How to Backup OST File of Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010? – Solved

  author
Written By Andrew Jackson
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On May 13th, 2024
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Are you willing to backup OST file? Well, you have made the right decision. Maintaining a backup is essential to safeguard against data loss and manipulation. Today in this guide, Our Outlook users will learn the necessary steps to archive OST file by following a few simple tricks. Dive into the to learn the easy and effective steps.

OST file is formed when Outlook on the local machine is configured with the Exchange Server or IMAP account. But, the main question is what will happen if the OST file is corrupted or get lost? How can one access their important data? To save yourself from such a disaster, it is necessary to backup OST file. This is how most of the organizations and industries keep their data safe and access them in future. One  can also convert OST file to PST file.

In this way, the data will be stored in the local system. The post deals with the best possible method to the backup Offline OST file from Microsoft Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 versions. Keep reading to know how you can effortlessly archive OST file in a hassle free manner.

Quick & Relaible Solution to Backup OST File:

IMAP or Exchange profile configuration will automatically create an OST file locally. In case of any damage or issue in the OST file, the data cannot be accessed. Hence, if you are looking for an all-in-one quick and reliable solution then you can use SysTools OST Converter Tool. It will help you to archive and backup Outlook OST file or also save them in multiple formats and different platforms in bulk. For this, various manual approaches have been proposed in the write-up to backup offline OST files.

Download Now Purchase Now

Reasons to Archive OST File

There are numerous situations that result to backup OST file (Offline Storage Table) in Outlook. Some of the primary causes of file conversion are explained here:

  • OST Synchronization Problem: A user can work with OST files in offline mode. But, it is not possible when it is about Exchange Server. So, when Outlook is synchronized with the Exchange Server, it becomes difficult to work on the file. That is why it is needed to backup OST files.
  • Authentication Issue: To access the data on Exchange Server, proper credentials along with the validation are required. To avoid all the complex procedures, it is better to archive the OST file.
  • Data Recovery: In case of accidental file deletion, file corruption, or highly damaged OST files, the data cannot be accessed. So, to make data available, it is recommended to make a backup offline .ost files for the accounts.
  • OST Corruption: Due to virus attacks, abrupt shutdown, and other software-related issues, the OST file becomes out of reach and its data cannot be availed. So, just to rely on the OST file is a mistake. Hence, it is necessary to back up Offline OST files.

How to Backup OST File Manually?

Following are the manual methods which you can implement to archive OST file:

Method 1: Use Export Option to Backup Outlook OST Files

This technique can be used to take make a backup of offline OST files in Outlook all versions. A user has to follow the given steps to archive Outlook OST file:

  1. Launch the Outlook application on the local system.
  2. Then, move to the File menu. Choose the option of “Export to a file” and click on Next. Backup OST File in Outlook 2019
  3. Select an Export to a file >> Personal File Folder (.pst) and then, hit on Next. Backup OST File 2016
  4. Choose the folder that is to be archived and select the checkbox stating Include Sub-Folders.
  5. Browse the location where the archive file is to be saved.
  6. Click on the Finish button to backup OST file. Backup Offline Data File 2013

Note: This procedure holds good in the case when a user is using Microsoft Exchange Server.

Method 2: Use Archive Option to Archive OST File

This feature is used to make a backup of Outlook OST files in order to create the backup. A user has to follow this set of instructions to backup OST file. Use the below-mentioned steps to archive Outlook OST files (for the IMAP account) or backup Exchange OST Files (if Outlook is configured with an Exchange account):

  1. Open Outlook on the local system.
  2. Navigate to the File menu, and select the option of the Archive.select Archive option
  3. A screen will open up on the screen. A user can select a desired file or folder that is to be archived.
  4. Browse the destination location where the archived OST file is to be saved.Archive Outlook Offline File 2007
  5. Once the OK button is pressed, the archiving process will begin.

Note: With the above manual solutions, ensures the successful backup of archive OST files.

Method 3: Use New PST Files to Backup Offline OST Files

In this approach, the OST mailbox items are exported. However, It is needed to follow these steps to backup OST file.

  1. Open the Outlook application in the local system.
  2. Then, Generate a new Outlook PST file.
  3. In the Next step, drag the complete mailboxes that are to be exported.

Conclusion

Above, we have described all the possibilities to backup OST file from Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 versions. Therefore, try the methods that suit your requirements to archive OST file. Once you backup your Outlook OST files, you can use them in future or whenever you want. However it will help you to safeguard your critical data and keep them secured for future needs even if the file gets lost or damaged. Furthermore, if you find the manual method challenging, ease the advanced solution and save your time & effort.

  author

By Andrew Jackson

I am SQL DBA and SQL Server blogger too. I like to share about SQL Server and the problems related to it as well as their solution and also I do handle database related user queries, server or database maintenance, database management, etc. I love to share my knowledge with SQL Geeks.