Way to transfer MS Outlook OST file to a new computer

Summary: Transferring the data from your Outlook account to another device is definitely not a difficult task and does not require much of the efforts. The files on Outlook are stored

in the form of OST and PST. However, if the files become damaged, then it becomes difficult to transfer the data. This blog explains the step by step method to transfer Outlook OST file to a new computer.

An Offline Storage Table (OST file) is the data file created for an Exchange Server account configured in the MS Outlook application. the application also creates an OST file for IMAP, Microsoft 365, and Outlook.com/Hotmail.com accounts. The OST file will save a synchronized version of your mailbox data in a data file on the computer. When the Internet is down and Outlook does not have a proper connection, then it uses an OST file to access the mailbox information. You can write an email and it will remain in your outbox until the Internet is restored again.

The changes will always remain synchronized and there will be no problem with email timings, contact creation, and to-do tasks.

There can be different reasons due to which you will have to transfer Outlook OST file to a new computer. Some of them are given as under:

• Purchasing a new device such as tablet or computer
• Your want to shift your data from a Hosted Server account
• A switch from Windows to Mac is being initiated
• Creating Outlook backups

Know the location of the Outlook OST file

If you had connected your Exchange Server, IMAP, and Office 365 account in Outlook, then you can use the Account Setting and check the data file location.

1. Open the Outlook application and click the File option in the ribbon.
2. The Info section shows the Account Setting option that you can click and choose Account Settings again.
3. In the Account Settings wizard, choose the account whose OST file you want to access. Then, click the Data File tab and choose Open File Location.
4. The wizard will redirect you to the Windows Explorer folder where all the OST files are saved.

Now, you can go to the OST file default location, copy and transfer Outlook OST file to a new computer using a transfer medium like Pen Drive, flash drive, etc.

When the Outlook application is not functional or accessible, then you can use Control Panel to access the data files.

1. Open Control Panel and click Mail.
2. If you click the Data Files button, then it will take you to the Account Settings wizard where you can choose the account and click Open File Location.

The file location will have the OST file that you can copy and transfer to another computer.

Limitations

Even if you can transfer Outlook OST file to a new computer, then you cannot open it manually in Outlook because Outlook supports PST files as an external data file only. It can export and import any user mailbox as a PST file only.

If you want to use the same account with the existing content of the mailbox, then you can export it in a PST file, then transfer that PST file, then import it into the Outlook application.

Export mailbox as a PST file

1. Open Outlook and click File.
2. Go to the Open & Export option, then choose Import/Export.
   
3. From the Import & Export Wizard, Choose ‘Export to a file, then click Next.
   
4. Choose ‘Outlook Data File (.pst)’ as the file type, then click Next.
5. Select the folders that you want to use in the account at a different computer. You can also include subfolders and apply filters, then click Next.
   
6. Choose the Options to handle duplicate items, then click the Browse button to select a destination folder for exported PST files. Click Finish.

After exporting and transferring the PST file, you can import it using the same method as Export.

Import PST file in Outlook

1. Open Outlook and click File.
2. Click Open & Export, then choose Import/Export.
3. Select ‘Import from another program or file.’ Click Next.
4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) as the file type to import. Then, click Next.
5. Click Browse to select the PST file, then click OK.
6. Click Finish to finalize the import process.

Copy Outlook Data File to a New Computer

Once the mails have been converted from OST to PST Files, one can also copy the converted data and transfer the same to any external storage media. This step can be followed if in case you failed to transfer the data through the Import/Export Wizard. One can use a third party software for this purpose:

• Download the third party software and install the same.
• The software displays the locations of the files which are present therein. You can select the files that you want to convert.
• You can also browse your own location by clicking on ‘Choose Location’
• Select the data file and right click on the same to click on convert.
• Select the converted files and click ‘Save Converted Files. The data would be saved.

Third party tools

In case, if the Outlook application is not working, then you should use a professional SysTools OST to PST Converter software to convert the OST file into PST format. It will protect and maintain the hierarchy of mailbox folders and help you in accessing contacts, to-do tasks, notes, and calendar information.

Download Now

Conclusion

A user may require to transfer OST or PST files on a single or multiple devices. Ideally, when you create an account on Outlook, then all the mailbox folders will be generated automatically. But, if you want to access Contacts, Calendars, and to-do tasks, then you should import PST files from the older computer.