Various Errors that Cause OST Corruption: A Complete Guide

MS Exchange OST files are the only medium to continue the functionality on a local machine in case Exchange Cached Mode is turned ON. Many times, the files get corrupted and it completely affects the mailbox functionality. In the below segment, we will come across the possible factors that are root cause of frequent OST corruption. It will even include the Hardware-related and the software specific problems.

Outlook OST files are the copies of the user mailboxes that are saved on Exchange Server that helps in continuing the functionality even in case the Exchange Cached Mode is completely enabled. Many times the user needs working offline either by a choice or because of the connection issues. In those circumstances, Outlook OST file allows the working in an offline mode as a copy of mailbox.

In case the connection is built again, the Offline OST files automatically synchronize with MS Exchange server mailbox for updating data. The complete functionality may seem smooth, but it is not the entire case. Similar to the other files and applications, OST files can also get corrupted. In the majority of cases, Offline OST files become victim of the unreliable internet connectivity.

While synchronizing the OST files, the process can be interrupted or suspended due to the weak internet connections, the OST files gets corrupted. It is when the situation is completely serious as it completely affects the functionality to great extent. In contrary to it, the other Offline OST file corruption reason as it makes Outlook data file completely inaccessible. All those reasons can be divided into two broad categories i.e., Hardware Related and then Software Related.

So, before going any step further, we will describe the cause of OST Corruption. First of all, let’s begin with Hardware Related Issues:

The hardware related problems can be proclaimed as they are created because of malfunctioning, failure, or configuration of any external components on system. There are many components that includes hard drives, internal or external power unit, modem, connectors etc. There are many reasons that completely affect functionality of hard drives.

Defected Storage Devices

In case the users find the storage devices working slowly that the usual, there are multiple combo of reasons that can be responsible behind the issues like bugs or faulty hardware’s. Many times the unexpected performances of storage devices can be because of the malfunctioning of any component or because of the virus infection.

Interruption because of Network Connectors

There are many issues that are cropping because of the inappropriate functionality of network cards, routers, cables, and some other alike devices having the functionality of OST files as it gets failed to synchronize properly. It can be recommended to the users to check the network connections and devices to make sure that the devices are working as per standard.

Bad Sector Formation on the Hard Drive

There are many reasons for the OST file corruption, amongst them all one of the strongest reason is Bad Sector Formation on hard drive. It affects the functionality of the hard drive and thus degrades its performance to considerable extent. Hence, it can create corruption in the files saved in it. Offline OST corruption can be the possible outcome of existence of numerous bad sectors on a device.

Sudden Power Loss or Power Surges

The unexpected power failure results in Offline OST file corruption in case the instance occurs when the user actually works with the files. Additionally, there is sudden loss of the electricity, there are the times when power supply can be comparatively higher and the machine gets equally affected with the heavy power supply.

There are few other software reasons causing OST corruption, and all of them are described below:

But, before that let’s read the segment listed. The software related problems are errors and the issues that can occur due to the logical inconsistencies and the incompatibilities that can lead to OST Corruption. The error this can be caused by the bug transmission, virus infection, downloading and installing applications from the unreliable sources, sometimes application failure, and so-on. Some of the common reasons are mentioned in the section.

Stipulated Storage Limit: As a complete matter of the fact, every individual file that is being used for the data storage is completely liable to a specific storage capacity. In case the OST file is about to reach the stipulated limit, it gets corrupted or becomes inaccessible. Hence, you need to recover the Outlook OST files in order to gain complete access to the data imbibed in OST files. In such circumstances, the best way is either to compact the OST file or split it as per the size and then organize it.

Outlook Program Deficiency: In many cases, it is the application itself that it is creating a lot of issues in the Outlook data files. In these circumstances, it becomes really hard in detection, but there are several workarounds that can help in detecting cause of error and then we need to repair Outlook OST files.

Other errors that cause OST Corruption are Abnormal Termination of MS Outlook and Incompatible Outlook Add-ins. These problems can really create a lot of problems. Hence, the proper solution is being reliable on the professional program to resolve the issue and one of the best possible solutions is OST Recovery Software. The wizard has tremendous capability to repair OST files. The OST to PST Conversion tool is really mesmerizing and can easily resolve all the problems related to OST file Corruption. Hence, the users can download the software and then get rid of all the OST related issues.

