mithileshtata
Member
An .OST (Offline Storage Table) file stores copies of your Outlook data locally, allowing you to work offline. However, it’s essential to back up this file to prevent data loss in case of corruption or hardware failure. Here's a simple guide on how to safely back up your .OST file and convert it when necessary.
- Locate the .OST File: The first step is finding the .OST file on your system. For most Outlook versions, the file is stored in the following directory:
- Windows 10/11: C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
- Windows 7/8: C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
- Copy the .OST File: Once located, you can manually copy the .OST file to a backup location, such as an external drive or cloud storage. However, it's important to note that .OST files cannot be directly opened or imported into another Outlook account without conversion.
- Convert .OST to .PST (Optional): If you want to back up your emails or move them to another computer, converting the .OST file to a .PST (Personal Storage Table) file is a good idea. .PST files are more portable and easier to manage. For this, you can use an efficient tool like Aryson OST to PST Converter.
- Using Aryson OST to PST Converter: This tool allows you to quickly convert your .OST file into a .PST format, making it easier to back up and restore data. Simply launch the converter, select your .OST file, and follow the prompts to convert it into a .PST file. Aryson's tool also offers additional features, such as exporting .OST files to various formats like MBOX, EML, or MSG.
- Store Backed-Up Files Securely: Once converted, you can store your .PST file in a secure backup location. Regularly back up your data to ensure protection from any unforeseen data loss.