How to Import OST File to Mac Outlook - Explore Here!

When Outlook is used with the synchronization of Exchange Server, then OST file is created. Basically, the OST file saves the replica of the complete data saved in Exchange server mailbox. Sometimes, the user needs to import OST file to Mac Outlook due to business or personal chores. However, this is a complicated task, which cannot be performed via any direct method. Now, the question arises, is there any reliable method to know how to import OST file to Mac Outlook. The user will get the answer to this question, in the section given below. In this blog, we are going to introduce an instant yet trustworthy approach to import OST file in Outlook 2016 Mac.

Why One Cannot Import OST File to Mac Outlook Directly?

Mac Outlook provides the option to import OLM or PST files. To access OST file in Mac Outlook, the user needs to convert OST file into PST file format and then import the PST file in Mac Outlook 2016/2011.

Before Moving Further:

Take A Look At Need to Import OST File to Mac Outlook

Most of the users must be thinking, why a person has to import OST file to Mac Outlook. Now, reasons to move OST file in Outlook 2016 Mac can vary from user to user. However, the most common reasons due to which the user needs to move OST file to Mac Outlook are:

1. The user has recently switched from Windows Outlook to Mac Outlook. And, he/she want to import all the OST files associated with Exchange to Mac Outlook.
2. A person has an orphan OST file shared by his/her client or colleague and he/she need to migrate and open that OST file with Mac Outlook.

Here Comes The Solution:

How to Import OST File to Mac Outlook: A Step-By-Step Approach

The import process to move OST to Mac Outlook is divided into two steps. First, the user has to convert OST file into PST file format and then import the PST file into Mac Outlook.

Step 1: Convert OST File into PST Format

To carry out the OST to PST conversion process, the user has to rely on an automated way i.e. OST to PST Converter. With this utility, the user can easily convert OST emails, calendars, contacts, tasks etc. into PST file format. The software also permits the user to perform the batch conversion of OST files into PST file format. One can also work with encrypted OST emails using the tool. The utility permits the user to decrypt the OST emails by eliminating S/MIME and OpenPGP encryption from the OST emails and then converting them in the PST format. Moreover, the utility is also capable to convert OST file into other file formats also such as EML/MSG/HTML etc.

Note: After converting OST file into PST file format, the user can copy the resultant PST file to a Pen Drive or USB Drive. With the help of USB Drive, he/she can paste the PST file to Mac system.

Step 2: Import Resultant PST File to Mac Outlook

To import PST file to Mac Outlook, one can make use of Import Feature provided by Mac Outlook. Begin the import process, just follow the steps explained below:

1. Open Outlook application on your Mac system and then go to the File menu and select Import option.
2. In the Import dialog box, you need to select Outlook Data File option and click on the right arrow.
3. Select Outlook for Windows Data File option and click on the right arrow.
4. Now, you have to locate and select the resultant PST file which you got after OST to PST conversion process in Step 1.
5. Click on the Import. The import process will begin and after the completion of the process you will be able to the imported items in the navigation pane listed under On My Computer. 

Read this: To Repair OST file Outlook 2010 / 2013 / 2016 / 2019

Finally, Imported OST File to Mac Outlook In A Hassle-Free Way!

Users face issues when they need to access OST files using Mac Outlook. However, it is a complicated task as Mac Outlook does support OST file format. So, the user has to convert Mac OST files into PST file format and then import the PST file to Mac Outlook. In the above section, we have introduced a step-wise process to how to import OST file to Mac Outlook without any trouble.

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The Ideal OST to Office 365 Migration Strategy

Nowadays, with growing popularity of digital market among all users, the mode of cross-communication is online. There are a specified number of platforms or email programs to share email messages, text, meetings, etc. Each mail client has its own file extension to save the data. OST is one such format, which belongs to Microsoft Outlook. However, the main challenge comes when users want to move OST file to Office 365 suite. The need arises in the same way because of many professional or personal reasons. Some users want to save emails in Office 365 so that they can easily access the data at any time. As MS Office 365 is a cloud-based application, developed by Microsoft. It is a secure place where users can save their crucial data. To know challenges faced by end users let us consider the following query: 

“I have been working on MS Outlook for a long time. Nevertheless, now I have decided to import OST file to Office 365. I have searched so many methods, but I was unable to find any suitable approach. Therefore, I am looking for a solution to convert OST to Office 365.” 

