Do you have a problem in accessing OST files and Outlook is showing error messages in opening OST files? Then after reading this blog you can find manual and automated methods to rebuild OST files in Outlook 2019, 2016.
Overview
OST files are offline files used to store emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, etc. They are offline files but they get updated after synchronising with the exchange server. Sometimes when the server crashes they do not get updated and become corrupted. Outlook shows error messages in opening the OST file.
This problem can be fixed by rebuilding or recreating the new OST files. Now in the new OST files some mail items or data is lost because it is not able to get synchronised with the server. We have to follow a systematic approach to recreate OST files and avoid data loss.
Also Read : How to Extract Attachments From an OST File?
Reasons behind inaccessible, corrupted or orphaned OST files
- Exchange server crash down due to virus attack
- The exchange server is down due to maintenance
- Network issues during synchronisation
- Power failure during synchronisation
- Hardware and software failure
- Synchronisation failure between server and client
Manual Method to rebuild OST files in Outlook
Recreating the OST file in Outlook 2019, 2016
Step 1: Locate the OST file
To recreate the OST file we need to find the location of the OST file in your system. It varies according to the versions of MS Outlook and Windows operating system you are using.
In Outlook 2019 and 2016, you have to follow these steps
- Click on the ‘File’ tab and then go to the ‘Info’ option.
-  Then the menu will open and select the ‘Account Settings’ option.
- Then select the ‘Data files’ option and select the ‘open file location’ option. Then file explorer will be open showing the location of OST files.
- Close Outlook.
Step 2: Rebuild/Recreate the OST file
- Now go to the location of the file by using File Explorer of the system.
- Now right click on the file and choose the option ‘rename’ the file.
- Now add the ‘.bak’ extension to the OST file at the end.
- Now open Outlook. Now Outlook will automatically rebuild the OST file and the OST file starts synchronising with the exchange server.
Recreate the OST file by moving/deleting the OST file
You can rebuild the OST file by moving it to a different location on your computer or by deleting the OST file. Before moving or deleting the OST file, close Outlook, otherwise you will see errors.
Automated Method to rebuild OST files in Outlook
You can use the eSoftTools OST to PST converter software to convert OST files to PST files. You can recover the corrupted OST files by this method. With the help of this software you can recover the corrupted, damaged or orphaned OST files. This software allows you to easily convert the OST files to PST files without any data loss and with 100% accuracy. Data integrity and formatting is maintained during conversion and inner structure of data of the OST file is maintained.Â
Conclusion
You can use a manual method to rebuild the OST file when you have the exchange server active. You can use the method to move, delete and rename the OST file only when the mail on the exchange server is safe because the new OST file will synchronise with the exchange server. If files on the exchange server are not available then the new OST file will not get synchronised and of no use. The safe method is to use the automated tool eSoftTools OST to PST converter software and convert damaged and corrupted OST files to PST files.
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