Conclusion

From the above mentioned article, it is clear that the users would have understood the fact and reasons that cause OST file corruption. Hence, the entire write-up carries best of its knowledge that can help the users in solving their problems in a lighter mode. Moreover, the article even provides the users with the OST Recovery Software that can be employed to extract OST to PST file and escape the error.  

Resolve The Error Encountered In Synchronizing The OST Mailbox Due To 2 GB File Size Limitation

“I am trying to establish a connection with Microsoft Exchange server. Actually, I was unaware from the fact that my OST file has exceeded its 2GB file size limitation. Due to this reason, I encountered an error i.e., 15 : 19 : 28 : The OST file limit exceeds. This problem occurs whenever I try to connect Outlook with the Exchange platform. Can anyone assist me with the same?”

It is a fishy situation when users try to setup a connection with the Exchange server and they faces one or the another error. The consequences of such connection problem are networking issues, mailbox corruption, synchronization problem, etc. One of the common cause of this problem is synchronization issue between OST mailboxes (might be oversized) and the Exchange server. As a result of this problem, users face different errors that states only one thing i.e., OST file size limit is exceeded. In the Microsoft Outlook Express, the synchronization log comprises of the following details:

15:19:28 Synchronizing Folder 'Outlook Security Setting'
15:19:28 Synchronizing Mailbox
15:19:28 [8004060C-53F-0-550]
15:19:28 Error synchronizing folder
15:19:28 The OST has reached its maximum size.

Microsoft Outlook gets abnormally closed just after displaying the error statement. In general, this issue majorly occurs in MS Outlook 2003 and all its earlier versions. The reason behind this general fact is that – only these editions impose 2GB file size limitation on OST and PST storage files. Talking about the solution to this problem then, readers can keep moving their eyes on the upcoming section.

Solution to Resolve Synchronization Error

There is a hit-and-trial and a hassle-free approach to resolve the error encountered in synchronizing the OST mailbox due to 2GB file size limitation. It is the decision of an end user with which he / she wants to go, depending upon their knowledge and reliability.

Method #1 : Hit – and – Trial Approach

This measure just involves permanent deletion of unwanted data from OST file. Users need to disconnect Outlook from the Exchange server and then, shift delete all the waste emails, calendars, or contacts, from it. This activity needs to be carried out in an offline mode. After this, change the Outlook offline mode to the online mode and then, the folder will re-sync items.

Note: The method is titled as hit-and-trial because there is no guarantee that this technique will definitely troubleshoot the problem. It is so because the approach involves reducing of file size by deleting items from OST database.

Users don’t know that at what instance of time they may require which item. So, at one time, how can one decide what to delete or what not to? Therefore, an alternative to this problem is provided in the next approach.

Method #2 : Hassle-free Approach

The alternative approach involves splitting of an OST file with help of the third-party application. Users can opt for FREE Offline OST to PST Converter, which is providing an additional feature of splitting PST file. If a person is having an oversized PST file that is suffering from 2GB limitation issue then, he / she can go for a feature named as Split PST. This will break down large sized OST file into small PST formats at the time of conversion. One can define the splitting size from 1GB to 5GB to avoid all the problems associated with 2GB OST file corruption issues.

The following points will help users in understanding the outstanding features of the program:
Deals with corrupted / damaged / orphaned OST files.

1. Splits OST files in PST format at the time of migration
2. Flawlessly supports Outlook.bak to PST file conversion
3. Supports .ost file of all the Microsoft Outlook editions
4. Breaks all items like emails, address book, calendar, etc.

Conclusion 

The Microsoft OST to PST Conversion solution is an accurate solution to resolve the error encountered in synchronizing the OST mailbox due to 2GB file size limitation. The algorithms embedded within the application offers recovery of each and every single bit of information with precision. Tool will smoothly export OST files to PST and split it in the mentioned size.