Outlook OST to Office 365 Migration Manually

There is no direct approach that can export OST messages into Office 365 account. Henceforth, first users need to convert OST to PST file and then, import PST files into O365 suite. This process is categorized into two steps:

Step 1: Move OST File to PST Format

To import OST file to PST format there are several methods available that users can use. All these methods are broadly categorized as:

1. Create New PST File & copy OST in it
2. Use Archive feature of Microsoft Outlook
3. Use Export feature of Microsoft Outlook

Create New Outlook data file & save OST file in it 

1). First, launch MS Outlook mail client
2). Now, create a new PST file in Outlook
3). Copy the desired mailbox folders and paste it into the PST file

Use Archive Feature of MS Outlook 

a). Open Outlook application, click on File menu and choose Archive option 

b). After this, select the particular file or folder
c). Browse the desired location where you want to store all archived files and click OK
d). In the last step, you can directly create the archive files

Note: One can directly transfer OST file to PST except all contacts, by using this manual approach.

Use Export feature of MS Outlook 

a). Open MS Outlook and click on Export button from the File menu
b). Select Export to a file option and then, click Next button
c). Then, select Personal File Folder (PST) option and press Next
d). Now, choose the specific folder which you want to convert (make sure this option “include subfolders” is enabled)
e). Eventually, provide a specific path where to store migrated files. Click on Finish to complete the entire task

Note: This method only works when users account is connected with MS Exchange Server.

Step 2: Upload PST to Shared Mailbox Office 365 

To import PST file into Office 365 suite manually one can use any of the techniques as discussed below:
a). Upload OST File to Office 365 via Azure AzCopy.
b). Download & install Azure Azcopy and then, copy SAS URL too(SAS URL will only provide the permission to transfer PST to Azure).
c). Now, upload Outlook data files (PST) into Office 365 account successfully.
d). You can view all the uploaded PST files to complete the process.
e). You can also generate a new PST import mapping (CSV) file.
f). Finally, you can create Outlook PST import job in Office 365 profile.

Import PST to O365 using Drive shipping 

a). Copy a PST file in the BitLocker-encrypted hard drive
b). Next, you can export a drive to Microsoft physically
c). When Microsoft receives a flash drive, the personal data also start uploading the received PST files into a temporary folder in Microsoft cloud
d). Finally, users can use an Import service of MS Office 365 for converting PST files to Office 365 suite.

Professional Way to Migrate Offline OST Data to Office 365 

In case, if the above solution gets fail then, users can use trusted third-party tool i.e., OST to Office 365 Converter. It is designed in such a way to regain all items i.e., emails, calendars, contacts from Outlook OST file. It also ensures to keep all metadata remain intact without any data loss. It has an easy-to-use interface that even a native user can understand the working of this software more clearly. 

Final Words 

In the above-discussion, we have explained manual method to let users understand the ideal OST to Office 365 migration strategy. Along with this, we have suggested one of the best solutions i.e., OST to Office 365 Converter that will help to export OST file to Office 365 effectively.

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How to Fix OST Corruption Issues, which Restricts Send/Receive Emails?

Microsoft Outlook is popularly used email client globally because it allows users to work in an offline mode. In addition, when Microsoft Outlook is connected to Exchange Server, entire mailbox data is stored locally in the system also in Offline Storage Table (OST) file format. It is basically used as a replica of Exchange mailbox as it maintains complete records of the account stored on the server on the local machine. However, the main purpose of this OST file is to let users continue their work even in the server downtime due to any reason. Any changes done in offline mode gets updated automatically to Exchange Server whenever the connection is established again.

But, there are some circumstances in which a user encounter errors while using Exchange mailbox data via Offline OST file. Improper synchronization between the Outlook and Exchange is the main cause of such errors. However, if there is an error in Outlook OST file, then it will also create a problem in mailbox access. Thus, this blog will let users know how to resolve OST error 0x8004010F that restricts send/ receive emails.

