you are using. The default locations are:
Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
Outlook 2007:
C:\Users\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
To locate your OST file from Outlook:
Open Outlook and go to File.
Click Account Settings > Account Settings.
In the Data Files tab, select the OST file and click Open File Location.
Methods to Open OST Files in Outlook
Method 1: Convert OST to PST Using Outlook Import/Export Tool
If your Outlook profile is active and accessible, you can convert an OST file into a PST file and then open it in Outlook.
Steps to Export OST to PST:
Open Outlook and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Choose Export to a file and click Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
Choose the folders you want to export and click Next.
Select a location to save the PST file and click Finish.
Once the export is complete, open Outlook again and import the PST file via File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Note: This method only works if Outlook is functioning correctly and connected to your Exchange account.
Method 2: Using Advik OST to PST Converter
If your OST file is orphaned, corrupted, or from an old Outlook account, you won’t be able to open it directly in Outlook. In such cases, a third-party tool like Aryson OST to PST Converter can help.
Steps to Convert and Open an OST File:
Download and install Advik OST to PST Converter.
Launch the software and click Add OST to upload your OST file.
Choose the conversion option (Convert to PST, Preview, etc.).
Select a destination folder for the converted file.
Click Convert to start the process.
Once converted, open Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Choose Import from another program or file and follow the prompts to import the PST file.
If the Exchange server crashes, or the Outlook profile is deleted, the OST file may become inaccessible, making it difficult to retrieve email data. To regain access, you need to convert the OST file to a PST file, which can be opened in Outlook.
You cannot open OST file in Outlook directly unless it is converted to PST format. If your Outlook account is active, you can use the built-in Import/Export tool. However, if your OST file is from a deleted account or an inaccessible Exchange profile, using a tool like Advik OST to PST Converter is the best solution. This ensures you can retrieve your emails, contacts, and other data without data loss.
How to Find OST File on Your Computer?
OST files are stored in a specific folder based on the version of Outlook you are using. The default locations are:
Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
Outlook 2007:
C:\Users\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
To locate your OST file from Outlook:
Open Outlook and go to File.
Click Account Settings > Account Settings.
In the Data Files tab, select the OST file and click Open File Location.
Methods to Open OST Files in Outlook
Method 1: Convert OST to PST Using Outlook Import/Export Tool
If your Outlook profile is active and accessible, you can convert an OST file into a PST file and then open it in Outlook.
Steps to Export OST to PST:
Open Outlook and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Choose Export to a file and click Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
Choose the folders you want to export and click Next.
Select a location to save the PST file and click Finish.
Once the export is complete, open Outlook again and import the PST file via File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Note: This method only works if Outlook is functioning correctly and connected to your Exchange account.
Method 2: Using Advik OST to PST Converter
If your OST file is orphaned, corrupted, or from an old Outlook account, you won’t be able to open it directly in Outlook. In such cases, a third-party tool like Aryson OST to PST Converter can help.
Steps to Convert and Open an OST File:
Download and install Advik OST to PST Converter.
Launch the software and click Add OST to upload your OST file.
Choose the conversion option (Convert to PST, Preview, etc.).
Select a destination folder for the converted file.
Click Convert to start the process.
Once converted, open Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Choose Import from another program or file and follow the prompts to import the PST file.