How to Open Orphan OST File in Outlook

Summary: Over 400 million users believe that Microsoft Outlook’s service is the best for their email data storage and backup. PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table) are two file formats in Outlook; let’s focus on our post and start with the orphan OST file definition and introduction and discuss the way to open an orphan OST file in Outlook 2024.

How do I open an orphan OST file?

To open an orphan OST file in Outlook 2024, you must convert it to a PST format. Since Outlook cannot open OST files directly, use the Import/Export Wizard to export data to a PST, or use a professional OST to PST Converter if the file is detached from its original server profile.

In this following post, we have to communicate with each other to find the best way to open the orphan OST file in Outlook 2024 (latest Outlook version).

What is an Orphan OST File?

Microsoft Outlook OST files are those files that are saved separately from Outlook. PST files work with server or internet connectivity; with it, they can’t be opened in Outlook. For orphan OST files, the time gap for this process is unspecified.

In how much time is the OST file extracted from Outlook?

“How long it takes, ultimately, depends on the size of your mailbox and the amount of data it requires for the sync. Automatic cleanup of OST files with Outlook. A few minutes pass for the synchronization of data, depending on the amount and the mailbox size.

Where to find Orphan OST data files?

Generally, OST files are created for orphan accounts, which can present serious issues for users who are attempting to work with their Outlook data. These files thus get detached from the Outlook profile with which they were associated most of the time, resulting in problems of accessibility. Knowledge of where those lost files are usually placed is crucial to their retrieval.

To get to Orphan OST Files, follow the following steps: To locate the OST file directory: C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook. This remains so regardless of which version of Windows you are using—whether it’s Windows 10 or Windows 11—and could be accessed through Windows File Explorer, where a default file named after your Outlook profile will state OST is contained therein.

C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook/
Replace <username> with your Windows username.

2. Search for OST Files: Open File Explorer and type *.OST & locate all OST files on your system.

Instantly Open OST to Microsoft Outlook in 2024

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Using the Import/Export Wizard: Method 1

1. Open Microsoft Outlook: To run Import/Export in Microsoft Outlook, launch the program and click on File, then on Open & Export, and click on Import/Export. This will help you to achieve that goal of having the ability to manage your Outlook data files.

2. Export to PST: Select Export to a file, and choose Outlook Data File (.pst). Follow the prompts to select the OST file and save it as a PST.

3. Import PST: After exporting, use the same wizard to import the newly created PST file back into Outlook.

Auto Archive: Method 2

1. Access Auto Archive Settings: In Outlook, go to File > Options > Advanced, and click on AutoArchive Settings.
2. Configure Settings: Set up archiving options to move emails from the OST file to a new PST file.
3. Run Auto Archive: Execute the Auto Archive process to create the PST file.

WebbyAcad OST Email Changer Tool as Viewer: Method 3

1. Download OST Email Converter & Viewer Software: Obtain the WebbyAcad OST converter tool from the official product page.

2. Attach your Orphan OST File: By the “Add File” button, paste the OST File.

3. Preview the File and Attachments: In the next step, come to the Preview section for file preview.

4. Select the File Format: Choose the File Format PST.

5. Choose the file saving location: Set the file saving path manually.

Read Also:- Windows PowerShell Trick to Convert OST to PST

Conclusion

An orphaned OST file in Outlook 2024 can be solved if one exports it. Particularly, this can be done with the help of the Import/Export wizard. Auto archive settings, or any OST email changer, for instance, WebbyAcad. The users will be able to effectively get their useful data back and have access to their emails.