Thinking about how to open Offline Folders in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007? Do you not know the proper method for this? Do not worry anymore! In this article, we will provide the top 3 methods that help you open offline OST files in Microsoft outlook offline.
Offline Storage Table (OST) file is the only mode to access the Exchange mailbox folder on the desktop-based Outlook. It provides the facility to work in an offline environment.
Besides Exchange, the OST file creates when a user configures an email account such as Gmail with IMAP in Outlook program. In both cases, Microsoft outlook offline generates a .ost file. But, once the user deletes an account, the Offline Storage Table file becomes inaccessible.
So, whenever the users face the situation, there is a requirement to open Microsoft outlook offline folders in Microsoft Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016. Thus, users need to convert the OST file into Outlook supported PST file format.
There are multiple workarounds available for the Offline folder to PST conversion. Let’s look at all the techniques one-by-one.
How to Open Offline Folders in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007?
Here, three easy-to-use methods have been described that help the users to view the Offline file in all Outlook versions. Then, according to the need, users can choose the solution and follow the steps:
# Approach 1: Use Archive to Access Microsoft outlook offline
The Archive option in Outlook is used to copy the mailbox data into the local PST file format. However, this feature does not import OST mailbox contacts into PST. To use this method, go through the below instructions carefully:
- Launch Outlook on the system.
- After that, open the OST file of your IMAP/POP3 configured account that Who will move.
- Next, click on File >> Info >> CleanUp Tools .
- Now, choose Archive from the list.
- A new Archive dialogue box will display; make sure that Archive this folder and all subfolders radio-button is selected. Here, choose the offline folders that you want to convert in PST.
- Under Archive items older than the box, provide a date. This will archive the data items that Who received on or before the mentioned date.
- Click on Browse to provide an appropriate path on the desktop.
- At last, click on the OK button.
#Approach 2: Use Drag & Drop Method
It is one of the easiest ways to open Microsoft Office Outlook offline folders. A user only needs to make a new local Outlook data file (PST) in the account. After that, drag and drop all the mailboxes items from the Offline folder to a new .pst file folder.
Note: Users cannot drag the default folder, such as Inbox, Contacts, etc., into a new PST file. Whenever a user tries to import any default folder, an error message displays on the screen. However, the user can copy the data from default folders to Outlook PST.
# Approach 3: An Expert Solution
Think about if an organization using Exchange suddenly faces a server crash issue, then what will happen? They cannot open their precious Exchange OST file, and the only option left is a conversion of OST files.
The organization cannot use Archive and Drag & Drop methods because they are not so effective and take lots of time.
The best alternative is to use an automatic method to export multiple OST files into Outlook-importable PST format. SysTools OST File to PST File Converter Tool is capable of converting all OST components, including attachments, contacts, calendars, into equivalent PST files. Adding to it, users can open an offline folder in Office 365 account.
The advanced algorithm of the software keeps the folder structures of a file during the conversion process. Apart from this, the tool is compatible with all editions of MS Outlook.
No matter which Outlook and Windows versions users are using, the software shows the best result. Moreover, Who can easily import the resultant PST file into Outlook 2016 and in the below version. The users can follow the below steps to open Offline folders in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007.
-
- Download and open the software on the Windows system.
- Click on the Add File option to browse the OST file.
-
- Choose the PST file format from the list.
-
- Browse the location for the resultant Outlook readable file.
- Finally, click on the Export option.
Bottom Line
In the end, we concluded that Outlook creates an OST file whenever a new email account is configured through IMAP or if the account is connected with Exchange Server. However, when the users delete the account itself, then the Offline folders are of no use.
Because it cannot be moved manually or open in the Outlook application, therefore, in this blog, we have discussed three workarounds that can change the OST file into PST format. Moreover, after comparing three methods, the professional tool is always recommended to open the Offline folder in Microsoft outlook offline 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016.
Read More:- Perform Lotus Notes Migration To Microsoft Exchange In Few Simple Steps