Best and Instantaneous Solution to Import OST to Office 365 Account

I am a tech blogger who provides foolproof ways to resolve problems related to Outlook or Office 365 platforms. Few time ago, I got a query from my client that she wants a solution to import OST file to O365 account. I am posting her query below :

 “Hi! I want solution to transfer data from Outlook OST in my new Office 365 account. I have tried to attempt this procedure manually but, it is impossible to attempt this task for free. It is so because the manual measure to import OST to Office 365 requires several permissions and formalities that it makes the procedure complicated and hectic. I am thinking that I should go for a third-party tool but, there are so many products for the same that I am confused which one to choose and not to choose. So, can u please help me out with a suitable program that allows an easy migration from OST to Office 365?” 

 After reading this query, I also thought that there should be an effective and efficient software to migrate from OST to O365 account. So, I began looking for a solution to the same and hence, tested trial version of many online products. During my research, I found the free edition of the OST to Office 365 Converter reliable and hence, purchased it. Being a technical keen person, I have to say this that the software provides a perfect solution to import OST to Office 365. It would be difficult for me to share my overall experience with this product in short therefore, I am posting this review page. I will be telling my readers a completely error-free way to export from OST file to Office 365.

OST to Office 365 Converter : A Brief Glimpse

The software provides an independent approach to transfer emails, contacts, calendars, task, etc., from OST file to Office 365. It equips all the useful features that are required at the time of data migration procedure. The tool only requires targeted O365 credentials to successfully transfer mailboxes. Emails with their respective attachments or properties are moved in the destination account where one wants to see the data in future.

The product does not requires any supportive program, which enables it to work with it. It supports .ost file of Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and all the prior versions. Learn How to Import OST to Office 365 The following steps provide a simple solution to move mailboxes from OST to Office 365 in an error-free way:

 1. Open OST to Office 365 converter and click on Add File to browse the source .ost file

 2. After adding OST file, if want then, preview the file data; else, directly click on Export button

3. Select all the folders of OST file, which are to be moved in Office 365 account. Click on Office 365 >> Advance Settings

 4. Validate the admin account credentials in ‘user impersonation’ field by providing Admin id and password

 5. When you find a green tick, click on Save button to continue with importing of OST file in Office 365 account. A ‘settings saved’ message dialog box will appear in which you have to click on OK button.

 6. Now, you are having 2 ways to export mailboxes in Office 365 account. One is enter destination mailbox and another is provide destination mailbox (SMTP address) from CSV.

 7. Here, I am explaining the procedure by ‘Enter destination mailbox’ option. Rest, another option is also working smoothly.

 8. A new dialog box appears in which you have to enter Office 365 id and password. The tool automatically starts validating the account. When this validation is done, click on Export. 

 9. Finally, the software starts importing OST file to Office 365 account. See, it was so seamless data migration that without any complication all OST mailboxes were moved in Office 365 account.

Pros 

1. Move all items from OST file : emails, calendars, contacts, etc. 
2. Feature to preview complete mailboxes data before migration
3. Supports Outlook.bak file to move ites item in Microsoft Office 365
4. Excellent feature of date filtering to move data of particular time period Con
5. Enables users to browse only one OST file at a time

Time to Wrap Up

The solution to import OST to Office 365 provided here is fully tested by me under all possible circumstances.

As a result of which I would like to rate this application 9.8 / 10. However, if users are having multiple OST files to be moved in O365 account then, they can browse files one-by-one for bulk migration. Rest, all features appended in this software are extremely amazing and I don’t think that there can be any other product like this.

Top Rated Approaches to Convert IMAP OST to PST Without Any Hurdle

Thinking to Convert IMAP OST to PST, but unable to find any relevant method. Now, do not just think, but also execute it using any of these 4 methods as mentioned in the upcoming section.

Outlook has different versions and there are some or the other differences in every edition. Similarly, Outlook 2013 and 2016 both are somewhat different from Outlook 2010. Users are not much aware about the IMAP Accounts in MS Outlook 2013 and 2016. Moreover, they sometimes wonder about the need of IMAP accounts. Well, the reason behind is that in Outlook 2010, contacts and calendars were stored in separate file. However, in Outlook 2013 & 2016, the entire things are stored in OST file. Let us know some more changes in both the versions of Outlook.

