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Open OST File on Another Computer System – Best Methods

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Published By Ashwani Tiwari
Tej Pratap Shukla
Approved By Tej Pratap Shukla
Published On February 14th, 2024
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Do you want to open OST file on another computer but could not? Are you looking for a solution to transfer Outlook data to new computer, but do not know how to do it? If yes, then you should read this post, in which we will discuss some manual tricks to access the OST file.

Every Outlook mail is connected to the Exchange Server that can save its entire data in OST file format. The best thing about an OST file is that it can be only accessed by Microsoft Outlook that creates the OST file. At certain times, such situations might arise when the user does not have another option but to access their OST file on some other system.

There are different ways by which the users can open their Outlook data on another system by converting OST files to some other format. Therefore, in the upcoming section, we are going to discuss all manual techniques that will help to open OST file on a new computer system.

Attachments contain a lot of basic content, and sometimes only one attachment is attached to an email. Therefore, this Microsoft OST Reader Software displays emails OST files with related attachments. In addition, users can easily view OST file attachments, such as images, files, documents, etc.

Free Download

Need to Transfer Outlook Data to Another Computer

Consider the following scenario that will help to understand how to access OST File on a different machine. Let us have a look:

Let’s suppose your company is relocating you to another department, and you are not permitted to copy data from your current department system. To do this, you want to access your entire emails and other crucial information, then how would you do that, or how to get your old emails in a new computer system. In order to read about the orphaned OST file, you can use a third-party tool or migrate your OST file to the desired format that is accessible and readable without a server dependency.

How to Open OST File on Another Computer?

There is the most common situation among Outlook users that .ost file cannot be opened in any PC apart from the local system. This statement is not exactly true. In fact, when users try to move Outlook data to a new computer might cause an error message that Outlook OST not synchronizing with the server mailbox. Yet, there are two different ways that will help a user to access the orphaned .ost file on- the computer. Follow these workarounds as such:

Technique 1: Change OST File Path String Value

To open the OST file on a new computer system, users have to use the Force OST registry key to change the OST file location.

Note: Make sure that this manual technique has to be performed before adding a new email account to the profile. Otherwise, this account can be deleted or added back after all the settings are done. An administrator can execute this key setting with the logon script/GPO.

The ForceOSTPath key setting solution is applicable in all Outlook versions. Earlier in Outlook 2007 and 2003, this can be used for a new account only. From MS Outlook 2010, this can be applied to any other account of an existing profile. Follow the below-described steps that will allow a user to migrate Outlook data to another computer. Some of the steps are mentioned in which users have to modify the registry key:

1) First of all, Press Windows key + R together and type regedit in the Run box
2) Then, click Enter key to open the registry editor
3) Next, go to the Outlook key that is suitable for your version:

4) Right-click on the panel and select New and then, String Value
5) Now, specify the name of String Value as ForceOSTPath
6) Right-click on the newly created string value known as ForceOSTPath and choose Modify
7) Finally, paste the desired location of OST file in the field and press OK button

Now, users can easily open OST file on new computer system after performing the above steps.

Challenges Faced While Using This Manual Approach

Before users can apply this approach, they must know these common constraints of this method:

  • Lack of technical skills may create a hassle to transfer Outlook data
  • This manual method contains the number of chances of data corruption.
  • It only permits the users to migrate the complete Outlook OST data file.
  • Some problems may appear while importing the attachments.
  • The large-sized .ost file may encounter few errors while getting imported

Technique 2: Reliable Tool to Transfer OST File

To overcome such limitations of the manual approach, users can opt for an automated
and reliable solution named as PCVITA OST Converter. It is designed in such a way to transfer all OST files to PST format in bulk. Moreover, it is capable enough to move Outlook data to new computers like emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, journals, etc. It has a user-friendly interface that even a non-technical user can use it without taking external help.

Steps to Open OST File on Another Computer

Perform the listed steps and easily open OST file on another computer.

Step 1: – Buy and Install the utility on your system

Download Software
Windows OS
Buy Software Now
(100% Secure)

Step 2:  – Browse OST file in software panel and preview complete data

Open OST File on Another Computer System

Step 3: – Select PST radio button and export complete data

PST Option

Step 4: – Carry it to your new computer and launch Microsoft Outlook. Use the Import/Export feature.

Final Words

Due to various reasons, many Outlook users may want to access their OST file on some other system. Thus, in this blog, we have explained a manual procedure that will help to convert or open OST file on another computer.

But, sometimes, this approach is very lengthy and time-consuming. Therefore, many users are looking for a trusted solution that can overcome the limitation of the manual approach. Thus, in the above section, we have suggested a prominent tool that helps to move multiple .ost files into .pst format without any trouble.

  author

By Ashwani Tiwari

I am an Expert Technical Analyst, specialized in assisting users with complex technological challenges. Through my blogs and articles, I offer expert guidance to help tackle these technical issues effectively. My true passion lies in providing valuable insights and simplifying complicated technicalities, enhancing user understanding and confidence.