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how read an ost file offline

Anonymous
2022-08-09T06:06:47+00:00

outlook cant seem to be able to see the .ost file

what should i do ?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

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Anonymous
2022-08-10T16:35:58+00:00

Hello waelkd

Hi, I'm Karl and will be happy to help you today.

An OST file can only be opened in Outlook using the original Outlook profile and email account that created it. To be more specific, if you delete the email account fro the Outlook profile and re-add the same account, a new OST file will be created. There is no option that would allow using a previously created OST file.

The only way you will be able to access an "orphaned" OST file (one not associated with an active IMAP or Exchange account) is to use a (paid) 3rd party OST2PST conversion utility. There is simply no function to accomplish that from within Outlook (any version).

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-08-10T19:49:11+00:00

    understood and well noted .. thank you for the clarification

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-08-09T08:03:41+00:00

    the file isnt showing under import/export .... when i select show all files option to import the file i get a pop alert that says "the file you chose is not an outlook data file. you must select a new file of this type"

    the file extention is an .ost file

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-08-09T06:52:21+00:00

    Hi waelkd, hope you're doing well. I’m Ian, and I’m happy to help you today.

    In this case you need to convert the OST file into PST file.

    An OST file is simply a local backup of your data. You cannot open an OST file on another computer so you need to convert this file on the computer where it was setup.

    You can convert your OST files to PST by using these simple steps:-

    1. Download Microsoft Outlook and go to the File menu.
    2. Choose the Import/Export option.
    3. Then, select the Export to a file option to export the desired file.
    4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst)
    5. Choose whether to export a specific folder or the whole account.
    6. Check the Include subfolders box and add the subfolder if you want to add it.
    7. Next, select a destination for the Export, and then click Finish

    This is a user-to-user support forum and I am a fellow user.

    I hope this helps, but please let me know if you need anything else.

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