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Is it Safe to Delete OST File? Working Solution Explained

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Published By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On October 22nd, 2021
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Are you concerned about Is it safe to delete OST file or what happens if you delete OST file? So don’t be concern; simply read this article to learn more about the reasons and effects of what happens if I delete OST file. First, let us define an OST file and why people desire to remove an OST file.

What is OST file?

  1. When a user adds an account to Outlook, the system immediately saves a local copy of the data. Users will be able to access previously stored email messages, calendars, and much more without the need for an internet connection.
  2. The Offline Outlook Data File is use by the majority of account types, including Office 365, Exchange accounts, and Outlook.com (OST). This file contains all of the updated Outlook data that was conduct without access to the internet. As a result, any changes made in a user’s Microsoft Outlook account are synchronize with the mail server anytime the user’s account connects to the internet.
  3. Until your internet connection is restore, no new email will sent or downloaded. Users can, however, review prior data and compose new messages, which will saved in an OST file.

Now there are two questions on users’ minds: Can I delete my OST file? Or Can I delete OST files without losing email messages?
Both of these problems are satisfactorily addressed in the article. So go ahead and investigate all of your options. But, before we get into these methods, let’s look at why the OST file needs to be delete in the first place.

Why Users Wants to Know – Is it Safe to Delete OST File?

  1. A synchronization problem is the most common reason for destroying the OST file. When Outlook fails to work as expected in this situation, users can troubleshoot by uninstalling the Outlook local copy. Some users do so, however they are unsure whether it is ok to delete OST file.
  2. When the system freezes owing to a lack of space due to an overload. This occurs owing to the huge file size of the OST file, which can also corrupt the OST file. It is preferable to erase the OST file and recreate it in this instance.
  3. Users occasionally wish to see what happens if they remove an OST file. When a user delete OST file the data can usually be recover, and the user account is then synchronized with Exchange Server.

Note: If you only deleted Emails from OST file, you can recover them with DataHelp OST Repair Tool

How to Delete an OST File Safely?

Is it safe to delete OST file? Asks a number of users. Yes, you can remove the OST file from your computer. When users delete an OST file, no data lost because it can be download again from Exchange Server. Professionals also advise that you make a backup of your offline storage file in PST format. When the user’s Outlook profile is unavailable, this will allow them to access the data.

Follow these methods to delete an OST file:

  • Exit the MS Outlook program.
  • Open the Run window from the Start Menu and search for the OST file in the run command. In the Run Window, type the following command: C:Users\UserName\AppData\Local\MicrosoftOutlook.
  • When you click OK, the OST file location will appear.
  • Click Delete on the OST file. After that, you’ll see a confirmation window that asks, “Are you sure you want to move this file to recycling bin?” If you select Yes, the file will be remove.

Once the OST file has been erase, users must reconstruct it in order for Outlook to function properly. Create a new OST file with a different pathname and synchronize it with Exchange to do this. After that, set up your Outlook account and begin working with the newly created OST file. To accomplish this, follow the steps outlined in the instructions.

The Procedure for Creating a New OST File

Check if the OST file is still available on your Outlook account after you receive the message that it was successfully deleted. Once you’ve confirmed it, proceed to the next step:

  • Exit the Microsoft Outlook software.
  • Rename the OST file that already exists.
  • When you launch Outlook again, you’ll get an error message that says the file “C:\Exchange directory\file name.ost could not be found.” Click the OK button.
  • Select Offline Folder File Settings from the Offline Folder File Settings dialogue box. Select the OK button.
  • This window can also be use to change the directory or file name of an OST file.
  • An error message will appear, stating, “The file C:\Exchange directory\ file name.ost could not be found. Would you like to create it?” Click on Yes option.
  • MS Outlook will launch in a web-based manner.
  • Navigate to the Tools menu and select Synchronize all folders.
  • In this manner, the OST file is synchronize with the Exchange Server.

Conclusion

Organizations rely heavily on email communication. Users are unable to complete their tasks if this communication channel is disrupt. Corrupting the Outlook.ost file is not an option in this scenario. As a result, we have examined the OST file, why users delete an Offline storage file, is it safe to delete an OST file, and can users remove an OST file without losing email messages in this post.