How to Recreate OST File in Outlook 2021/2019/2016?

Learn the simple steps to recreate OST file in Outlook 2021/2019/2016, and all other versions. 

All these years you have been smoothly using Outlook, but suddenly it stops playing good. You are about to send an important email with an attachment, but Outlook stops working, leaving you in the middle. In many scenarios, the real culprit is the  OST file.

There can be various reasons for OST file corruption, but there is no need to panic. A simple steps to recreate OST file can be helpful. In this post, we will discuss what is OST file is, why it is affecting Outlook’s working, and how to rebuild it.

What is an OST File? Outlook, when connected to Exchange or other IMAP servers, stores mailbox data locally in an OST file. This file contains emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other important information. Even without an internet connection, the OST file comes in handy, allowing you to access your emails and work offline. Now the question – why need to create a new OST file.

Why Recreating OST File in Outlook Needed?

Here’s a quick checklist of signs that indicate your OST file needs to be recreated:

• If Outlook fails to sync with your email server.
• You come face-to-face with an error that says – OST file cannot be accessed and stops you from opening your emails.
• If the OST file you are trying to access is an orphan.
• Every time you find a message the Outlook not opening when you try to open it.
• If the OST file too large, then you can also face such an issue.

How to Recreate OST File in Outlook 2021/2019/2016?

Here are a few ideas that help in rebuilding the OST file. Try them yourself –

1. Delete Old OST File

The simplest fix is to delete the old OST file and let Outlook create a new one. However, these methods only work if you are connected to Exchange or any other server. To delete the data file, first you need to locate OST file in your Windows. Here are the steps –

1. Firstly, completely close your Outlook.
2. Then, find your OST file, here is the default path: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook).
3. Delete the file and restart Outlook.

Outlook will create a new OST file that is free from any errors or corruption.

2. Create New Outlook Profile

Sometimes the issue you are facing is not in OST file, but with your Outlook profile. Creating a new one can solve the issue –

1. Open Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
2. Click on Add a new profile and configure your email account.
3. Launch Outlook with the new profile. It will create a new and healthy OST file.

3. Refresh cache Exchange Mode

Switching off and on the cache Exchange mode in Outlook solves the issue. When your Outlook is not syncing or there is a slight error with the OST file, this solution will be helpful. Here are the steps –

1. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
2. Select your account, then click Change.
3. Uncheck “Use Cached Exchange Mode” and then restart Outlook.
4. Go back and follow the same steps to check it back. After that, restart.
5. This forces Outlook to rebuild the OST file.

When Manual Solution Doesn’t Work?

The above manual solution will not work in certain conditions, which include –

• If your OST file is damaged, then these solutions can’t fix corrupted OST file.
• If the OST file is not synchronized with the server, then it can cause data loss.
• You are not linked to a server, then it is not possible to convert not accessable OST file.

When users are in the above situation, it fails to recreate OST file. In that case, they need another approach.

How to Restore OST File in Outlook Without Losing Data?

If you can’t access your OST file data in Outlook, you should convert OST to PST format. After conversion, the PST file can be easily imported back into Outlook, allowing you to access all your emails, contacts, and calendars. However, orphaned OST files cannot be converted directly, so for these cases, a reliable tool is needed.

One such tool is the BLR OST to PST Converter Software for Windows. The software will effortlessly convert emails from corrupted or damaged OST file without any hassle. With its simple and user-friendly interface, one can rebuild OST file with ease. Try the demo version first and analyze how it works.

Steps to Recreate OST File in Outlook 2019/2016

1. Run the BLR OST File Converter Tool on your system.

2. Add the OST file that you want to recreate.

3. Select the email folders.

4. Choose PST from the given export options.

5. Browse the targeted location and hit the Export button.

Done! Here you recreate OST into .pst file.

Pro Tips to Avoid OST Headaches in the Future

• Make sure you keep your mailbox size under control – archive old emails into PST.
• Regularly back up your Outlook data.
• If you face any errors in Outlook, fix them as soon as possible.
• Take the help of a professional tool when corruption signs appear.

Conclusion

Today, in this post, we discuss the efficient and easy ways to recreate OST file in Outlook 2021/2019/ 2016 and other older versions. Additionally, we also mention the alternative tool if the manual methods don’t work. Try the solutions provided to rebuild your OST file and resolve any errors associated with it.