Simplify Your Outlook: Resolve Two OST Files in Outlook Issue

Updated On - October 22, 2024 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Microsoft Outlook is a popular email client that is used by millions of users worldwide. It is a feature-rich application that allows users to send and receive emails, manage calendars, schedule meetings, and much more. One common issue that Outlook users encounter is the presence of two OST files in their Outlook profile. This article will explore why this issue occurs and how to resolve it.

What are OST files?

OST files are Offline Outlook Data Files that are created when a user configures their Outlook account to work in Cached Exchange Mode. Cached Exchange Mode allows users to work offline and still have access to their emails, contacts, and other Outlook data. When a user opens Outlook in Cached Exchange Mode, Outlook creates an OST file that stores a copy of the user’s mailbox on the local computer. Any changes made to the mailbox data while working offline are store in the OST file and then synchronized with the Exchange server when the user reconnects to the network.

Why are there two OST files in my Outlook?

The presence of two OST files in an Outlook profile can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Multiple email accounts: If a user has configured more than one email account in Outlook, each account will have its own OST file. This means that if a user has two email accounts configured in Outlook, they will have two OST files in their profile.
• Mailbox migration: If a user’s mailbox migrate from one Exchange server to another, Outlook may create a new OST file for the new mailbox location. In this case, the old OST file may still be present in the Outlook profile.
• Outlook profile corruption: If an Outlook profile is corrupted, Outlook may create a new profile and a new OST file. The old OST file may still be present in the profile.
• Outlook upgrade: If a user upgrades their version of Outlook, the new version may create a new OST file. The old OST file may still be present in the profile.

What are the implications of having two OST files in my Outlook?

Having two OST files in an Outlook profile can cause several issues for users. Some of the most common issues are:

• Duplicate items: Users may see duplicate items in their Outlook folders. This can be confusing and make it difficult to find the correct item.
• Increased storage space: Having two OST files in a profile can increase the amount of storage space required on the local computer. This can be a problem if the user has limited storage space available.
• Synchronization issues: If the two OST files are not synchronized correctly, users may experience synchronization issues when working offline.

How to resolve the issue of having two OST files in my Outlook?

There are several ways to resolve the issue of having two OST files in an Outlook profile. Some of the most common methods are:

• Disable Cached Exchange Mode: Users can disable Cached Exchange Mode to prevent Outlook from creating an OST file.
  • To disable Cached Exchange Mode, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Change > uncheck “Use Cached Exchange Mode”.
• Remove one of the email accounts: If the issue is caused by having multiple email accounts, users can remove one of the accounts to reduce the number of OST files.
  • To remove an email account, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > select the email account > click Remove.
• Delete the old OST file: If the issue is caused by an old OST file that is no longer needed, users can delete the file from the local computer.
  • To delete the OST file, close Outlook and navigate to the location where the OST file is stored. By default, the OST file is stored in the following location:

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.

• Repair the Outlook profile: If the issue is caused by a corrupted Outlook profile, users can repair the profile to resolve the issue.
  • To repair the Outlook profile, go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > select the profile > click Properties > click Data Files > select the OST file > click Settings > click Repair.
• Upgrade or reinstall Outlook: If the issue is caused by an outdated or corrupted version of Outlook, users can upgrade or reinstall the application.
  • To upgrade or reinstall Outlook, users should first backup their Outlook data and then follow the instructions provided by Microsoft.

Precaution is better than cure

Before attempting any manual methods to resolve the issue of having two OST files in Outlook, it is important to consider using a reliable OST to PST converter as an alternate solution and OST files backup solution.

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Using a third-party tool like Regain OST to PST Converter has several advantages over manual methods.

• Firstly, it is faster and more efficient in converting OST files to PST format. The software uses advanced algorithms to ensure that the conversion process is accurate and error-free.
• It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use for all types of users. The software provides a step-by-step guide to walk users through the conversion process, and you don’t need any technical expertise or knowledge to use it.
• Regain OST to PST Converter provides a preview option that allows you to view the content of the OST file before conversion. This ensures that you are converting the right file and that all data is accurate and complete.
• In addition to converting OST files to PST format, Regain OST to PST Converter can also be used as a backup solution. It allows you to save a copy of your OST files in PST format, which can be easily imported into Outlook or any other email client.

Here are the steps to use Regain OST to PST Converter:

• Step1: Download and install the Regain OST to PST Converter software from the official website. Once installed, launch the software.

• Step2: Click on the “Add Files” button on the top left corner of the software interface. Browse and select the OST file(s) that you want to convert/backup to PST format.

• Step3: Preview and select the mailbox items that you want to convert. You can select the mailbox items by checking the checkbox beside each item.

• Step4: Choose the PST file destination where you want to save the converted PST file. You can either create a new PST file or save it in an existing PST file.

• Step5: Now click on the “Convert” button to start the conversion process.

Conclusion

Having two OST files in an Outlook profile can cause several issues for users, including duplicate items, and increased storage. However, there are several ways to resolve this issue. Users should follow the instructions carefully to avoid data loss or other issues. Using Regain OST to PST Converter is a great option to convert and backup your OST files to PST. The software provides a range of benefits that make it a reliable and efficient tool even for newbies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques1. Why do I have two OST files in my Outlook, and how does it affect my usage?

Ans. The presence of two OST files can result from multiple email accounts, mailbox migration, profile corruption, or Outlook upgrades. This can cause duplicate items, increased storage space, and synchronization problems.

Ques2. Can upgrading or reinstalling Outlook help resolve the issue of two OST files?

Ans. Yes, there are a few chances that upgrading or reinstalling Outlook can resolve the issue caused by outdated or corrupted versions. Always back up Outlook data before attempting this.

Ques3. Why should I use Regain OST to PST Converter to resolve the issue?
Ans. Regain OST to PST Converter offers a faster, more efficient conversion process, a user-friendly interface, preview options for accuracy, and serves as a backup solution.

Ques4. Why is it important to consider using a reliable OST to PST converter before attempting manual methods?
Ans. Using a tool like Regain OST to PST Converter as a precaution is vital to avoid data loss or other issues associated with manual methods. It ensures a secure and efficient resolution to the two OST files issue.