How do I delete a corrupt OST file from Outlook?

Last updated on June 9th, 2022 at 05:03 am

To reduce disk space, OST files must be deleted. The deletion of OST files must be done in advance to avoid further damage. The OST file that needs to be deleted could belong to MS Outlook platform or Exchange platform. The file can be deleted regardless of where it originated to free up disk space. Another reason to delete the file is to avoid the usual recovery process and waste of money. Your OST file may become corrupted by interruptions in synchronization due to abrupt system shutdowns, virus infections, oversized files, application errors or faulty add-ins, etc. This could lead to data inaccessibility, bad synchronization and storage problems. This file should be deleted and replaced by a new one.

Outlook: How to delete corrupt OST files

These steps will help you to deal with damaged OST files.

1. All MS Office applications, including Microsoft Outlook, must be closed.
2. Click Start to select the Run option, or press Windows button + R together.
3. Enter ‘%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook’ command in Run Window and click OK.
4. The Explorer window allows users to select an OST file that they wish to delete, right-click and choose the Delete option. You can also use the delete icon to permanently delete the OST files.
5. Also, make sure that the file is removed from the Recycle Bin. You can either empty your Recycle Bin, or you can select the OST file to delete it.
6. This is how OST files that are relevant can be effectively deleted.

Note: users can also access the Control Panel within the system and click on the Email option. Next, choose Email accounts, then switch to the Data Files tab. Select the Exchange account file, and then click Open Location. This will open the OST file location. First, close the Account Setup and Email Setup dialog boxes. Next, click on the OST file and select the Delete option.

It is very easy to delete OST files. It is much easier to create new OST files than you might think.

Steps to create new OST files

1. Restart MS Outlook. Make sure it’s online.
2. A message will pop up saying, “C:Exchange directorfile name.ost” that the Outlook file is not in good condition.
3. To close the dialog box that displays the error message, click the’OK_’ button.
4. Once you have done that, the Offline File Settings will open. To close the dialog box, click OK.
5. Next, a dialog box will ask you to create a new OST. To continue, click Yes.
6. Go to Tools > Synchronize all Folders.
7. New OST files will also be created.

After this, Outlook can be used offline mode. After the OST files are synchronized, any changes made to them will be automatically updated when the network connection becomes available.

Note: The disadvantage to the method of deleting OST files and recreating them is that they won’t update or download unsynchronized data which were added before corruption or by fixing synchronization issues.

The Mailbox Cleanup feature can reduce the size of your.ostfie. To view the total mailbox size, click View Mailbox Size. Next, select the OST folders and use the Remove option. Navigate to Tools>Account Setting. Click on Microsoft Exchange Server, then click on Modify and finally click on Additional Settings. Click on the Offline File Settings option. To reduce the file’s size, click on the Compress Now link.

Professional Solution

Before deleting OST files, users should try to compact them. Compaction of OST files can also help to save disk space. It is recommended that convert OST to PST or other file formats in order to move forward more efficiently and securely. This allows you to back up your OST files, and also saves disk space. You can convert OST files easily and quickly using the best tool available. Advanced filters can be used to make data selections in the OST mailbox. This tool doesn’t require access to any email client or server. The tool can perform simple, automated conversions without affecting the hierarchy or structure. It is ideal for OST file backup to PST format file format or any other desired destination, and recovery of inaccessible OST files. It’s easy to use!