How to Open OST files in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019

You must be familiar with Outlook data files whether you use Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, or 2019. OST and PST are two Outlook data files associated with Outlook. Since you cannot open OST files in Outlook directly, you need to convert the OST file to PST first. Therefore, this blog is about how to convert OST files to PST and open up Outlook OST files. We will explore manual ways to convert OST files and professional OST to PST Converter as well.

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According to a report, MS Outlook is a broadly used email client with a maximum active user base worldwide. Thus Outlook is a popular emailing platform for many users. It has two data files that store Outlook data and can be used as a backup:

• OST (Offline Storage Table), and
• PST (Personal Storage File).

The PST file format stores all personal emails, along with their message and attachments, in Outlook. Conversely, the OST file contains replica emails of Outlook, which are stored on local machines when cache mode is enabled. This synchronization is performed by Outlook and Exchange Server. When Outlook users need to work with their email clients offline, the OST file plays a vital role. 

Furthermore, to open OST files in Outlook, the first important step is to locate the OST file in the system. 

Locate OST File in the System

To access OST file data in Outlook, it is necessary to know the location of the Outlook OST file in your system. Follow these steps to find the OST file, before you begin importing OST files in Outlook 2010:

1. Open MS Outlook on the old system where the OST file is primarily present.  
2. Right-click on the configured account name and select ‘Data file Properties’.
3. In the new window that appears, click on the ‘Advanced’ option and switch to the Advanced tab.
4. For, the OST file location click on Outlook Data File settings.You will see the path displayed as: 

“C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\”

5. Copy the file location. Open the search box of the Run command, and paste the file location. Press Enter.

6. From the list of OST files, select one which you want to access data from.

Now, that you have found the OST file, it is time to import OST file into Outlook in another system.

How to Open OST Files in Outlook?

Broadly, two steps are involved in opening an OST file in Outlook. The first is to convert the OST file to PST and then access the PST file on Outlook. 

Furthermore, there are two methods to Convert OST to PST efficiently on Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. They are:

1. Manually Through Import/Export Feature
2. Professional OST Converter Tool

Here, we will explore both in detail. Let us begin by exploring the manual procedure first. 

Manually Import OST File into Outlook

Follow the steps below, to export an OST file to PST via Import/Export option:

1. Launch MS Outlook and go to File.
2. Go to the Open & Export tab and click on the Import/Export option.
3. From the given options, select Export to a file and click Next.
4. Next, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
5. Select the desired mail account or mailboxes (e.g., ‘Inbox’ or ‘Sent Items’) to export. 
6. Check the Include subfolders checkbox and click Next.
7. Click Browse to choose a saving location on your PC.
8. Finally, click Finish to initiate the export process.
9. Optionally, you can set a password to protect the exported PST file. Otherwise, just click OK.

These steps will start exporting the OST mailbox items to PST. However, manual methods have some restrictions too. Such as:

• Cannot convert orphan OST files.
• You cannot open corrupted OST files.
• Outlook installation is required on your system.
• Chances of losing your valuable data during the process.

Therefore using professional tools to open and import Outlook OST files to PST, is the best and secure choice.

Automated Tool to Open OST Files in Outlook

If you have an orphan OST file and you want to convert it to PST, use a professional tool. DRS OST to PST Converter is a reliable way to convert OST files into PST effortlessly. All you need to do is add the OST file to the tool and follow a few simple steps. The tool efficiently converts any number of OST files to PST file format, without hampering the original data. Moreover, it possesses multiple advanced features that facilitate in smooth conversion of OST files. 

Follow the steps below to convert OST Files to PST using DRS OST to PST Converter and open up Outlook OST files:

1. Download the tool and proceed with the installation process. Run it.
2. Select the desired OST file you wish to open in Outlook.
3. Click on Next to check the file contents of the OST file on the preview panel.
4. Choose PST as a saving option and click on Next. Apply filter if required.
5. Finally, open MS Outlook to open OST files in Outlook.

Thus, this is how easily you can convert multiple OST files to PST at once in no time. However, once the export is complete, you can open the converted OST to PST file on different versions of Outlook.

Open Converter OST File on Different Versions of Outlook

Once you have converted OST to PST, you can import the PST file into any version of Outlook. Firstly, open Outlook. Login if not already done. Follow the steps:

Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013

1. Open the File tab and click on Open & Export.
2. Now, click on Open Outlook Data File.
3. Find and open the converted PST file. Click OK.

This will open the OST mailbox.

Outlook 2010

1. Click File and go to Open.
2. Tap on Open Outlook Data File.
3. Then, browse and open the saved PST file for importing OST files in Outlook 2010.

Outlook 2007 and 2003

1. Click on the File menu and tap on Open.
2. Then, click on the Outlook Data File option.
3. To OST files in Outlook, find and open the converted PST file.

Lastly, Import PST to Office 365 or Outlook account.

Conclusion

Hence, this was a complete solution for how to Open OST Files in Outlook. Also, you get to know the location of the OST file, and process to import PST in different versions of Outlook. Hope, this blog will help you open and import orphan OST files to Outlook. Furthermore, you can use the premium version of the professional tool to convert OST to PST swiftly.