In this guide, we have discussed two important methods to Import Orphaned OST File to Exchange Server: By using Microsoft Outlook and by using advanced software solution. The Outlook method involves using the import/export feature, which is ideal for transferring emails from an active Outlook profile to an Exchange mailbox. However, this approach can be time-consuming and may not work with orphaned OST files.
For a more comprehensive solution, especially for orphaned OST Files, professional OST Converter software is recommended. These tools are designed to convert OST files into PST format, which can then be imported into Exchange mailboxes so easily.
Different Causes of Orphaned OST Files
There are several possibilities of having an OST file orphaned .There are few discussed below:
- Loss of Connection: An OST file becomes orphaned when the connection to the Exchange server is lost, preventing synchronization.
- Mailbox Deletion: Deleting a mailbox from the Exchange server causes the OST file to become orphaned and incompatible with Outlook.
- Account Deletion: Removing a Microsoft account leaves the OST file orphaned and unusable with Outlook.
- File Corruption: Hardware issues, malware, or software problems can corrupt an OST file, making it orphaned.
- Automatic Upgradation: Upgrading Exchange server, Outlook, or the operating system can orphan the OST file.
- Input Error: Accidentally deleting the Exchange account in Outlook or moving the OST file can cause orphaning.
Solution 1: Methods for importing OST into Exchange
As mentioned, you need to convert the OST file to PST to import the OST mailbox data into Exchange or follow the steps below to manually import a PST file from your Outlook account or use WebbyAcad Converter for OST to convert OST File to Live Exchange.
To import OST mailbox data into an Exchange server, converting the OST file to PST is a necessary step. There are two primary methods to accomplish this:
Step 1: Manual Export Using Outlook:
- Open Microsoft Outlook account and click to the 'File' tab.
- Then, Select 'Open & Export' button and then choose 'Import/Export’ option.
- In the Import and Export Wizard, choose 'Export to a file' option and then click 'Next.'
- After that, Select 'Outlook Data File (.pst)' and choose the mail folders you wish to export and click next.
- Specify a location to save the PST file and complete the export process. This method is ideal for active Outlook profiles but may not work for orphaned OST files.
- Then check “Replace duplicate with items imported” and click Finish.
- Enter a password, it is upto user whether they wants to use it or not, otherwise click OK.
This will export the mailbox items stored in your Outlook OST file to PST.
Step 2: Import the Outlook Data File into Exchange
After following this guide on how to import Exchange Mailbox and import it into PST, you can now import the PST file into Exchange server.
Method 2: Import OST into Exchange by Using Professional Converter for OST
Use WebbyAcad OST Converter software to import OST directly into Exchange Server to avoid many steps. This software also allows you to import orphaned OST files into Exchange in just a few clicks. In addition, you can also choose to convert and save the OST file in PST, MBOX, DBX, MSG, EML, HTML, CSV, RTF, PDF formats or export to Office 365 and Outlook accounts as well.
Following are the useful steps to take for importing OST Files directly into Exchange Server:
- Download and launch setup of WebbyAcad OST Converter Tool on computer system.
- Click on Add button and select the OST File having extension .ost
- Double click on given folder mail to see the preview of all the mails attached to it and click on “Next”.
- After clicking “Next”, Select only the mailbox items that you want to import into Exchange .
- For that, Click on sign in button, it will automatically redirect user to the Microsoft login page, from where user have to fill the login details, and select live exchange account.
- Click ‘OK’ to start the import process
You can log in to your Outlook account on the Exchange server where you imported the OST file and see the data from the imported OST mailbox in your profile.
In conclusion:
OST files cannot be imported directly into Exchange without using advanced software like WebbyAcad OST File Converter software and it also supports importing OST data into Office 365 accounts or existing Outlook profiles. Additionally, the batch conversion feature allows for converting multiple OST files to PST at once. It also offers options to extract, compact, and save attachments separately, helping to keep the PST file size manageable and reducing the risk of corruption. This makes WebbyAcad OST Converter Tool a versatile and efficient tool for managing and migrating OST files.