How to Compact OST File without Opening Outlook?

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Compacting an OST (Offline Storage Table) file without opening Microsoft Outlook can be accomplished using specific tools and methods. Here are the most effective approaches:

Manual Methods: Archiving Emails​

Another method to reduce the size of an OST file is by archiving old emails, which moves them to a separate PST file. This can be done through the following steps:

• Open Outlook (if needed for this method).
• Navigate to File > Tools > Clean up old items.
• Select the folders you wish to archive and confirm the action.

Using Third-Party Software​

Cigati PST Compress Tool: This tool compresses both OST and PST files. It offers a user-friendly interface and can handle multiple files simultaneously.

Important Considerations​

• Data loss: Before compacting, ensure that any important emails in the Deleted Items folder are restored, as they cannot be recovered after the compacting process.
• Limitations: While manual methods are straightforward, they may not always work due to various reasons like file corruption or size limits.

Using these methods, you can effectively manage and reduce the size of your OST files without directly accessing Microsoft Outlook.