Introduction to OST File, its Problems and Solutions

Outlook uses data files (.ost and .pst) to store mailbox information on your computer. The data files help provide access to your synchronized or downloaded email messages, calendar entries, contacts, and other mail items without an internet connection. However, there are situations when you may face errors and problems with the Outlook data file while accessing your account. So, let's discuss in detail the Outlook OST file, its problems, and solutions thereof.

Outlook Data File (.ost) – Overview

Exchange, IMAP, Office 365, and Outlook.com accounts use offline Outlook data file (.ost) to store a synchronized copy of mailbox data on your local drive. The offline data file provides access to (previously synchronized and downloaded) emails, calendar information, contacts, and other data, when the system is offline or connection to the mail server is unreliable or interrupted.

Essentially, the OST file allows working offline, meaning you can do everything with the mailbox folders in Outlook without network or server connectivity. You can read and compose emails, create appointments, and add contacts. But, you cannot send or receive new messages until the connection to the server is restored. Once the connection is established, changes made to the .ost file are automatically synchronized with the mail server.

Things You Need to Know when Using an OST File

If your Outlook is using OST file to store mailbox items, keep these points into consideration:

  • You can back up offline folders (.ost) file by exporting it to PST file format.
  • OST files cannot be transferred between systems.
  • OST folders are automatically synchronized with the mail server. However, you may need to synchronize replicas of public folder and folders created by Outlook users.

OST vs PST

For better understanding of Outlook Offline Data File (.ost), it is imperative to know the differences between OST and PST file.

  • OST file stands for Offline Storage Table (.ost) file, while PST file stands for Personal Storage Table (.pst) file.
  • In Outlook 2016 and higher versions, OST file is used by several accounts (IMAP, Exchange, Office 365 and Outlook.com) for storing mailbox information. But, PST is used by a POP3 account only.
  • Unlike OST file, PST file is portable and can be copied from one system to the other.
  • Since.ost file is a cached copy of mailbox folders saved on the server, it isn't used as a backup file. This is because a fresh copy of the file can be downloaded from the server. However, a PST file can be used to backup or export mail items from any email account.
  •  OST files are meant for offline use and can be used by domains with limited network connectivity. But that is not the case with PST.

OST File Location

The OST file is usually located at any of the following default locations, based on Outlook and Windows version.


If you cannot find the .ost file, follow these steps to find the file:

Step 1:In Outlook, select File.


Select File tab

                                                                      Figure 1: Select File tab

Step 2: In the window that appears, choose Account Settings, and then click Account Settings.


Outlook Account Settings

                                                                      Figure 2: Outlook Account Settings

Step 3: In Account Settings window, click the Data Files tab and select an .ost file, and then click Open Folder Location.


Open OST File Location

                                                                           Figure 3: Open OST File Location

A dialog box displaying the default location of OST file will open.

You may also like to read: How to Change the Location of Outlook OST file?

Common Outlook OST File Problems and Errors

When using an OST file for Outlook, you may encounter any of the following issues:

  • Orphaned .ost File
  • When Exchange mailbox connectivity breaks with Outlook for a long time, or you've deleted an old Exchange server without properly backing up the OST file, the file may become orphaned.

    An orphaned offline folder (.ost) file means that it has become separate from an Outlook profile or an email account – that was used to create the file.

  • Corrupt OST file

An OST file can become corrupt due to the following reasons:

  • Network connection failure or power failure during synchronization with Exchange server
  • Abnormal termination of Outlook
  • Bad sectors on hard drive on which OST file is stored
  • Large file size
  • Virus infection
  • Program or software conflicts

You may receive any of these errors when your .ost file turns corrupt:

The Offline Folder (.ost) File becomes inaccessible when it gets orphaned or corrupt.

Solutions to Fix Outlook OST File Problems and Errors

Here are some troubleshooting steps that can help you resolve OST file problems:

Step 1: Delete OST File and Re-create it

If an OST file in Outlook has turned corrupt or is inaccessible, try deleting the OST file and get a fresh copy by downloading it from the mail server. Once you know the location of Offline Folder (.ost) file, you can easily delete it. To delete the file, browse the location where it is stored. Find and select the .ost file with errors, and delete it. 

