Summary: Are you still in a dilemma and want to know the outcomes after deleting Outlook OST files? No more stress, as this guide will assist you with the basics regarding OST file deletion. We will help you to understand why, when, and how you can delete Outlook OST files. Before we move to knowing about how to delete Outlook OST files, let us understand OST files.
Understand Outlook Offline Storage Table File (OST)
- When a user adds an account to Outlook, a local copy of the data is automatically saved on the local system. This helps users to access stored emails, notes, contacts, and other items without having an internet connection.
- Most accounts, including Exchange accounts, Office 365, and Outlook.com works with OST file. This file stores all the changes performed without an internet connection and these changes get synchronized with the mail server after getting an internet connection.
- You can’t send or download new emails until you get an internet connection. However, you can view and compose emails that will be saved in the OST file.
In the next segment, we will find out the reasons for deleting OST files.
Why does the need to delete the Outlook OST file arise?
- The prime reason for deleting OST files is synchronization errors. In this scenario, Outlook behaves abnormally, and you can resolve it by deleting the local copy of the Outlook OST file.
- Sometimes, the system hangs a lot, and storage issue is the reason behind it. This problem often occurs due to the large size of OST files. Also, the huge size of OST files makes them inaccessible and has corruption issues. Due to this, Outlook stopped working. So, it is good to delete OST files and create a new one.
- In case the EDB file is experiencing inaccessibility and you delete the OST file, this will also delete the emails, So, you need to recover the OST file first.
Also Read: Convert Outlook OST Files to PST without Outlook
Location of OST files on your system
Here, we provide you with details regarding the location of the OST file according to Outlook and Windows OS versions.
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| C:\Documents and Settings\User\Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft Outlook | Outlook 2000/2003/2007 | Windows XP | |||
| C:\Users\User\Name\ApplicationData\Local\Microsoft Outlook | Outlook 2007 | Win XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10 | |||
| My Documents\Outlook Files | Outlook 2010 | Windows XP | |||
| Documents\Outlook Files | Outlook 2010 | Win Vista, 7, 8, and 10 | |||
| C:\Users\Admin\ApplicationData\Local\Microsoft Outlook | Outlook 2013, 2016, and 2019 | Win Vista, 7, 8, and 10 |
How do you delete the OST files from your system?
Here is the procedure to delete the OST file from your system:
Step 1. Open Run window
- Initially, exit the Outlook application.
- Open the Run window by pressing the Win + R keys together. You can also type Run in the search bar to open the Run window.
Step 2. Provide the location of the OST file
Now, provide the location of the OST file as per your Windows and Outlook versions. You can search for the location by using the above table.
Step 3. Delete the OST file
Once you find the OST file, right-click on it and click on the Delete option from the drop-down menu.
Steps to Create a new OST file
After deleting the old OST file, you can verify whether it has been deleted or is still available on your Outlook account. Use these steps for this:
- Exit the Outlook application
- Provide the new name for the existing OST file
- Again, launch Outlook. You will see this error message: The file “C\Exchange directory\filename.ost” could not be found
- Hit OK
- In the Offline Folder File Settings dialog box, press OK.
- Again, you will see a message on your screen: The file “C\Exchange directory\filename.ost” could not be found. Would you like to create it?
- Press Yes to continue
- Now, go to the Tools menu. Hit on Synchronize all folders
- This is how the new OST file gets synchronized with the Exchange server.
How do you deal with corrupted Outlook OST files?
In case you have an OST file that is inaccessible, then you need to convert it to the PST file format and recover it. To retrieve data from an inaccessible OST file, you need to go with WholeClear OST Converter. This is a powerful automated program to smoothly recover all items from inaccessible OST files & save the data to a PST file. You can use this program to recover data from multiple OST files at a time.
Important features of the software:
- The program lets users smoothly recover all items from the OST file, regardless of its size.
- The app can effectively recover multiple OST files at once
- It converts OST file data to PST format so that you can safely delete OST files.
- Once you recover OST files, you can convert them to PST or other file formats.
- You will get a trial edition of this utility to check its performance.
- There is no requirement for Outlook or other additional tools to recover Outlook OST files with this app.
Conclusion
A lot of reasons force users to delete Outlook OST files. Through this post, we have outlined the reasons and consequences of deleting OST files. Also, we have shared an expert tool to recover OST files and convert them to PST file format in just a few clicks.
FAQs
Ques: Do I need to back up my OST files before deleting them?
Ans: Yes, it is advised to keep a backup of OST files before you delete them.
Ques: What happens when I delete my Outlook OST file?
Ans: After deleting the OST file, when you start MS Outlook, it again creates a new OST file & synchronizes it with Exchange Server.
Ques: Can I recover my emails if my OST file gets deleted?
Ans: Yes, when Outlook connects with the Exchange Server, the data is stored automatically in an OST file. In case the data is not restored, use the professional tool to recover all data of your OST file, including deleted items.