What is New in Outlook 2013 and 2016?

For IMAP accounts, Outlook uses OST format. It stores tasks, contacts, notes, and appointments in the “This computer only” folders. Due to these modifications, it becomes necessary to have the knowledge of IMAP Accounts. These changes also make it impossible to migrate IMAP OST to another profile. As the matter of fact, that users need to convert Outlook OST to PST format in some situations, therefore, they required a relevant method for the same. Hence, we have come up with four methods to perform the same task.

4 Different Approaches to Change IMAP OST to PST

The availability of manual tricks makes it easy for users to convert IMAP OST to PST. These are some different strategies for the completion of this task.

Method 1: Archive

The archiving feature helps you to move almost each item of the mailbox except Contacts. Follow these steps to archive the emails:

Firstly, you need to launch MS Outlook on your device. Now, open OST file that needs to be converted into PST

Then, you are required to click on the option of File >> Info>> Cleanup tools. After this, click on Archive…

The box “Archive this folder and all subfolders” is marked by default. Do it if not.

Choose the desired folder from the given list, which you wish to migrate. For instance, Inbox

Again, on that window, there is an option as Archive items older than there. Choose a date\

Next, click on Browse and set the location to store a new PST data file. Also, provide a name to the new PST file and click on OK

A new PST file along with the location can be seen in the edit box, hit on OK to begin the actual process

After these steps, wait for some minutes till the completion of the process. Now, you can see that a new PST will consist of the archived mailbox folder from OST.

Method 2: Convert to a New PST

By Export feature, you convert OST data to a new PST in Outlook 2013 and 2016. Perform the below mentioned steps:

Firstly, launch Microsoft Outlook client on your system.

Now, you can see the displayed PST files list. This also includes the new Outlook PST file you have created before.

Click on File>>Open>>Import and then click on Next option to proceed further

Then, on Import and Export Wizard, choose Export to a file and click on Next

On a Export to file, hit on Outlook Data File (.pst) and click on Next

Similarly, on the window of Export Outlook Data File, you need to expand the OST file mentioned there.

Then, choose the folder you want to convert into PST. Click on Next option

Next, click on Browse to choose the earlier created file and click on OK

In the edit box, all the chosen PST files along with their location can be seen.

Finally, click on Finish

Method 3: Migrate Items to New PST File

This is considered to be as the effective approach to migrate the email items from Outlook OST file to PST.

Create a new PST file in the profile of Outlook

Then, drag all required mailbox folders that you want to migrate into PST

Note: It is impossible to drag the some default folders such as Calendars, Inbox, Contacts, etc. In case, you attempt for this, an error will occur showing you cannot shift default folders.

Manual Method Fails: Try a Professional Tool

Apart from all the above-mentioned methods, there is an easy, quick and trustworthy method for the conversion of Outlook 2013 IMAP OST to PST. This includes a third party utility tool helps, namely OST to PST Converter. This software can move the data in bulk without any file size limitations. It maintains the integrity of the data throughout the whole process. Moreover, it is compatible with all Windows Operating System.

Final Words

In Outlook version 2013 and 2016, there are some modifications that makes it difficult to move IMAP OST to PST, as mentioned above. Therefore, users have to face many challenges for the migration. Considering this, we have introduced 4 different methods to change IMAP OST to PST. It is recommended to go for the third party software for simple and quick conversion.

How To Repair Ms Outlook .ost Files When Its Synchronization With Exchange Server Fails?

The offline working mode feature of Microsoft Outlook makes it the most widely preferred email client. It stores its data in the OST and PST file, which comprises of emails, address book, calendar, appointments, meeting requests, etc. An Outlook OST file is a replica of the Microsoft Exchange server, which is stored on the local machine of an end user. Whenever a connection is established between Outlook and the Exchange server, the changes made in the user’s mailbox automatically gets reflected on the server.

Since the OST files are stored on local machine therefore, there are high changes of its OST corruption. The reasons for the same can be any like virus attack, synchronization problem, mailbox corruption, network issue, etc. When Outlook is unable to synchronize OST file with the Exchange server, users will definitely face an error statement. This leads to a failure situation where Outlook mailbox data is at high disaster risk. Therefore, in this blog, we are going to discuss all possible measures to restore Outlook OST to PST file when its synchronization with Exchange server fails. Lets begin!