All Possible Reasons Behind OST Error 0x8004010F

OST file is very prone to corruption due to various reasons. For example, file size limit exceeds virus attacks, accidental shutdown cause corruption etc. As it is clear that these are the most common reason behind damaged OST file, but there can be some human-generated errors also. Sometimes, while sending or receiving emails via MS Outlook, users encounter following error:

"0x8004010F: Outlook data file cannot be accessed"
or
"0x8004010F: The operation failed. An object could not be found"

However, these two are the MAPI error and it always occurs at the time of offline address book synchronization during send/ receive operation. Some of the major reasons behind this error are:

Corruption in Outlook OST file

1. Improper setup or damaged Outlook profile
2. The default location of OST file is changed on the local machine
3. After upgrading, you have copied old OST file used by older Outlook version

This 0x8004010F error code will prevent users from sending and receiving emails from Microsoft Outlook. Thus, solving this error will be the first priority in order to regain access to Outlook mailbox data.

Different Tricks to Resolve Send/ Receive Emails Error in Outlook

There are various possible ways in which a user can repair damaged OST file in Outlook. Thus, to know about the same, follow the section below:

Trick #1: Change Message Delivery Location

In order to repair inaccessible OST file, a user is suggested to follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook application on the local machine
2. Navigate to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings option
3. Then, click on the Change Folder option and simply expand it is by clicking on the + sign given just adjacent to it
4. Now, choose the Inbox folder and click on the New Folder option in order to create a new temp or temporary folder. Enter the name and click on OK button.
5. Next, you have to choose the folder. Which is recently created by you. Click on the OK button. 

6. Now, the location is changed and it will show you the new folder location.
7. After this, change the temporary folder back to its original location. For this, click on the Change Folder again.
8. Choose the Inbox and click on OK again.
9. Exit the Account Settings and click on the Send/Receive button.

Trick #2: Use Scanpst.exe Tool
Microsoft provides a free utility named as Inbox Repair Tool or scanpst.exe to repair Outlook OST and PST file. It scans the OST file and locates if there is any issue with it or not. In addition, it tries to repair the damaged OST file also. But it is capable to repair only minor level of corruption from OST file. In the case of severely corrupted OST file, a user is advised to look for some alternative.

Trick #3: Using Third-party Software
If any of the above methods is unable to repair severely corrupted OST file, then a user is advised to use some third-party tool named as OST Repair software. The application is designed to fix all corruption issues of OST file of Microsoft Outlook in just a few simple clicks. This tool will allow users to fix all OST file error code, including 0x8004010F that results in Send/ Receive error. In the case of badly damaged OST file, the software will perform an advance scan on it and repair it. Apart from this, it recovers all data items stored inside the Outlook OST file without any hassle. Moreover, a user can easily use this application on any version of Microsoft Windows OS.

Conclusion
If a user is not able to send or receive emails from Microsoft Outlook mailbox, then it is only because of corruption in OST file. It starts generating error code 0x8004010F, which is hard to resolve using manual procedure. Thus, to remove OST corruption issues, which restricts send/ receive emails via a third-party tool suggested above.

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Restoring Outlook Emails From an OST After Deleting the Mailbox

The complete blog provides users with a method to restore Outlook Email messages from the respective folder. It even offers users with a way to recover the deleted items when MS Outlook works in a stand-alone mode or if connected to MS Exchange Server. It even provides the users with a method to recover data from OST to PST file if those files are inaccessible. 

Detailed Summary- Recover Outlook Emails

Deleting the messages from MS Outlook Mailbox Folders is a problem that can occur either accidentally or intentionally. As, we all are aware that Outlook uses PST as the proprietary file format for storing large volume business and the personal data e.g. Mails, address books, calendars, journals etc. Data deletion is broadly divided to two classes: Soft Deletion, Hard Deletion. Soft deletion is also defined as if the data is deleted from any mailbox folder like Inbox, Drafts, Address Books, and Sent Items. This is called soft deletion as the data can be recovered easily and it is possible to restore Outlook Deleted Mailboxes and then put them to the deleted items folder. If the items are permanently deleted, then it is referred as Hard Deletion. Hard Deletion can be done by pressing Shift+Delete Key together. The basic question that arises is it possible to recover deleted data from Outlook Mailbox Folder? So, let’s explore the answer for this query: 

In case if data is temporarily deleted, then it can restore using following steps but the recovery method depends on the edition of MS Outlook installed in it.

