Rebuild an OST File in Outlook Without Any Hurdle

OST files are the offline files in Outlook, which are created when the MS Outlook account is configured with Exchange Server. It allows users to work in an offline mode and synchronize the changes made with Exchange Server with availability of connection. Once we are talking about rebuilding OST file it requires deleting and then recreating OST file in order to establish communication and ensure continuity of business tasks. The process to rebuild an OST file differs from different versions of Outlook.

The OST files are not much reliable to use, as they are highly prone to file corruption and may easily lead to loss of data. OST files may undergo corruption due to following reasons:

  • 1. Improper shut down of Exchange Server
  • 2. Different hardware and software failures
  • 3. Interrupted synchronization between Exchange Server and OST file
  • 4. Deletion of Exchange mailbox to which the OST file is associated

So, it is often advisable to rebuild OST file or convert OST file items to PST in order to maintain the backup. These PST files, being more reliable and secure helps user to cope up with the issue of corrupted OST files.

In this blog, we will describe steps for rebuilding OST file in different versions of Outlook. Click on the specific link to redirect towards needed process.

  • How to Rebuild OST File in Outlook 2007

  • Recreate OST File in Outlook 2010 & 2013

  • Create OST File in Outlook 2003 & 2002

    • How to Rebuild OST File in Outlook 2007

    1.If you are using Outlook 2007 version then Go through 'Tools' menu.

    2.Under 'Tool' menu, select the 'Account Settings'.

    3.An Account Settings window will appear, here double-click on 'Microsoft Exchange'. (Step – 3)

    4.'Below screen will appear, click the 'More Settings' button.

    5. In the next screen, Hit the 'Advanced' tab.

    6. Choose the 'Offline Folder File Settings'and then in 'File' box, type the name of the OST file have to set.

    7.Choose the 'Offline Folder File Settings' and then in 'File' box, type the name of the OST file have to set.

    8. Finally click on the 'OK' tab.

    9. You can notice as default name appears as 'Outlook.ost'. You might take an step to rename it if there exist any OST file with same name.

    10. Hit the “Ok” and finally click the “Finish” tab.

    Way to Recreate OST File in Outlook 2010 & Outlook 2013

    1. Go through “File” Menu >> 'Info' and hit the 'Account Settings' option (see the below screen).

    2. Now you need to repeat from Step 3 till Step 9 as required step for MS Outlook 2007.

    How to Create An OST File in Outlook 2003 & Outlook 2002

    1. Go through 'Tools' and Choose 'E-mail Accounts'

    2. Enable 'View or change existing mail accounts' and finally hit the 'Next' button.

    3. Next, click on 'Microsoft Exchange Server' and hit the 'Change' button.

    4. Choose the 'More Settings' box and select the 'Advanced' tab.

    5. Choose the 'Offline Folder File Settings'.

    6. Reset the name of the Outlook data file OST

    7. Click on the 'OK' button and finally hit the 'Finish'.

    The blog has been aimed to explain the issues associated with OST files, which leads to the need to rebuilt OST file in Outlook. This procedure make OST file accessible,