Is your OST file becoming difficult to handle due to its size? You might be looking for ways to move OST file to another drive. An OST (Offline Storage Table) file is a locally saved copy of your Outlook email data, allowing you to access emails even you are not connected to internet or offline. Moving an OST file can be a challenging task, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
In this blog, we will discuss detailed methods and steps to move your OST file to another location without any hassle.
Methods to Move OST File to Another Drive
There are many methods that a user can use to move OST to another drive effectively.
#1. Add New ForceOSTPath Registry
To change the location of your OST file, we will be using an in-built function of the computer, the command prompt. This is one of the easiest methods to perform the shifting process. But to perform it, you must remember the following points.
- Your account should not be logged in.
- The command prompt is started with the administrator’s permission.
- You can add your profile after configration.
Steps to Set the Registry Key
- First, open the command prompt (press window + R), type regedit, then click OK.
- Now, browse to the Outlook key from the list below.
Outlook Version | Key |
Outlook 2003 | Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook |
Outlook 2007 | Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook |
Outlook 2010 | Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook |
Outlook 2013 | Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook |
Outlook 2016 | Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook |
- Next, create a new String value named ForceOSTPath.
- Then, right-click on ForceOSTPath and select modify.
- After that, you need to paste the below-mentioned path into the path field/variables.
#2. Creating a New Profile on Outlook to Move OST File to Another Drive
Another method to move OST file to another location just by creating a new Outlook profile and setting it up to the new destination. Go with the below steps to perform the process.
- First, you need to copy your existing OST file to another location.
- Then, go to the control panel and search Mail.
- After that, tap on Show Profile and choose the Add button.
- Next, Enter a profile name and hit OK.
- Now, type the Email account credentials that you want to set up with the new Outlook Profile.
- Click Next and tap on Change account settings.
- Search More Settings and open the Accounts section.
- Choose Outlook Data File Settings.
- Finally, click the browse button to select the path and hit OK.
#3. Disable Cached Exchange Mode Move Outlook OST Data Files to Another Drive
Disabling the cached exchange mode will also help you to move OST file to another drive. Follow the mentioned steps to perform the method.
- Run the Outlook application on your device.
- Go to File → Info → “Account Settings”.
- Now, choose the Account Settings from the drop-down list.
- Next, open the data file tab and tap on settings.
- After that, go to the Advanced setting tab and disable the Use Cached Exchange Mode by unchecking its option.
- Then, select Disable Offline Use and then browse the OST file path and tap OK.
- Finally, tap the checkbox to enable the Use Cached Exchange Mode.
All the above-mentioned methods can move Outlook OST Data files to another Drive. You should be careful while performing these methods because OST’s are crucial files, a single flaw can corrupt the file.
Don’t worry, if anything happens by mistake, or if you have any corrupt OST files. You can use the OST File Recovery Tool, which can recover your corrupted files without losing any important data like email messages, folders, notes, and calendars. Once the recovery is completed, you can use it. But to access it, you need to change it to PST file format to do so. You need to get help from the OST to PST Converter that can convert OST files into PST as well as many other file formats.
Conclusion
This blog has shown multiple methods to move OST File to another Drive. Moving OST files from one drive to another drive can be important in many scenarios like when your drive is running short of space, transitioning between organizations, ensuring offline access to emails, etc. In case of any file corruption of OST, the user can use the OST file recovery tool to help recover any corrupted OST files. To convert an OST file, you can use an OST to PST converter, which can convert OST files in many file formats, including PST.
Also Read: Import OST Files To Gmail Accounts