How to import OST File in Outlook?

Manisha Rawat
Manisha Rawat

Updated On - October 10, 2024

Summary: Using the OST file in another Outlook email client creates the need to import OST file in Outlook. For this purpose, this blog will assist you with different manual ways to import OST to Outlook. Moreover, using specialized tools like Recoveryfix for OST to PST will be beneficial for instant results.

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OST (Offline Storage Table) is the format used by Outlook to store files offline (on the local system). With an OST file, you can operate Outlook offline. Due to organizations or individuals’ requirements, users sometimes look to transfer their data to other systems. Considering its cruciality, users are always concerned about their security and integrity, when they have intended to load OST file to Outlook.

Outlook exclusively supports PST files for exporting & importing mailbox contents. This means that if you want to add OST file to Outlook application, you’ll need to convert your OST files to the PST format, followed by importing the converted file into Outlook. So, after looking at all the key points behind the execution of this process. Let’s delve into the discussion about how to import OST file in Outlook.

Where to find the OST file?

Before starting the discussion it’s important to know the location of an OST file. By default, it is in any of these locations:

    drive:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

    OR

    drive:\Documents and Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

    Alternately, you can simply trace it from the Control Panel. Open Control Panel and click on the Mail option. Go to Data Files, select the OST File, & click on the Open File Location option.

    What drives the user to import OST file in Outlook?

    At the professional or personal level, there may be several reasons. But the significant ones that compel the user to find the solution of how to import OST to Outlook are described below:

    • Using data on another computer with a different Outlook profile.
    • Restoration of mail items from backup & inaccessible OST files.
    • In the downtime of the Exchange Server.
    • Accessing corrupted or orphaned mailboxes of an OST file.
    • Accessing deleted mailbox items from an OST file.

    How to import OST file in Outlook via manual method?

    It is not possible to import OST file in Outlook directly since Outlook supports PST or CSV files for importing & exporting operations. So, follow the given solution attentively to attach OST file to Outlook:

    Part 1. Convert the OST file into PST format

    To add OST file to Outlook application, you need to import that OST file. For this purpose, you have to convert an OST file to PST with the help of the following solutions.

    Solution 1. Utilize Import & Export feature of Outlook application

    The most simple and prominent approach for users is to use the Import & Export feature to convert OST files into PST format. To do so, follow the provided instructions carefully.

    1. Launch the Outlook application and go to File tab.Outlook application and go to File
    2. Select Open & Export from left pane, then proceed to Import/Export option.Select Open & Export from left pane
    3. A new window will pop up on the screen; choose Export to a file and press Next.choose Export to a file and press Next
    4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) option and click Next.Choose Outlook Data File
    5. Select the folder that you need to export from the available mailbox folders, then tap on Next.

      Note: You can only export a single mailbox folder at a time.

      Select the folder that you need to export from the available mailbox folders

    6. Browse to choose your desired folder to save this file, then select Options as per your suitability and proceed to Finish.Browse to choose your desired folder to save this file

    Solution 2. Enable Auto Archive settings in Outlook application

    Enabling Auto Archive settings in your Outlook applications is another best solution for converting your OST files into PST format. It automatically archives emails and saves them into a new PST file to your predefined location, which helps to keep your mailbox more optimized. Follow the below instructions to set up auto archive settings in your Outlook.

    1. Go to File tab in the Outlook application and click on Options.Go to File tab in the Outlook application and click on Options
    2. Click on Advanced option from left pane, then proceed to AutoArchive Settings.Click on Advanced option from left pane
    3. Under Run AutoArchive every section, select the number of days. After reviewing the given choices, tap on the Browse to designate the folder location and tap on the OK option. Browse to designate the folder location and tap on OK
    4. It will automatically save your mailbox items into PST format when the scheduled period is completed.

    Part 2. Import the converted PST file into another Outlook application

    Import/Export is Outlook’s built-in feature that also helps you to import the PST file in the Outlook application. So, follow the simple steps to utilize the utility:

    1. Launch the Outlook application & go to the File menu.Launch the Outlook application
    2. Now, tap on the Open & Export followed by the Import/Export option.
       tap on the Import
    3. In the Import & Export wizard, select the Import from another program or file & click on the Next option.click on the Next
    4. Then, select the Outlook Data File(.pst) from the next window & click on the Next option.click on the Next option
    5. Now, Browse the location & choose the given Options as per requirements, followed by the Next option.browse the location
    6. In the next window, select the folder to import from, choose filters accordingly & click on the Finish option.choose filters

    In this way, you can execute the import OST file in Outlook process.

    What is the alternate approach to import OST file in Outlook efficiently?

    The manual method helps you to import OST file into Outlook, but it doesn’t guarantee your data security or integrity. To achieve the task, users should go through several steps that make the process time-consuming or complex for beginners. Also, if OST files get corrupted or damaged, then this method might not be helpful to add OST file to Outlook.

    To overcome all these scenarios, it is always recommended to use an automated third-party tool like Recoveryfix for OST to PST Converter. It helps users migrate the OST files to Office 365, Live Exchange, Outlook.com, Gmail, and other IMAP servers. The OST to PST Converter also allow users to repair corrupt or damaged OST files and convert them into different formats, including PST, EML, MSG, & many more.

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    Conclusion

    The blog has discussed how to import OST file in Outlook by converting it into PST format & then using the Import/Export feature of Outlook. But, in case of file corruption or missing Outlook profile, this method might not be supportive to handle the importing process. Hence, considering recommended tool will be preferable in these cases as it is able to handle all OST concerns, including Outlook error code 0x80072f06 effectively.

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