How to Move OST File to Another Drive? Easy Ways

Offline Storage Table or OST is an offline Outlook data file. It stores all the Exchange, Office 365 (Microsoft 365), Outlook.com, and IMAP mail items. This allows users to work offline and synchronize changes with the Exchange server when the network connection is restored.

A Personal Storage Table or PST file is commonly referred to as a personal folder file. It stores all your POP3 email, contacts, calendar, and other data. Unlike OST, PST is a famous format for backup and migration.

Reasons to Move OST File to Another Drive

Generally, there are four main reasons to convert an OST file to another drive

• You may want to back up your mail items from email accounts to save them from data loss and data corruption.
• If you need to move to a new institution that uses another email system. You may not be able to access your old OST file on the new system.
• Need to move OST to another drive when your Exchange server crashes or becomes corrupted. In such a case, the OST becomes unable to access.
• Converting the OST to PST format can help you access the OST file. If your mail profile or account is deleted from the server.

How Can I Move an OST File to Another Drive?

Here, we will define ways to move OST file to another drive.

#1. Using ForceOSTPath

The easiest way to move the location of Outlook OST files is by selecting the ForceOST registry key. Nonetheless, you should do this before adding the account to your profile.

1. First, press the Windows key + R to open the Run command.
2. Type regedit in the Open run command and press Enter to open the registry editor.
3. Then, go to the Outlook key based on your version:

For Outlook 2016:

• Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook
• Value Name: ForceOSTPath

For Outlook 2013:

• Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook
• Value Name: ForceOSTPath

For Outlook 2010:

• Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook
• Value Name: ForceOSTPath

For Outlook 2007:

• Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook
• Value Name: ForceOSTPath

1. Next, create a new string value “ForceOSTPath”.
2. Right-click on ForceOSTPath and choose Modify.
3. Last, select the desired location in the field and press Enter

Make sure to replace “Full path you want to use” with the exact path where you want to store the OST files.

#2. Using Symbolic Links or Junction Points

You can use Symbolic Links or Junction Points to shift the path of the .ost file or folder. Keep these measures to move Outlook OST file to another drive:

1. Move the .ost file format to its new location. The default location is %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook.
2. Then, open Command Prompt as Administrator
3. Use the mklink command: mklink “C:\old-path” “D:\New path”. Replace “C:\old-path” with the actual path and “D:\New path”.

#3. Move OST File to Another drive and Recreate the Account

You are advised to follow these steps to convert OST file to another drive and recreate the account.

1. Transfer your existing .ost file format to the new location
2. Afterward, open the Control Panel and go to Mail.
3. Then, remove the account from your profile.
4. Subsequently, click on New to add the account again.
5. Now, enter your username and password.
6. Click on More Settings, then go to the Advanced section.
7. Further, click Browse to find the .ost file you moved.
8. If you’re creating a new .ost file, select the new location.
9. Lastly, click OK to save your advanced settings, then restart Outlook.

Change location .OST files can be tricky and problematic. If you make an error, the file might become inaccessible. An OST file can also become orphaned if you can’t access your live mailbox regularly.

#4. Professional Software to Convert OST to PST

There are several known automated applications available that convert OST files to PSTs. If you want to avoid data loss or corruption, make sure you use a trusted tool with favorable evaluations. We recommend MigrateEmails OST to PST Converter Tool. It provides online services and allows you to convert your OST file to a PST file without losing data. It is a trustable Online OST to PST Converter Software for Outlook. To change location .ost  file you will find it helpful.

Steps to move OST file to another drive Online:

1. Download and run the MigrateEmails OST to PST Converter tool.
2. Opt for the Single File/Multiple File option and click the Next
3. Choose the Select Files option. Select the required OST file.
4. The selected OST file will be displayed in the list.
5. Select your Outlook mailbox folder from the preview section.
6. Expand the Save/Backup/Migrate option & select the PST file format.
7. Select the remaining parameters and click Convert.

Conclusion

OST to PST conversion is an everyday need of Microsoft Outlook users. While there are free methods to move OST file to another drive. And you already know the disadvantages and risks involved in them. If you encounter any errors during the conversion you can’t solve it completely with the help of a manual procedure. You can use the Professional/Automated Converter for OST to convert single or multiple OST files to PST format simultaneously. This software converts your files with complete integrity and precision. You can also export the OST to Microsoft 365 and Live Exchange Server using the Professional/Automated Converter for OST software.

Also Read: How to Convert Contacts From OST to vCard? 

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Kiran Sharma

I am Kiran Sharma, a Technical Expert in Content writing. I have technical expertise in the field of Email Backup, Data Recovery, and Email Migration, and resolve technical queries related to Cloud Backup or Email Migration for individuals and businesses.

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