How to Solve Outlook OST File Too Large Issue

Summary: In this article, we illustrated all about the OST files and the key reason why an Outlook OST file too large error occurs. Also explained the possible manual and the automated techniques available to resolve this issue. Additionally, we have also introduced the third-party OST File Recovery tool, which eases the process of overcoming Outlook OST file errors that are too big. Let’s start this blog before discussing the techniques. Let’s briefly discuss an overview regarding an OST file format. Download Now   Purchase Now

An Introduction Regarding OST File Format

OST stands for the Offline Storage Table, which is considered to be a replica of the Microsoft Exchange Mailbox. OST files are stored on the end-user system when cached exchange mode is enabled. This file format stores all the work in an offline mode and whenever Outlook undergoes an online mode, the information gets updated online. However, at regular intervals, the server gets synced automatically.

Additionally, users can work in offline mode even with a weak and very slow server network connection by using an OST file.

Reasons Behind This Outlook OST File Too Large Error

The Offline Storage file contains all the mailbox data accumulated since day one when the account was created. Since then, OST files have grown larger to display this specific issue, and none of the mailbox data pieces have been removed. The Outlook OST file is too big because it contains the components like:-

• It contains Hidden items.
• Favorites
• Mailbox items such as emails, contacts, journals, events, to-do lists, etc.
• The Shared folders are associated with an additional mailbox or Exchange account.

What are the Problems that Occur Due to Outlook OST File Too Large Errors?

Multiple problems arise in Outlook due to this OST file being too big an error. Some of the issues are:-

• It becomes difficult for users to add data to the existing Exchange Server emails.
• There are chances of multiple Glitches and pauses in Outlook.
• Sometimes an Outlook OST email document becomes inaccessible, or it becomes difficult to open an OST file.
• Users can face errors during the synchronization process.
• It becomes challenging to fix synchronization issues between the MS Exchange server and the OST file.

Reduce the Size of the OST File of an Outlook to Fix the Error Message

By using an Outlook application constantly there is a moment when an OST file gets piles up by a consistent gathering of mailbox data, and there comes a time when it becomes huge in size and starts causing errors and problems. Additionally, there becomes a compulsion to fix these issues to ensure the proper functioning of the mailboxes and systems.

Also, due to the oversized Outlook email file, it becomes inaccessible, and there are chances that all the data of OST and PST can get corrupted. Here we are going to explain the multiple techniques to fix these types of issues and resolve the error OST files too large.

Technique 1: Manual Technique to Resolve Outlook OST File Too Large

We have explained three different manual techniques in order to resolve a compressed OST file error. Go for each technique mentioned below in the proper stepwise procedure:-

Method 1: Compacting Outlook Mailbox Data by Reducing the Size of the OST File

Users can reduce the size of their Outlook emails (.ost) via the built-in Outlook utility. Kindly look for the below-mentioned steps to compact the Outlook email file and resolve the OST file too-large error.

1. The user can delete the OST file items they no longer need in the future.
2. Now, navigate to the folder-list view and click on the folder-list icon at the bottom of the navigation table. Another way to achieve this is by using the Ctrl+6 keys.
3. Tap on the File icon in the Outlook menu bar. Go to Account settings and choose Account settings.
4. In the menu bar hit on the Data files. Choose the data file you want to compact and hit on settings.
5. Further, a new dialogue box will appear. Hit on the Advanced Tab and then on Outlook Data File Settings.
6. In the new dialogue box of Outlook data file settings, hit Compact Now and then OK.

Method 2: Turning-Off all the Add-ins Enabled

There can be the chance that Add-ins disrupt the normal functioning of the MS Outlook. So, disabling them is a better option. Follow the procedure mentioned below to disable add-ins and Outlook OST files to Large issues efficiently.

1. Run an Outlook. Go to the File menu. Among the options, click on Add-ins.
2. In the Manage option of Add-in, which is at the bottom, choose the COM Add-ins and hit Go.
3. Select or disable the Add-ins that are not in use and hit the OK option.

Method 3: Using Auto Archiving for Large OST File Data

Auto Archiving might be a good alternative, as it will decrease Outlook data file size limits and help manage mailbox data. By doing this, the server space occupied by OSTfiles will be cleared, minimizing the likelihood of error Outlook OST files being too large.

1. In Outlook, Navigate to the File tab and then cleanup tools. Choose the mailbox cleanup option.
2. Further, you are provided with two options:
3. Transfer the older mailbox items to an archive folder by clicking the Auto Archive option.
4. Hit Empty for deleting items in the deleted items folder.

Overall, the manual method is a bit tedious to implement. Although this method might work for some users, and for others it may not work. Also, if there is large corruption in the Outlook files, there is a high risk of data loss. Even if users delete OST files, they may get corrupted again. So, it is better for users to recover the OST File to prevent further corruption of the mailbox data. Users can prevent these conditions by using the best professional software.

Moving further, let’s discuss this utility in more detail further.

Technique 2: Professional Technique to Fix Outlook OST File Too Large Error

Outlook often faces a problem with corruption issues in OST files. Some common reasons for corruption are due to exceeding file size & synchronization problems. In order to restore a corrupted OST file, you need a utility to repair the file and avoid unwanted data loss. OST File Recovery Software is one of the tools that helps to recover data from all corrupt OST files. Additionally, users can restore all the mailbox data from the Outlook Offline data file (.ost) into multiple different file formats, such as it can easily converting OST to PDF, PST, MSG, and many more. You can also fix Outlook error 0x80072f06 code. A free demo version of this tool is also available online, and users can download it and learn how it works.

Proceeding further, let’s discuss the stepwise instructions of this tool in detail.

Stepwise Instructions For This Professional Software

1. Download and Run the OST File Recovery Software on your device.
2. Click on the Open button and Select the OST file from which you need to recover the emails. Choose the Recovery Mode (Standard, Advanced, Deep) as per the need and hit OK.
3. The utility will scan the selected OST file. Also, you can preview the content of the emails in between the recovery process. Further, hit on the Save Snapshot option to save the snapshot of recovered emails.
4. Next, hit the Export button to save the emails of OST files in the .html extension.
5. Further, tick the folder from the listed tree structure click the Save button, and select the path to save the output files. Next, select the Save as PST option and other in-built features as per the need and hit the OK option to initiate the process.

Conclusion

Through this write-up, it is clear that by using the manual procedure we can easily overcome the Outlook OST file too large error. However, the manual method is quite lengthy, and time-consuming, and should require basic technical knowledge in order to implement. Otherwise, there is a chance that OST data corruption can occur in Outlook. However, in order to prevent such a scenario, users are recommended to use professional software to successfully recover the OST data into multiple other file formats. For example, it can convert OST to PDF file format and many more. Also, this utility is one of the most secure and efficient solutions. Hence, by using this tool, users can easily resolve the “OST file too large” issue in a hassle-free manner.

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