An OST (Offline Storage Table) file allows Microsoft Outlook users to access mailbox data offline and sync changes automatically when the connection is restored. However, OST files can sometimes become corrupted, orphaned, or inaccessible due to sync issues, profile corruption, or server changes.
Recreating a new OST file is often the safest way to fix Outlook issues – but doing it incorrectly can lead to data loss. This guide explains how to recreate a new OST file safely without losing emails, contacts, or calendar data.
Understanding the Error:
This part of the guide will shed light on possible factors that can lead to OST corruption. Check the details below:
- Power Failures: A sudden power cut when the Outlook is active may damage the data file (.ost).
- An Oversized File: It is one of the most common reasons of data file (.ost) corruption. When the OST file grows massively, it can lead to an unresponsive Outlook. This scenario ultimately results in an inaccessible OST.
- Malware Attack: If the user downloads any attachment with malware, it may lead to this issue.
- Hardware Issues: Bad sectors on the hard drive can cause corruption.
- Faulty Plugins: Conflicting add-ins interrupt the synchronization process with the Exchange server. It can result in partial data writes.
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How to Recreate New OST File in Outlook?
This part of the section will shed light on common methods to recreate a new data file (.ost). Follow the below guide:
Method 1: Recreate OST File by Renaming: This is regarded as one of the easiest and safest methods. Follow the below guide.
Step 1: Shutdown the Outlook:
- Right-click any empty space on the taskbar
- Choose Task Manager
- Look for Outlook.exe or Microsoft Outlook
- If found, select it and click End Task
Step 2: Discover the OST file:
- Browse the Control Panel
- Search for Mail
- Hit on Data Files… in the Mail Setup window
- Navigate to your account
- Press Open File Location
- A File Explorer window will pop up showing your .ost file
Step 3: Rename the File:
- Right-click your OST file (e.g., user@domain.com.ost).
- Choose Rename
- Add .old or .backup to the end of the filename (e.g., user@domain.com.ost.old)
- Press Enter
- If a warning appears about changing file extensions, click Yes.
Step 4: Restart Outlook
- Launch Outlook as you normally would
Method 2: Rebuild Outlook OST by Enabling Safe Mode:
This is another approach that a user can try. The user runs the application in the safe mode. It disables all third-party add-ins. The step-by-step process is discussed below:
- Browse Windows Explorer
- Navigate to start menu
- Then select Run
- Write Outlook.exe/safe in the run box
- Click OK to continue
- Outlook will start in safe mode.
Note: The ultimate and foremost purpose of starting Outlook in safe mode is to disable any add-ins that may have caused errors during the rebooting Outlook procedure.
Limitations of the Manual Approaches:
Following are the main limitations of the manual methods:
- These functionalities restore data that exists on the server
- They may miss data that is not synced due to issues like server crashes, power failure, etc.
- The above functionalities will not work on inactive profiles
- Manual functionalities will not work in case of severely damaged data files (.ost)
- Manual methods are bound to fail while converting an inaccessible or orphaned OST
- They may fail while converting an oversized OST
- The above functionalities may fail in case of password-protected OST files
- They may not be able to treat OST files with major errors and inconsistencies as they are capable of fixing minor issues
How to Recreate New OST File in Outlook Without Losing Data?
We have discussed the limitations of manual functionalities. They do not work in the case of an orphan OST file that is no longer connected to its original Outlook profile or email server. Due to this reason synchronization process will also stop. This happens because, in the absence of a server connection or the original profile, resulting in an inaccessible OST. Users often wonder what to do next if manual solutions fail. The only remedy available to the user in this case is the professional OST to PST converter tool. It is the safest way to extract data from an inaccessible data file (.ost). Tool like Stellar Converter for OST uses advance algorithm to extract mailbox data independently. This tool doesn’t require Outlook or connectivity to the Exchange server. It easily converts an OST to the PST format. Afterward, simply add the PST file to a newly created Outlook profile. It prompts users to restore and access all email messages, contacts, attachments and other mail items.
Benefits of Using Stellar Converter for OST:
- Can convert an oversized OST to the PST
- Smart enough to handle an encrypted OST
- Can handle inaccessible OST files
- Facilitates multiple format export (PDF, MSG, etc.)
- Maintains integrity of folders
Conclusion:
The above guide tries to answer one of the popular queries by Outlook users— “How to Recreate New OST File in Outlook Without Losing Data?” We have explored the importance of Outlook OST and reasons responsible for its corruption. After this, we have explored 2 functionalities to recreate OST file in Outlook. The first method was to recreate by renaming, and the second way was to start Outlook in a safe mode. But both these methods will not work for inaccessible or orphaned OST. These functionalities need an active profile. They will also fail in case of an oversized OST. The safest way is to utilize an OST to PST converter tool. These tools can work without Exchange availability. Users can utilize Stellar Converter for OST. It can convert an inaccessible or orphaned OST. Its advanced algorithm can bypass the need for Outlook and Exchange Server. The software assures complete integrity of folders. It maintains the original folder structure, metadata as well as formatting.
