Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client that offers robust features for managing emails, contacts, calendars, and more. For users who work offline or in environments with intermittent internet connectivity, Outlook creates Offline Storage Table (OST) files to store mailbox data locally. However, there are instances where users may need to import OST file to Outlook, such as when migrating to a new computer or recovering data from a backup. In this article, we’ll explore how to import OST to Outlook, providing a detailed step-by-step guide.
Understanding OST Files and Their Importance
Before we dive into the import process, let’s briefly understand what OST files are and why they’re significant:
OST files are offline copies of Exchange mailbox data stored on a user’s computer. They allow users to work offline and synchronize changes with the Exchange server when reconnected to the internet.
Reasons for Importing OST Files into Outlook
There are several reasons why users may need to import OST file to Outlook:
- Migration: When transitioning to a new computer or email system, importing OST files into Outlook ensures seamless access to mailbox data.
- Data Recovery: In case of OST file corruption or data loss, importing OST files into Outlook can help recover important emails, contacts, and other mailbox items.
- Backup Restoration: Restoring backups or archives of OST files may require importing them into Outlook to access the stored mailbox data.
Methods to Import OST file to Outlook
There are two methods by which this task can be accomplished. One is manual and the other is automated. Both methods are good and help you upload OST files into Outlook. In the following section, we explain both methods step by step. Then you can choose any method that suits you best.
- Using Manual Method
- Using OST to PST Converter Tool
Manually Import OST to Outlook Application
Follow the below step-by-step instructions to import OST file to Outlook:
- Open Outlook: Launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer. Ensure that you’re logged in to the profile where you want to import the OST file.
- Access Import/Export Wizard: Navigate to the “File” tab in Outlook’s menu bar and click on “Open & Export.” Then, select “Import/Export” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose Import Option: In the Import and Export Wizard window, select “Import from another program or file” and click “Next.”=
- Select File Type: Choose “Outlook Data File (.pst)” as the file type to import and click “Next.”
- Browse for OST File: Click on the “Browse” button to locate the OST file you want to import into Outlook. Select the desired OST file and click “Open.”
- Choose Import Options: Select the desired import options: If you want to replace duplicates with items imported from the OST file, choose “Replace duplicates with items imported.” If you want to allow duplicates to be created, choose “Allow duplicates to be created.”
- Specify Destination Folder: Select the folder in Outlook where you want to import the OST file data. You can choose an existing folder or create a new one.
- Complete Import Process: Click “Finish” to start the import process. Depending on the size of the OST file and the performance of your computer, the import process may take some time.
- Verify Imported Data: Once the import process is complete, navigate to the selected folder in Outlook to verify that the OST file data has been successfully imported.
Alternate Method for Importing OST file into Outlook
If you have orphaned, corrupted, or large OST files, then the above manual approach cannot import OST to Outlook. In this case, you need to take the help of a professional tool and one such reliable tool is the Yota OST Converter for Windows. This is the expert-recommended software to instantly convert OST file to PST and then you can easily import the PST file into your Outlook application via import option.
The software can convert orphaned, large, and corrupted OST files without showing any error. It is also straightforward to use and users can easily accomplish this task without technical expertise. Moreover, it supports all versions of MS Outlook and Windows Operating System. The software also allows you to import OST to Gmail account, Office 365, and many more email accounts.
To begin this task, you can simply download the tool and install it on your computer. Then follow these steps.
Steps to Import OST file to Outlook are as follows:
- Run the tool and click Open > Email Data Files > OST files.
- Preview data and click Export then select PST as a saving format.
- Then choose a location to store PST and click on the Save button.
The conversion starts automatically and once it is finished, you will receive a pop-up message on the screen. Now, you can import the PST into the Outlook application.
Conclusion
Importing OST files into Outlook is a straightforward process that allows users to access and manage their mailbox data efficiently. Whether migrating to a new computer, recovering from data loss, or restoring backups, knowing how to import OST file to Outlook ensures seamless continuity of email communication and productivity.
By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, users can easily import OST to Outlook and access their mailbox data with ease.
In essence, importing OST files into Outlook offers users flexibility, accessibility, and peace of mind in managing their email correspondence and other mailbox items.
