Best Methods To Recreate or Reset OST File in MS Outlook

Summary: MS Outlook users must reset OST files to fix OST file-related problems like OST files getting damaged or inaccessible. A common reason behind this issue is a corrupted OST file, which stores a local copy of the mailbox. However, by recreating the OST file, users can fix the OST file errors. Therefore, read this article, to recreate or reset the OST file. Moreover, use the OST to PST Converter Tool for ease and accurate results.

Why Rebuild OST File in Outlook?

Various reasons can lead to OST files being inaccessible including:

  • An OST is corrupted due to an unexpected shutdown of computers.
  • Sometimes, the OST file may not sync properly with the Mail Server.
  • Oversize or large files can slow down the Outlook or system.
  • Problem with hardware or software while using OST file.

Therefore, users need to reset or recreate the OST file.

How to Recreate OST File?

OST file corruption can be solved by recreating or restarting the OST file. Here, we explain the best approaches to delete OST and recreate the OST files again. In addition, we discuss the execution step of an expert tool, which completes the process quickly without any limitations. Moreover, you can perform OST to PST conversion to recover the corrupted file within Outlook.

How to Outlook Reset OST File Manually?

There are two manual methods available to reset or recover OST files. All the procedures, limitations, and benefits are as follows:

Method 1: Step-by-Step Guide to Reset or Rebuild OST File

Important Note: This method is applicable for Outlook versions 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010.

Step 1: Close MS Outlook

To start, ensure Outlook is completely closed. Do not interfere while the process is running; doing so may create problems or errors.

Step 2: Locate the OST File
  1. Firstly, open the File Explorer on your system.
  2. Now, navigate to the following folder ( based on the Windows version)
  3. Windows 10/11:
    C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
    Windows 7/8:
    C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
Step 3: Delete OST File Outlook

Once you find the OST file then, delete corrupt OST file Outlook 2016. Don’t worry; it will not harm your valuable data because Outlook will automatically rebuild deleted OST files.

  1. Go to the OST File in Outlook Folder.
  2. Then, right-click on a file and choose the Delete option.
Step 4: Open Outlook and Rebuild OST File
  1. Now, open MS Outlook on your system.
  2. It will automatically delete missing files from your system and recreate them, from the server. This process may take more time.
  3. Once your file is rebuilt, you can see the mailbox data including emails, contacts, and calendars.

Note: Make sure your file is synced properly with the mail server.

Method 2: Reset OST File by Enabling the Exchange Server

  1. Firstly, open MS Outlook on your system.
  2. Now, click on the File tab and select Account Settings.
  3. Again choose Account Settings and then, select the emails to recreate.
  4. Click on Change and mark the Use Cached Exchange Mode. Click Next.
  5. Lastly, click on the Finish button to complete the process.

Limitations of the Manual Method

  • Depending on the file size, this process takes more time.
  • Loss of offline data, when Outlook is not synced properly with server mail.
  • The manual method does not provide any data recovery if the data is lost.
  • Requires a proper internet connection while performing both methods.

Dedicated Software to Reset OST File

The OST to PST Converter Tool can help you reset or rebuild corrupted OST files. Also, this software supports all the Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Outlook 2019, 2016, and other versions. This tool quickly recovers the OST file and convert OST to CSV which is helpful to rebuild corrupt OST files. Along with that, it saves recovered OST files in different file formats and several email clients. Furthermore, this tool provides more optional features such as:

  • Preview the file content during the conversion process.
  • Allow users to remove duplicate items as per your need.
  • Option to apply Date Filter features to specify the emails.

Here is How to Perform

  1. Firstly, launch the OST to PST Converter Tool as an admin.
  2. Now, choose Single File or Multiple Files/Folders to add an OST file.
  3. After that, Preview and select the OST file and click Next.
  4. Further, select Saving Format from the given list.
  5. Use optional features based on your requirements.
  6. Lastly, specify the location and click on Convert.

Conclusion

To wrap up, rebuild, or reset OST files is often an exclusive way to fix problems in Outlook. It is a relatively simple process, that can get back Outlook to normal. However, it takes more time to perform the manual method, especially if you have a lot of data to sync. Therefore, using a professional tool is always a good idea to back up important information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the best method to reset the OST file?

Ans- Follow the steps to reset the OST file directly:
1. Firstly, launch the OST to PST Converter Tool.
2. Now, choose options to add a corrupt OST File.
3. Preview and select the OST file and click Next.
4. Afterward, choose the Saving option from the given list.
5. Further, apply additional features or define Path to Save.
6. Lastly, click on the Convert button to complete the process.
7. In this way, you can easily reset the OST file quickly and smoothly without any restrictions.

Q. Can we recreate the OST file without an Exchange Server?

Ans- Yes, you can reset the OST file without an Exchange server, by using the OST to PST Converter Tool. This tool allows users to directly recover or recreate the OST file in different formats. Along with that, provides more optional features that help to make the resultant file more effective.

About The Author:

Milan Kumar Vishwas is a seasoned technology content strategist with a passion for simplifying complex IT concepts into engaging, user-friendly content. With years of experience in the tech industry, he excels at crafting well-researched, SEO-optimized articles, tutorials, and guides that resonate with diverse audiences. Their expertise lies in breaking down intricate topics into clear, actionable insights, empowering readers to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape effortlessly.

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