For recovering deleted emails in Outlook 2016. Go through the steps mentioned below:

Go to Email Folder list >> Delete Items Folder
Deleted items are previewed on right pane
Highlight messages to be restored in a specific folder & Right Click on it
Click Move>> Select Other Folder from the previewed list on the system
List of folders is displayed in Move the selected items to folder selection >> select folder>> Click Ok

All the desired messages are restored to Inbox folder. As there is less chance of data safety and more problem is that it is not necessary that the data is recovered and the file does not become inaccessible. In this way, the best method is the usage of any expert solution for restoring deleted data from Outlook Mailboxes. 

Tip: The above-mentioned method is applicable only for Outlook 2016 and varies with other Outlook editions.

Mentioned below are few steps through which the deleted emails can be recovered in Outlook 2007.Select folder from where you need to restore the deleted items

1. Choose Tools >> Recover Deleted Items
2. A pop-up is displayed showing recently deleted items from selected folders
3. Select email messages to be restored & Select Recover Selected Items Option
4. Select multiple Mail messages and hold Ctrl Key on restored items

Tip: In case the folder comprising of mails is unknown, then in that case, you need to repeat the procedure for every mailbox.

Outlook recovers deleted mail items from the deleted item folder after closing the program. To stop and prevent the automatic deletion from Deleted Items Folder, Follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Click File Tab>> Options>> Advanced
2. In Outlook start and Exit section, uncheck the empty deleted item folder while closing Outlook
3. Click on Ok and save the changes made in recent folder
4. Recover deleted Items Through Scanost.exe while Present in Exchange Environment

There is no way through which the hard deleted data can be restored. So, making a prejudice that scanost.exe will restore deleted mailbox in Outlook is completely useless. But, if MS Outlook is configured with Exchange Server, the probability is that we can get back the permanently deleted data via Dumpster feature if the files are in retention period. By retention period we mean the time period in which the files are kept before deleting them permanently. But there are many policies through which the data can be retained for more than 15 days. Till this time, the files can be recovered till this time and afterward the files are permanently deleted. This property also helps users to restore corrupted Outlook emails. 

Drawbacks of Manual Way of Restoring Mailboxes in Outlook

Though, both the inbuilt utilities are strong enough to recover deleted mailboxes in Microsoft Outlook. But, it is quite difficult to restore mailbox if deleted permanently. This creates problems for the users as they cannot completely rely on the built-in utilities for restoring Outlook Mailboxes. In such cases, a third party utility is the best possible way to recover the mailboxes. So, by our opinion, OST Repair is the best-suited approach to restore the deleted mailboxes. The tool has many incredible features that it can even recover the corrupted OST files. In addition to it, the tool has a brilliant interface that makes it compatible with all Outlook editions be it newer or the earlier ones. 

The Way Forward
To retrieve Outlook Mailbox data items, the users can try the manual approach for resolving entire issue. But, sometimes going manual does not resolve the problems. So, in such cases, the best way out is an automated solution for resolving the problems. So, the users should try Outlook OST to PST Software if they want to restore their data items. The users can completely rely on the tool in terms of recovery. The tool has a credibility to resolve all the issues and does not let a single bit of loss in information.

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Why Outlook Crashing, Hanging and Freezing

Is your Outlook is crashing, hanging, and freezing? Have you tried any method to fix this issue? If yes and nothing works, then this blog is for you only. This is because we are going to learn several methods to fix this issue along with an impeccable trick. However, it is important to know the exact reasons behind the error. 

Reason behind Outlook Crashing or Freezing 

Microsoft Outlook is a used in various organizations for the maintenance and exchange of crucial information. It stores the files in PST format and with the increasing popularity of Outlook; the issues with it are growing too. One of the major factors behind this is the damage in PST file. Once the file gets unhealthy or corrupted, it starts displaying certain errors according to the edition of Outlook. 

