Do you want to transfer and open OST file on another computer but could not? Are you desperately in need to migrate OST file to someone else’s system but do not know how to do it? If yes, then this post is a must-read for you as it will share some useful techniques to transfer Outlook data to new computer.
Open OST File on Another Computer
Every Outlook email that is connected to Exchange Server stores its data in OST file. One interesting feature of OST file is that it can only be opened by the Outlook account that created the OST file. Still, such situations may arise when users have no other option but to open Outlook OST file on another Computer. There are ways using which users can open their OST file in another system by converting OST File to PST format. In this post, we have decided to focus on these techniques.
Read Also: Best OST to PST Converter – 2020
How to Transfer Outlook Data to Another Computer
There is a common notion among Outlook users that OST file cannot be opened in any computer apart from its native system. The statement is not completely true. Trying to open OST file on another system may result in an error message that OST file is not synchronizing with Server mailbox. Still, there are two ways that can help you access orphan OST file in a computer. Keep on reading as we will describe these methods in this section.
Method 1: Modifying Force OST Path String Value
To open OST file in a system, we have to utilize Force OST registry key to modify OST file location.
Note: Remember that this method has to be performed before adding a new account to the profile. Else, the account can be removed and added back after the settings are done. Admins can do this key setting with the help of logon script/GPO.
The ForceOSTPath key setting method is applicable in all versions of MS Outlook. Earlier in 2007 and 2003 versions of Outlook, this can use used for new profiles only. From Outlook 2010, this can be applied to any new accounts of an existing profile. The below-mentioned steps will allow users to transfer Outlook data to another computer.
Follow these steps to modify the registry key:
1. Press Windows + R keys and type regedit in the Run box.
2. Press Enter to open registry editor.
3. Navigate to the Outlook key suitable for your version:
4. Right-click on the right panel and select New>> String Value
5. Name the String Value as ForceOSTPath
6. Now, right click on the newly created string value named ForceOSTPath and select Modify.
7. Paste the OST file path in the field and click OK.
Thus, you will be able to open OST file on new computer.
Commonly Faced Issues While Applying This Method
Before you apply this technique, you must know the common limitations of this method.
- Technically inexperienced users may find this method difficult to perform.
- This method contains chances of data corruption.
- It only allows you to migrate complete OST file data.
- Issues may appear in importing attachments.
- Large sized OST files may encounter errors while getting imported.
Method 2: Transfer Outlook Data to New Computer by Converting it to PST Format
Users should have been aware by now that opening OST file in a non-native machine with a critical process. Even after the migration, there can be the problem in the data of OST file. These are the reasons, people prefer to convert OST files. As Outlook does not have any issue opening orphan or non-native PST file, this method is completely free of the drawbacks of the earlier method.
Now you may be wondering how to convert OST file into PST. There are several third-party applications in the market that does this conversion. However, we would recommend using SysTools OST to PST Converter for secure data conversion. This tool has some amazing features that put it above other programs.
Why Choose SysTools OST to PST Converter
- Converts all items of OST file into Outlook PST
- Supports batch conversion of multiple OST files
- No problem while converting email attachments
- Allows selective conversion of OST file data
- Option to convert into EML, MSG, and HTML
- No file size limitation for Outlook OST file
- Maintains folder structure and data integrity
How to Open OST File on Another Computer
It takes only four simple steps to perform conversion of OST files.
1. Add OST file into the software.
2. All items of OST file will get displayed. Select the folders you wish to convert.
3. Select PST as the destination file format.
4. Select the destination folder and click Save.
Final Words
Outlook users may need to open OST file on another computer for different reasons. This post described two different ways to transfer Outlook data in a non-native system. The method of ForceOSTPath string value is a complex one and also begets disadvantages. Users who are looking for an easy yet reliable method should choose the software mentioned in the above section. This tool will easily convert OST file into PST and then users can open the PST file without any trouble.
