How to Import OST Files into Outlook Classic and New Easily?

Are you looking way to import OST file into Outlook? If you are using New Outlook or Classic Outlook, you may find the process a bit complex. Outlook does not offer a native option to open an OST or import file in new Outlook. This can become difficult for users who want to access mailbox data from old, inactive, deleted or inaccessible Outlook profile. An OST file may contain crucial emails, attachments, contacts, tasks, calendar and other mailbox items.

In this guide, we will cover different ways to import OST file into Outlook on Windows using manual and automated solutions. We will discuss the limitations of manual approach and explain how users can access OST data when their OST files are orphaned, inaccessible, oversized or corrupted. By the end, you’ll know how to recover the data stored in an OST file and access your mailbox information in Outlook safely.

Why Users Need to Import OST File into Outlook?

There are several reasons why users open OST files into Outlook:

• Recover emails and mailbox items from previous Outlook profile.
• Recover emails when the original Exchange or IMAP account is unavailable.
• Transfer emails and other items when moving to new profile or device.
• Access stored emails and other mailbox items after changes to an Exchange or Microsoft 365 account.
• Convert OST files to PST files to access different Outlook profile.

How to Add OST File to Outlook Account Manually?

This method only works with connected OST files with Outlook or Exchange servers. If you have an orphan OST file to import into Outlook, then you should use the expert solution.

#Method 1: Outlook’s Import/Export Option.

1. Open Outlook >> File Menu >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.

   

2. Click on Export to a File.

   

3. Select Outlook Data File (.pst).

   

4. Choose a specific folder or the complete account.

   

5. Check on the Include subfolder.
6. Enter the destination and get the file.

   

#2: Using the Outlook Archive Option

You can import OST file to Outlook account by using the Archive feature. But be cautious while performing this process, as it will not transfer your contacts, calendars, rules, or other settings. Following are the steps to add OST file to Outlook account.

1. Open Outlook, go to File, and click “Options“.
   
2. Select “Advanced” from the Outlook Options window.
   
3. Now, under the AutoArchive section, click “AutoArchive Settings.” Select the folders and specify the appropriate age for the items.
   
   
4. Finally, select “Path” to save archived Outlook data file.
   

Limitations

• It cannot directly access orphaned OST file.
• Outlook does not support direct OST file importing.
• Not all mailbox content & settings may be preserved after transfer.
• Large OST file can take longer to export or archive.
• Multiple OST files require separate processing.

How to Import OST File into Outlook?

1. Download and run OST to Outlook migration tool.
   
2. Select “Configured Outlook Mailbox Data” and click “Next.”
   
3. Select the OST mailbox folders you to add in Outlook.
   
4. Select PST as the output format from the saving option.
   
5. Set the destination folder and click Convert.
   

Import PST into Outlook

1. Open Outlook and go to the “File” menu.
   
2. Select “Open & Export” and click “Import/Export.”
   
3. Choose “Import from another program or file” and click “Next.”
   
4. Now Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
   
5. Browse and select converted PST file then click “Next” to import its mailbox data into Outlook.
   

Steps to Import OST to New Outlook

1. Firstly, open tool and click “Next”.
   
2. Select convert configured Outlook mailbox data and click “Next.”
   
3. Choose folder and files you want in preview panel and click the Next button.
   
4. Select saving option IMAP and enter ID & Password of your configured Outlook account. Type IMAP host and Port number.
   
5. Finally, click “Convert” button to import OST to New Outlook
   

Prime Features of the OST to Outlook Migration Tool

• Preserve OST Files Metadata & Properties: The software is designed with advanced algorithms to maintain metadata and all other properties during the import OST files to Outlook accounts. Attributes like To, Cc, Bcc, Subject, Date, and Folder hierarchy will be preserved and completely secured while using this software.
• Bulk & Selective Process: The software allows users to easily import OST file into Outlook in bulk at once without having file size limitations. After uploading OST files and folders, users can check the required data from the panel.
• Load Data Manually & Automatically: This OST to Outlook migration tool provides two different types of options to add OST files manually (using Select Files/Folders) and automatically from the default storage location of the connected Outlook profile.
• Supports All Types of Files: This solution is mainly famous for supporting all types of OST files including orphan, corrupted, damaged and inaccessible. Using Recovery Mode allows users to repair corrupted Outlook data files.
• No Need to Perform Any Extra Process: It will import OST to Outlook and exchange server directly by entering login credentials. Also, there is no need to perform any extra process like Import/Export.
• Compatible with All Windows OS Editions: The software easily runs on all Microsoft Windows OS including Windows 11, 10, 8, and below versions for both 32 and 64-bit OS editions. Use this tool and easily import OST files into Outlook without any limitations.

Commonly Asked Questions

• Ques 1: Does Outlook still use OST files?

  Ans: Yes, Outlook uses OST format while you connect your Outlook with IMAP or Exchange server.

• Ques 2: What is the full form of OST in Outlook?

  Ans: OST means Offline Storage Table in Outlook.

• Ques 3: Can I open an OST file directly in Outlook?

  Ans: No, you can’t open OST file in Outlook directly, first, you have to import the file to the Outlook account. And if you don’t want to install any email client, so you can use Free OST Viewer to analyze your complete data.

Conclusion

In the above-discussed article, we provide a brief description of all the details regarding how to Import OST Files into Outlook Classic and New on Windows. We have presented both the manual as well as the professional way to carry out better results. Manual method takes a lot of time while automated solution by RecoveryTools simplifies the entire task. It offers bulk mode to import multiple OST file into Outlook at once.  It’s easy to use and handles multiple file sizes without any restrictions.