Errors 

a). Outlook 2013 crashes on startup 

b). Outlook 2013 crashes on startup even in safe mode 

c). Outlook 2013 crashes when opening 

d). Outlook 2010 crashes when opening 

e). Outlook freezes when opening 

f). Outlook freezes after startup, etc. 

Let us move to the solution part and learn how to fix the Outlook crashing or hanging. 

Different Approaches to Fix Outlook Freezes when Opening 

There are different workarounds to rectify this issue of Outlook Not Responding, hanging or crashing associated with Microsoft Outlook as mentioned below: 

Update Software/ Outlook Properly 

Sometimes users need to switch on auto-update feature to avoid any kind of corruption. For this, they need to follow these simple steps: 

1. First, open Settings 

2. Now, find Update & Recovery option 

3. Then, tap on how updates get installed 

4. Finally, enable the automatic updates

Important Note: It is recommended to install an updated antivirus in your machine. 

Run Outlook in Safe Mode 

Many times, when users try to access the corrupted file, it may result in some errors. Now, in such situation it is suggested to run Outlook is safe mode. For this, you need to run this command i.e. outlook.exe / safe (Space is necessary in command). Even if it does not work, it indicates something wrong with the add-ins settings. Now, in order to resolve this do the following: 

1. First, hit on File menu 

2. Then, find the Options

3. After this, tap on Add-ins

4. Look for COM Add-ins 

5. Now, clear all the Add-ins

6. Finally, start Outlook in normal mode 

7. Restore the Navigation Pane Configuration File

8. First, shut down the other running Outlook 

9. Now, click on Start Menu 

10. After this, type in the Run command. A Dialog prompts 

11. In this dialog prompt, you need to type this command: outlook.exe /resetnavpane

12. Finally, hit on Ok button 

13. Erase the Navigation Pane Settings File 

14. Firstly, open run box 

15. Then, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Outlook, this command 

16. Now, tap on the Enter Key 

17. You will be redirected to Outlook configuration file position 

18. Find Outlook.xml file 

19. In the final step, remove the files. 

20. Produce New or Fresh Microsoft Outlook Profile 

21. Begin the procedure by clicking on Start button 

22. Now, go to Control Panel

23. After this, click on Mail option to open dialog box of the Mail Setup 

24. Hit on Show Profiles Option 

25. Once it is done, click on Add and name the Profile, which is followed by a click on OK

26. Repair Outlook Files You can do this, in two different ways i.e. manual as well as third party tool. 

Manual 1: Follow these steps for this method:

1. Firstly, close running application of Microsoft Office. Then, open Control Panel

2. Now, hit on Programs & then, Features

3. Choose the version of MS Office & make a right-click on it 

4. Finally, choose Repair Option 

Manual 2: Inbox Repair Tool or Scanpst.exe 

In order to use this utility, you need to exit from Outlook and then find scanpst.exe tool. Once it is done, follow these steps to use Inbox Repair Tool: 

1. Firstly, click on repair twice and open the file. 

2. Now, type PST file name along with path. 

3. Search the Outlook PST file and hit on Browse. 

4. Click on Start and scan unhealthy PST. 

5. Once it is done, a screen will appear displaying the list of errors. 

6. Use Repair tab & fix all the errors. 

Now, repair the files using a new PST by following these steps: 

1. To initiate the process start Outlook & press CTRL+6 together 

2. A folder list will appear. In Folder List, you can see the entire list of recovered items 

3. Create a new PST file 

4. Once you have done this, click on Lost and Found folder

5. Now, drag and drop all the recovered items in fresh PST

6. Finally, restored the items and then delete the recovered PST. 

Method 3: Third Party Tool 

Apart from opting for manual solutions, users can go for a trouble free manner. They can use Outlook Recovery software and can repair all corrupted or damaged PST file even if the corruption is severe. The tool has the potential to recover the files within some few simple clicks. If you have corrupt OST file, you can use OST Recovery software to recover & Convert OST to PST format. Moreover, it does not require any technical knowledge and can be accessed without anyone’s assistance. It is compatible with all versions of Windows Operating System. 

