How to Import OST to Outlook | Superlative Guide

Import OST File into Outlook: Know Why?

There can be several reasons why a need arises to attach an OST file to Outlook. These are provided here:

• When switching to a new computer system or reinstalling the Windows OS.
• To resolve synchronization issues in Outlook when disconnected from the Exchange server.
• In case of accidental deletion of emails or other data items, data can be restored from an old OST.
• Recovery of data in case of hardware failure, virus attacks, corruption, etc.
• Switching from MS Outlook to Office 365 or other email clients needs import.
• To restore data from orphaned or inaccessible OST files, i.e., disabled or deleted from the mailbox.

With the reasons being stated, let’s proceed to learn how to import OST files in Outlook.

Practical Methods to Import OST to Outlook

Before navigating through the detailed procedure to convert the OST file into PST, one must find the OST file location. Also, as the OST format is not directly compatible with MS Outlook, to open it, convert to PST. To do so, this section describes a manual method and an expert solution.

How to Open OST File in Outlook on Windows?

To find the OST file location on your system, follow these steps:

1. Start Control Panel and move to User Accounts and then, Mail.
2. In the open dialog, press Data Files to open the Account Settings window.
3. Alternatively, you can open the same window from Outlook.
4. Expand the File tab and click Account Settings and Account Settings.
5. Once the window opens, browse the OST file in the Data Files list.
6. Further, select it and click on Open File Location.
7. This will locate the OST file on your computer.

Now, the next question arises, how to effortlessly import the OST file to Outlook?

To follow through, there are two manual ways that we will explore. The first one involves converting OST to PST via Outlook Import/Export. The second one involves using the archive feature of Outlook for the same.

Methods to Import OST to Outlook Manually

Follow the process given below after ensuring to have an active Outlook profile connected with the Microsoft Exchange Server.

Way 1: Add OST File to Outlook PST (Import/Export)

1. Start Outlook and select File from the top menu bar.
2. Click on Open & Export and then, Import/Export to begin the wizard.
3. Further, press Export to a File in the list and Next.
4. Opt for the .pst option and again tap Next to select files.
5. Afterward, choose the folder that you need to convert and click Next.
6. Press Browse to specify a location for the PST file and check other options.
7. Finally, hit the Finish button complete exporting the file, and click OK.

Furthermore, using the Import from another program or file option in this wizard, import PST file in Outlook.

Way 2: How to Import OST to Outlook through Archive

1. Open MS Outlook and in the File tab menu, click Options.
2. Then, go to Advanced and select the Auto Archive option.
3. After that, set a time to start the archiving of your data.
4. Also, click Browse to specify a location for the archive.
5. In the end, press OK to continuously archive your Outlook data as specified.

With this, you can import OST files into Outlook. But these methods are the least preferable. Find out why here.

Why Not to Choose the Manual Methods?

• The manual methods are free but confusing, lengthy, and time-consuming.
• Requires proper Internet, active Outlook profile connected to Exchange.
• Users need technical knowledge and still, there are chances of data loss.
• Do not import complete mailbox data including contacts, calendars, etc.

This ultimately results in the need for a more proficient solution, like a professional tool.

Automated Tool to Import OST to Outlook

When the manual method seems less reliable, there is this expert solution known as SysInfo OST to PST Converter Tool. This easy-to-use utility bulk converts your OST file into the PST format altogether without size limitations. It supports all ANSI and UNICODE Outlook data files for 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and before. The tool ensures the data integrity and folder structure are secured without any losses. Moreover, it is equipped with some intricate features as follows:

• Convert OST to PST as well as other file formats such as PDF, EML, CSV, DOC, etc.
• Import OST to Thunderbird, Gmail, Yahoo, Office 365, IMAP, and many more email clients.
• Access OST files in Outlook in minimum time free of duplicates and unwanted data.

Procedure to Import OST to Outlook Without Outlook

1. Run the OST File to PST Converter Tool and choose an option. Press Next.
2. Select the OST files and folders for conversion. Tap Open to add and Next.
3. Further, preview and select folders from the tree structure. Hit Next.
4. Choose the PST format from the saving panel and apply the necessary filters.
5. At last, specify a Path to Save and click on the Convert button to finish.

Later, using Outlook Import/Export, import these PSTs, and access all your OST files with ease.

Conclusion

Importing OST to Outlook requires you to convert the file format to PST first. This can be done with any of the methods provided above in this blog. The manual methods to import OST to Outlook seem difficult and contain risk of loss. Thus, using a professional tool is indeed a safe solution with many advanced options. Moreover, using its demo version will allow you to convert specific mailbox data for free.

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