How to Fix OST Corruption Due to Larger File Size

The Outlook offline data file(.ost) stores mailbox copy of server data on the local machine. The other data file is called PST which is meant for personal storage of mailbox data. With time, users can encounter errors in both .ost and .pst files. One may face bugs and issue due to oversized OST file. This must be dealt with immediately to avoid a situation where Outlook hangs and mailbox data cannot be accessed. This post describes all the steps necessary to fix OST corruption due to larger file size. Read more to find out the best way to recover from this issue and resume communications via Outlook. 

Causes for Increased OST File Corruption

The earlier versions of Outlook 2000 and 2003 had limited space allotted for .ost files. They were allotted a maximum of 2GB space which was filled up really fast. This caused Large OST File Performance Issue. In later versions of Outlook 2007 and 2010, the Outlook offline storage was increased from 2GB to 10GB. If that limit is fast approaching, then some errors can be causing OST file to corrupt. In Outlook 2013 and 2016, the .ost file size limit was increased to 20GB which can easily reach for employees sharing large attachments over time. 

Issues Caused by Very Large Outlook OST File; 
Outlook application hangs and shows errors and bugs.
Incoming or sent emails are not saved to mailbox folders.
Inability to access mailbox data and communicate smoothly.
Large OST file slow Outlook down and shows performance issues.

Difference Between Mailbox Size and Outlook OST File

There is more to Outlook offline(.ost) data file than just the mailbox items. It comprises of a large number of data from IMAP or Exchange server. The main idea behind OST is to make server data available offline. It is simply a server cache stored locally. It reduces the time taken to fetch and send data between the server and local machine. Any increase is overall mailbox size can also lead to large OST file issues. A .ost file is usually of larger size than the user’s mailbox as it contains the following items:

1. Mailbox data (emails, contacts, calendar, notes, journals etc.)
2. Public folder items
3. Hidden files that lead to oversize OST file issues.
4. Network overhead that saves server and other information.
5. Shared folder and other mailboxes linked to Exchange server
6. Preventive Steps to Limit Large OST Slow Outlook Problems

Following are some of the ways to prevent an increase in the size of Outlook offline data file and related issues:

1. Regularly deleted unwanted emails and messages with large attachments. 
2. Empty deleted items folder and shift delete emails to prevent Large OST file crashes Outlook 2010. 
3. Compress OST file data on regular basis. 

Methods for Managing Large OST Files 

Following are some of the ways to curb the large OST file size issues and resume smooth communications through Outlook:

1. Rename Offline Storage File: Change the name of .ost file creating errors for the particular profile. This will fetch data from Exchange and create new OST without corruption.

2. Use Outlook is Safe Mode: This will allow a user to access Outlook and then apply recovery measures.

3. Recreate Outlook OST File: Delete the .ost file for the Outlook profile facing large OST file issues. Let the email client create a new file without corruption.

4. Disable Add-ons: Remove any additional add-ons and check if Outlook is able to send and receive emails easily. Archive Offline Storage Data: Convert OST to PST and save data in an archive .pst file.

Use an Automated Solution

There are a lot of methods that can Fix offline data file corruption. It is important to also recover any lost or deleted emails during the process. For this, users look for alternatives available in the market. One such reliable tool is the OST to PST Converter. It is very simple and user-friendly tool. It can repair all corruptions from Outlook and remove large OST file issues. It can all kinds of mailbox data with any changes to it.

Final Word
The manual solution can help prevent any OST file issues without a doubt. There are also automated solutions available to make the task easier and more direct. This post describes all the ways to fix OST corruption due to larger file size. It also contains an automated solution to import ost file that makes the entire process more professional and efficient.