The Bottom Line 

Outlook has now attained a place in the online market where it is the first choice of organizations for emailing. However, there are some errors associated with this platform such as Outlook crashing, hanging and freezing. In order to rectify this issue, we have brought forth various methods. Users can go for any of the methods, but it is recommended to opt for a third party utility to perform the task without any difficulty.

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How to Resolve Outlook Not Responding Error

“I do not know what is wrong with my Outlook; whenever I tried to access it an error comes “Outlook is not responding.” I have lots of pending work to complete, but I do not know how to get out of this annoying situation. Please anyone suggest me an appropriate method to rectify Microsoft Outlook not responding error message. ”

These types of Microsoft Outlook issues create a big hurdle in front of users many times. As we all know, that most of the organizations are dependent on MS Outlook to perform cross-communication and bring collaborative results for a successful business. However, there are situations when users get stuck in some problematic situation while accessing Outlook. In the following blog, we will discuss causes along with the methods to fix Outlook freezes when opening error. 

Factors Responsible Behind Outlook Not Responding Error

Unlike any other email application, MS Outlook is prone to corruption. Some of the reasons behind outlook not responding are:

• Non availability of proper network 
• Improper settings of Outlook profile or server 
• Latest updates are not installed 
• Large size of mailbox 
• Corruption in the profile of user 

To resolve this error, it is very important that we should have the knowledge of the actual reason behind the error. Let us now proceed further to rectify the error from Outlook.

How To Rectify “Outlook Gets Stuck on Starting” Error

It is a common error in, which Outlook generally get stuck on a screen, where it is shown as processing. In some other cases it just freeze or hang while, you are trying to open a file or trying to mail anyone. Rectification of this error is required as soon as possible to avoid any loss of data. These are some manual tricks to get rid of this error:

Installation of Latest Updates
It is possible that office installed in your system is not up-to-date. Therefore, if this is the case then, you just need to install latest, recommended Microsoft updates and need to delete all the files, which are not Up-to-date.

Avoid Synchronization of Outlook
This is one of the possible reasons for this error. If you are using Auto Archive feature of Outlook or you have synchronized the mobile/any device to Outlook then, the possibility of this error becomes large. In such scenarios, Outlook may stop responding. Therefore, it is suggested to avoid the synchronization of Microsoft Outlook.

Open Outlook In Safe Mode
You can run Outlook in safe mode as Add-ins and customization files would not be there when you execute Outlook in safe mode. For this,

1. Type outlook.exe/safe in command line 
2. Then, click on Yes. 
3. This may resolve the issue. If it does, then it is clear that there is some problem in one of the Add-ins.

Disable Outlook Add-ins
If, you are facing the problem of “Outlook Not Responding” error for the first time, then turn off Add-ins, which is recently installed one-by-one. In Outlook 2010 or 2013, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, switch to “File” and click on “Options” 
2. Then, select “Add-ins” and click on “Go” 
3. Finally, “uncheck” the add-ins and then, restart Outlook.
4. Reconstruction of Office Programs 

User can also try this method of repairing Office programs, if the problem persists.

• Close Microsoft Office application 
• Open Control panel after this. 
• Make a right click on Microsoft Office and select the changes you made. 
• Now, you need to select Repair option and click on Continue to execute. 
• Shorten The Size Of Mailbox

Heavy mailbox size is also responsible for the error to occur. Therefore, to reduce the size of mailbox, follow these steps, if you are using Outlook 2013 or 2010:

• Firstly, make a right click on your Personal folder. 
• You need to select Data File Properties there and then click on Advanced >> Compact Now 
• You can reduce the size using archiving option also. 

Manual Methods Failed- What Next?
The above-mentioned manual methods are not reliable, as there are scenarios when they fail to rectify this error“Outlook stopped working on startup” and may even results in loss of data if not performed appropriately. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to switch to a third party utility.

