How to Open an Inaccessible OST file in MS Outlook 2021?

ByDeven

MS Outlook is an email application of MS Office. The application is a popular one and used for complete email management. When we talk about MS Outlook, it comes with high security features which makes exchange of data via the application smooth and secure. The product of Microsoft has most advanced features that makes management of email and other data smooth.

Now understanding the structure of MS Outlook 2021 and all other versions. MS Outlook when connects with MS Exchange server, it becomes an IMAP email client, that means data is stored on cloud and can be accessed anytime and anywhere.

The data stored in MS Exchange is called OST file. OST stands for Outlook Data Files (. ost). The file is used for saving data, when user have an Exchange account and he/she want to work offline. It is also used when user want to use the default Cached Exchange Mode. The file is also created for accounts that users set up with the Outlook Connector for Outlook.com previously known as Hotmail.

So, if someone has Outlook but not the Exchange, it will not be possible to open the OST file in MS Outlook and that when one need to convert OST into PST file.

In this blog, we have discussed how to open an inaccessible OST file in MS Outlook 2021. By the end of the page, you would definitely be able to open inaccessible OST file in Outlook 2021 with ease.

What is PST file?

To access OST file in Outlook 2021, it is imperative that you understand what is PST file. PST is the file format that Outlook use to save data in local device. To make it easier for you, OST is Outlook Exchange Server File, and PST is Outlook file. Outlook is not compatible with OST file format. Therefore, to access OST file data in Outlook, OST need to be converted to OST.

Coming to question, how to convert OST to PST, then multiple software present that does this task impeccably. But if you want to take our recommendation, you can trust on Magus OST to PST Converter for the job. The software converts the OST file data to PST format without compromising with the file structure, data integrity, email attachments, meta details, etc.

It also come with multiple filter options that help in selective data selection and conversion.

However, if you want to know the free method, then that is also present. But before you dive, understand its limitations.

  • Free method would not let you work with multiple files.
  • It is time taking.
  • Accuracy is not guaranteed with the method.

You need to opt for a paid third-party option to convert OST file to PST format without software. Besides this, there is not such option which does not require MS Outlook to migrate OST into PST file format.                                                                                                     

How to Manually Open OST file using Outlook Import/Export Wizard?

If you have an active Outlook account on your device, you can use this method to convert OST file to PST.

Step One: Open Outlook and go to the option, ‘File>Open & Export>Import/Export.

Step Two: From the option, select the option, “Export to a File”. After that, click on the button, ‘Next’.

Step Three: You will get the option to select data file. Select the option, ‘Outlook Data File (.pst) from the drop down.

Step Four: Select mail account if you have more than one Outlook account, or chose the folder in which you want to export OST file items.

Step Five: Tap on the option ‘Include subfolder’ and again click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step Six: After this, select on the option Browse to and chose a location to save f

Step Seven: Click on the finish button to end the process.

Next, you would be asked to enter the password for file to protect it from unauthorized access. The step is optional. If you do not want to protect it with password, click on the OK button without entering the password.

This will start the export of OST file items to PST file.

So, this method is feasible if you have a MS Outlook configured in your machine and the OST file is not corrupt. Also, it is a very time-consuming process to import multiple OST files one by one making it even more tedious. That is why it is recommended to opt a reliable OST to PST converter and finish the task in seconds without any risk.