Free Methods to Import OST File into MS Outlook

Written By Adom Smith
Updated on February 21st, 2019

We always find it difficult to import OST file into MS Outlook. This is because Outlook can’t directly import from an OST file like it can from a PST file, if you want to copy your offline data to another computer, you can either set up the email client to attach to your server and build a replacement OST File or convert your OST file to the PST Format. In this blog, you will get some tricks and techniques to Import the OST file.

Why it is not possible to import OST file into Outlook?

Microsoft Outlook categorizes Outlook data files into 2 types: OST and PST Files. Consequently, PST files contain data stored in your personal folder on the other hand OST files contain data downloaded off your Exchange Server. At the time of synchronization of Exchange Server with Outlook, OST is generated which serves as a local copy on the mail server and not required as a backup. PST is the default format in which Outlook stores its data. It is easy to import PST file into Outlook but in case of OST, it is impossible to import. Therefore, to import OST file into PST. The file has to be migrated into PST.

Manual Methods to Import OST File

Outlook data files are used when you have an exchange account and want to work offline or use the default cached exchange mode. Outlook data files are the copies of items that are saved on a mail server and don’t need to be backed up like Outlook Data Files(.pst).

Recreate an Offline Outlook data file (.ost)

It is not necessary to back up this file you can create a new copy at any time. Follow the below steps:

First of all exit Outlook.
Now in control panel click or double click Mail.
On the email tab, select the exchange account and then click on change.
Clear the use Cached Exchanged Mode check box.
Click on more settings.
On the advanced tab, click on Offline Folder file setting.
Now click disable Offline use. And within the panel that seems click Yes.
Again click offline folder file settings.
Click OK.
A dialog box will appear >> Click on Yes.
Select the used cached exchange mode checkbox under cached exchange mode setting.
Now Click OK >> Click Next and then Click Finish.
In the account setting and the mail setup dialog boxes, click close.

By using Outlook Import and Export Option

By using this method user can import OST file data such as emails, contacts, calendar, notes in PST file.

Export MS Outlook.
Click on File.
Select the import and export option.
Browse the desired file with the browse option.
Select allow duplicates to be created.
Click on Next.
Now click the Outlook data file(.pst) in import a file window.
And then click on Next.
Now in import Outlook data file, you can select the data items to export.
Click on Finish.

Third-Party Solution

As there are no built-in options available to import OST file into Outlook, so you must opt for Third-party solution like OST to PST Converter. If you want a software to open your offline exchange OST mailbox in Outlook, try this tool which lets you repair Offline Exchange OST files and export all mailbox items into different MS Outlook formats. This is the tool you can completely bank upon to resolve your all problems related to OST conversion.

Bottom Lines:

As there are no methods to import the OST file into MS Outlook. You need to migrate the file into PST format first. And for that, I have mentioned the best ways to convert OST file into PST format. The methods include manual methods as well as the professional solution.

About The Author:

Adom Smith

Adom Smith is a DataRecoveryHelp Technology Writer. He is a technology enthusiast with over 3 years of experience in Data Recovery, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics. He enjoys researching and sharing DIY solutions as well as tips and tricks for resolving Windows technical issues.

Realted Post