Automated Solution
OST and PST, these two files are associated with Outlook. Therefore, it is possible that Outlook not responding error occurs due to corruption in any of these two files. With Inbox Repair Tool, users can repair minor corruption, but to fix severe corruption, they have to use a third party tool. One such tool is OST Recovery Software. Using this software the user can easily repair OST files regardless of the amount of corruption. This Extract OST to PST tool comes up with so many unique features and is capable to fix various errors of Outlook such as Outlook not responding.

Conclusion
“Outlook Not Responding” is one of the common errors for Outlook users. As the matter of fact, that it is tough to resolve the issue easily with the help of manual methods, we have discussed an expert solution as well. User can opt for this, if manual procedures fail to rectify the issue.

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How to Reduce OST File Size in Outlook

We all are aware of the fact that OST files stand for Offline Storage Table. It is the exact copy of the user’s mailbox on MS Exchange Server saved locally on your machine. The OST files are made for the main purpose like to work offline in absence if MS Exchange Server. It even comprises of entire MS Outlook information till the time of last synchronization.

Why a need arises to reduce OST file size ?

The very first reason behind the reducing OST files size is that sometimes your Outlook mailboxes grow in size and hence you receive or create new items and it makes the OST files so large. The OST file size may decrease in case you have deleted some items. It makes the system slow and thus enhances the system’s speed and also consumes the storage space. So, instead of buying a new disk, it seems to compact Offline Storage Folders.

The moment you delete the Offline Folders Mail, it goes to the deleted items folder. The simple thing is that all the items can be recovered from the deleted item folder; it implies that still some space is consumed by OST files. The very basic fact about the OST file is that the space consumed by them is unavailable for the other uses. It makes the OST files bigger and just bigger over times and even if you delete few of the items or keep the same record in MS Outlook.

Compacting OST files reduces the space allotment that was previously occupied by few items. So, through the method of compact Outlook OST file, some of the previously stored items occupied space can be reduced. Alternatively the users can even convert OST to PST for preventing it from the future corruption issues.

Now, one of the major concerns is how to reduce OST file size in MS Outlook?

For Microsoft Outlook 2007 

1. Delete the items that you don’t want to keep in OST files
2. Empty the deleted items folder
3. Click on File Tab and choose Info Tab 
4. Finally, click on the Account Settings Tab and then hit it again
5. Choose MS Exchange Server Account ID and then click on change option
6. Select More Settings option and then opt for the advance tab and click on Offline folder file settings
7. Finally, click on Compact Now alternative and then click Ok.

For MS Outlook 2010

1. Delete items that you don’t want to store  OST files
2. Empty deleted items folder
3. Click File Menu and then choose Info Tab
4. Click Account Settings Tab and then again click on Account Settings 
5. Select Exchange Server Account ID and then press Change button
6. Click More Settings Alternative
7. Select Advance tab, click on Offline Folder File Storage
8. Select Compact Now and then click Ok 

For Microsoft Outlook 2013
For compacting OST files in Outlook 2013, follow the steps listed below:

1. Delete the items that you don’t want store in OST file
2. Then, empty the deleted items folder
3. Click file and select Info folder
4. Select Account Settings tab and click on Account Settings again
5. Choose MS Exchange Server Account ID and click on Change Button
6. Click More Settings and on Advance tab, click Outlook Data File Settings 
7. Finally, select Compact Now and then click OK button

Note: Make sure that the OST files size is equal or greater than 16 KB. Users may not be able to compact OST files manually in case, the size is completely less than 16 KB. Additionally, this alternative cannot compact corrupted OST files.

Now, the question arises that what will happen if your OST file becomes corrupted because of its large size.
The question has a very simple answer that if OST files exceed the default minimum size, it can cause corruption and then data loss. The compact option doesn’t work in these circumstances because a corrupted OST files can’t be compacted. In such circumstances, making use of a professional tool is the best possible way out. The best way out in these circumstances, Microsoft OST to PST Converter Tool is the best one out. The tool has many brilliant features that differentiates it with other software’s and thus leaves its impact on the users. The tool can be downloaded from its parent website and thus the users can get to know it from every inner section. So, keep connected to the software and compact Offline Storage Folders.

The Final Verdict!
The above mentioned article helps the users with understanding the concept of reducing & compacting OST files in different Outlook versions. So, follow the entire write-up and get your query resolved.

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