Summary: Outlook users need to rebuild or recreate OST file to fix OST file-related errors that appear when their current OST file gets damaged or becomes inaccessible. By recreating the OST file, Outlook users can fix the errors, such as OST is not an Outlook data file. In this blog, we’ve discussed steps to recreate OST files in Microsoft 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 with complete integrity. We’ve also mentioned an OST to PST converter tool that can help restore missing emails from inaccessible OST files.
Contents
Offline Folder or OST is an Outlook data file used to store a local synchronized copy of mailbox items, such as emails, contacts, attachments, calendars etc. When Outlook is set up using an Exchange, Outlook.com, Office 365 or IMAP account, it creates an Offline OST file that allows you to access Outlook and make changes even when the system is offline. The OST file synchronizes the changes with the mail server once the internet connection is restored.
However, the OST file is prone to damage due to various events, such as system crash. When OST becomes inaccessible, Outlook stops working as it can’t access or read the OST file. As a result, synchronization stops and Outlook displays error messages.
Although this can be fixed by recreating or rebuilding a new OST file, it often results in missing mail items and data loss as some items may not have synchronized with the mailbox on the email server. Thus, it requires a systematic approach to recreate OST file and avoid a data loss situation.
An instant solution is to use a reliable OST to PST converter software, such as Stellar Converter for OST. After recreating the OST file, you can check the emails. If you find some mail items missing from the new OST file after synchronization is complete, you can convert your inaccessible OST file to PST format. Then restore the mailbox items by importing the converted PST into your new OST file via Outlook Import Export wizard.
There are multiple reasons that can lead to an inaccessible OST file and require you to recreate a new OST file. Some common ones are:
You can refer to this article to repair corrupt OST files.
Based on the Outlook version, follow these steps to rebuild OST file in Microsoft Outlook.
To recreate the OST file in Microsoft Outlook, you need to first locate the OST file. The OST file location varies based on the Outlook and Windows version you are using on your system. You can refer to this article to find the location of the OST file or follow these steps if you can access Outlook options.
In Outlook 2010,
In Outlook 2013 and later versions,
To recreate a new OST file, you can move, delete, or change the current OST file extension. The steps are as follows:
Note: Back up the OST file before performing these steps.
This is a safe way of recreating an OST file as you create a backup of the OST file by editing the file extension. Follow these steps:
You may also move the OST file (cut/paste) from the location to a different folder or permanently delete the OST to rebuild OST file.
Before moving or deleting the OST file, close the MS Outlook. Otherwise, you may see errors.
Recreating an OST file is easier when you have an active mailbox profile on the server. All you need to do is move, delete, or rename the inaccessible OST file and restart the Outlook. However, you may find missing emails or other mail items that did not synchronize with the mailbox on the server due to underlying issues with the OST file. Moreover, Outlook may fail to recreate the OST file due to other issues, such as deleted mailbox profiles from the server or connectivity issues.
In such cases, you can convert your inaccessible OST file to Outlook importable PST file by using Stellar Converter for OST. To know more, check the following Review of Stellar Converter for OST.
Also, read what MVPs have to say about OST to PST Converter tool from Stellar®.
FAQs
OST file deletion can lead to issues and may result in a data loss situation. Thus, before deleting the OST file, you should always back up the OST file to a safe location. After backup, you can delete the OST file to recreate the new OST file at the default location.
No. If the Exchange server is down, not working, or decommissioned, Outlook will fail to rebuild the OST file. You should always check the server by logging in to your account via Outlook Web App before deleting and recreating the OST file.
No, deleting the Outlook profile does not delete the Outlook OST file. However, the OST file enters the orphaned stage and becomes inaccessible. You can convert such OST files to Outlook importable PST format by using Stellar Converter for OST.
The process of creating or recreating the OST file is the same for Office 365. After backup, you can delete the file, move the file, or change the OST file extension to recreate the OST file for Office 365 or Exchange Online.
You can convert the OST file to PST by exporting the mail items from the OST file to PST format via Outlook Import Export wizard. If Outlook or OST file is inaccessible, use Stellar Converter for OST to convert OST file to PST format.
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Eric Simson is an Email Platform Consultant and is associated with Stellar Data Recovery from last 6 years. He writes about the latest technology tips and provides custom solutions related to MS Outlook, MS Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.
It’s great and all, but how do you recreate a .ost when you CANT open outlook because the .ost is dead ?
If you can’t access Outlook, that’s probably due to a damaged OST file. In such a case, when you rename the damaged OST file to something else or change the extension and then open Outlook again, the Outlook lets you sign in using your email account. As soon as you sign in, it recreates the OST file at the same location and syncs your mailbox. Hope this answers your query.
Eric,
Just found this great article. I had a fresh install of Office and fired up Outlook but it wouldn’t start so I deleted the corrupt OST file and it still won’t start.
Ideas
Harry
I got the error that storage media is not compatible. But it’s not like that and all other applications run smoothly. Don’t know why this error occurs.
Don’t worry Joe, Its happens due to malicious files present in the system. You can try Stellar Converter for OST.
A great feature tool that compatible with outlook 2019. Really appreciate.
Thank you so much Romond. Keep following us for more updates.
Now, I can go ahead to recreate OST file in Outlook 2019 also. You guys are excellent!
The same rule is also applicable for Outlook 2019. I will bookmark this reference to share among colleagues.
After reading this guide, I can rename OST file in Outlook without any third party tech support. You guys are doing great contribution for Outlook tech communities.
Hats off!
Thanks for your kind words. Your success is like a reward for us.
Successfully reconstructed damaged OST file in Outlook 2016. But, the entire credit goes to Stellar OST converter.
ThankYOU!
I always skip manual method due to fear of email loss. I will prefer automated OST converter to fulfil my assignment.
Thanks for showing your trust in Stellar’s product.
My Outlook 2007 had become extremely sluggish, on digging down further, I found out that my OST file was needing a recreation.
Thanks for your well-described article my Outlook client is running smoothly again.
Hello Hank,
Congrats on your success! You can also subscribe our blog to receive an update on the latest tips.