Measures to Repair Orphaned OST File

#1 : Using scanost.exe inbuilt utility

This is a free OST file integrity checker tool, provided by Microsoft team to Outlook users. This free utility requires a proper connection between Outlook email account and the Exchange server for its working. There should not be any changes in the running Exchange mailboxes when one is utilizing scanost.exe tool. The software thoroughly scans the OST file as well as the live Exchange server, which compares all the folders and items for reconciling synchronization.

Note : The scanost.exe tool was available only up to 2007 version. All the Outlook editions from 2010 to 2016 (latest one) provides Scanpst.exe utility in place of this scanost.exe utility. But, these approaches are applicable only for minor corruption of Outlook data file. 

Following steps will be helping users to learn the way of using OST integrity checker tool : 

1. Close all the applications and processes that are related to MS Outlook 

2. Locate towards the path where this scanost.exe tool is stored 

3. Now open your Exchange account and then, double-click on scanost.exe 

4. Click on the Browse for choosing the OST file that is to be repaired 

5. Open the Options dialog box for specifying the scan log and then, click on Start for initialization of the scanning process 

6. Rescan the OST file with help of scanpst.exe utility for achieving the fully repaired OST file. This will remove errors, which were left for fixing by scanost.exe utility 

When the repairing process gets completed following screen displays. If in case, you are working with Exchange account and few email items are missing from OST file or is not getting synchronized with Exchange mailbox then, you can recreate OST file. 

#2 : Using scanpst.exe Free Tool

For Outlook 2010 and above editions, Microsoft provides an inbuilt tool i.e., scanpst.exe. This is utilized to fix less corruption from OST as well as PST files. With help of the following instructions, one will be able to deal with minor corrupted OST file :

a. Open Windows Explorer on the PC where Outlook is installed and go to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16



b. In the search box, type scanpst.exe and press Enter key



c. Right-click on this Outlook inbuilt utility and click on Run as administrator option



d. A permission dialog box will appear in which you have to choose Yes.



e. Click on the Browse button and choose the targeted OST file. Here, the corrupted OST file is to be added, select it, and hit on Open.



f. Once you have successfully loaded OST in the utility wizard, hit on Start to initiate scanning procedure.



g. Windows appears through which you will come to know that browsed OST file is corrupted or not. If no then, there is no need of repairing OST; else move to Step (h).

h. Check the checkbox of Make backup of…. and click on the Repair button. This will be fixing corruption, which is caused in header part of the OST file.

Now, take a pause for a certain time duration because this inbuilt utility will be carrying repairing procedure in 8 phases. A process completion dialog box will appear in which you have to click on OK. Now check whether your problem is resolved or not. If no then, procedure will remaining upcoming workarounds.

Learn here; Recover Outlook data files via ScanPST.exe

#3 : Recreate Outlook Offline Folder

If the above two manual methods does not works then, the only free method left is to recreate OST file. This will remove all your previous Outlook data and create a new OST file on Outlook. The following instructions will help you in recreating OST file in MS Outlook :

a. Open Control Panel on your system and click on Mail from the listed menu.



b. Click on the Show Profiles button for the further procedure.



c. Select the OST profile that is corrupted and click on Remove button.



d. Once the profile gets successfully deleted, hit on the Add button of Mail wizard. This will begin procedure of recreating OST file.

e. Continue with the steps of new Outlook profile creation and hit OK.

Conclusion

Bulk amount of third-party Export OST to PST utilities are present in the digital marketing to recover mailboxes from damaged, corrupted, or orphaned OST files. One such application is OST repair tool, which guarantees that it will be fixing all errors related to corrupted OST files. All data items like emails, tasks, contacts, calendar will be recovered by this application. The software is workable with OST file of all Outlook versions, including the latest one. Neither the Exchange server nor Outlook is required for working of this product. If the manual and free approaches fails in resolving the Outlook OST file problem then, users can go for this effective and efficient tool.