Once the deletion process is complete, open Outlook and it will automatically create a new .ost file. But, if it doesn't re-create the OST file, here's how you can do it:

  • Open Outlook, and select File>Info>Account Settings.
  • From Account Settings window, click the E-mail tab and double-click Microsoft Exchange
  • Account Settings Window

                                                               Figure 4: Account Settings Window

  • The Change Account window is displayed. Click More Settings
  • Change Account Window

                                                                 Figure 5: Change Account Window

  •  In Microsoft Exchange window, click Advanced>Outlook Data File Settings.
  • Microsoft Exchange Advanced Settings

                                                              Figure 6: Microsoft Exchange Advanced Settings

  • In Outlook Data File Settings, type the path of the OST file, and click OK.
  • Outlook Data File Settings

                                                                     Figure 7: Outlook Data File Settings

  • Click Finish.
  • Step 2: Create a New Outlook Profile

    Sometimes, creating a new Outlook profile can help you resolve the OST file related issues.

    Steps to create a new profile are as follows:

    NOTE: If you want to use an existing .ost file, make sure to copy the existing file to a new location.

  • Open Control Panel, and search for the Mail option.
  • Control Panel Items

                                                                  Figure 8: Control Panel Items

  • In Mail Setup window, choose Show Profiles.
  • Mail Setup Window

                                                                    Figure 9: Mail Setup Window

  •  In Mail window, click Add (as shown in the screenshot below).
  • Use profile
                                                        Figure 10: Use profile 
  • In New Profile window, type the name for your new email profile, and then hit OK.
  • New Profile Window

                                                                   Figure 11: New Profile Window

  • The Add Account window is displayed. Click Next.
  • Add Account Window

                                                                      Figure 12: Add Account Window

  • Once the account setup process is complete, choose Change account settings option, and then click Next.
  • Change Account Settings

                                                                    Figure 13: Change Account Settings

  • In the Server Settings box, choose More Settings.
  • Server Settings Window

                                                                  Figure 14: Server Settings Window

  • In the dialog box that appears, click the Advanced tab, and select Outlook Data File Settings.
  • Outlook Data File Settings

                                                                 Figure 15: Outlook Data File Settings

  •  In Outlook Data File Settings window, browse to the location where you wish to save the newly created .ost file, and click OK.
    Browse OST File

                                                                 Figure 16: Browse OST File

  • If you're are using an existing .ost file, click Browse to select the copied .ost file, and then click Open.
  • New Outlook Data File Window

                                                                  Figure 17: New Outlook Data File Window

  • Select Finish to complete the setup for your email account.
  • Now again open Control Panel, and then open Mail.
  • 12.Choose Always use this profile option, select the new profile you've created, and then click OK.
  • New Profile Added

                                                                  Figure 18: New Profile Added

    After successfully executing the steps, open Outlook again to recreate the .ost file for the account you want to repair.

    Step 3: Use Stellar Converter for OST Software

    Stellar Converter for OST software can help you extract data from an orphaned, inaccessible .ost file, by converting the file to .pst file format. OST to PST Converter can convert multiple OST files to PST format in a single process. 

    Why You Should Use Stellar Converter for OST?

    • Converts OST file to PST file format in three simple steps: 'Select', 'Convert' and 'Preview & Save'.
    • Converts mail items, while maintaining data integrity.
    • The Technician variant of the software allows to export OST file data directly to Office 365 & Live Exchange.
    • The Technician variant allows splitting and compacting resultant PST file.

    Read this: How to Convert OST to PST using Stellar Converter for OST software?



Was this article helpful?
About The Author
author image
Charanjeet Kaur linkdin Icon

Technical writer with over 7 years of experience

Table of Contents

WHY STELLAR® IS GLOBAL LEADER

Why Choose Stellar?
  • 0M+

    Customers

  • 0+

    Years of Excellence

  • 0+

    R&D Engineers

  • 0+

    Countries

  • 0+

    PARTNERS

  • 0+

    Awards Received