The Ideal OST to Office 365 Migration Strategy

Nowadays, with growing popularity of digital market among all users, the mode of cross-communication is online. There are a specified number of platforms or email programs to share email messages, text, meetings, etc. Each mail client has its own file extension to save the data. OST is one such format, which belongs to Microsoft Outlook. However, the main challenge comes when users want to move OST file to Office 365 suite. The need arises in the same way because of many professional or personal reasons. Some users want to save emails in Office 365 so that they can easily access the data at any time. As MS Office 365 is a cloud-based application, developed by Microsoft. It is a secure place where users can save their crucial data. To know challenges faced by end users let us consider the following query: 

“I have been working on MS Outlook for a long time. Nevertheless, now I have decided to import OST file to Office 365. I have searched so many methods, but I was unable to find any suitable approach. Therefore, I am looking for a solution to convert OST to Office 365.” 

Outlook OST to Office 365 Migration Manually

There is no direct approach that can export OST messages into Office 365 account. Henceforth, first users need to convert OST to PST file and then, import PST files into O365 suite. This process is categorized into two steps:

Step 1: Move OST File to PST Format

To import OST file to PST format there are several methods available that users can use. All these methods are broadly categorized as:

1. Create New PST File & copy OST in it
2. Use Archive feature of Microsoft Outlook
3. Use Export feature of Microsoft Outlook

Create New Outlook data file & save OST file in it 

1). First, launch MS Outlook mail client
2). Now, create a new PST file in Outlook
3). Copy the desired mailbox folders and paste it into the PST file

Use Archive Feature of MS Outlook 

a). Open Outlook application, click on File menu and choose Archive option 

b). After this, select the particular file or folder
c). Browse the desired location where you want to store all archived files and click OK
d). In the last step, you can directly create the archive files

Note: One can directly transfer OST file to PST except all contacts, by using this manual approach.

Use Export feature of MS Outlook 

a). Open MS Outlook and click on Export button from the File menu
b). Select Export to a file option and then, click Next button
c). Then, select Personal File Folder (PST) option and press Next
d). Now, choose the specific folder which you want to convert (make sure this option “include subfolders” is enabled)
e). Eventually, provide a specific path where to store migrated files. Click on Finish to complete the entire task

Note: This method only works when users account is connected with MS Exchange Server.

Step 2: Upload PST to Shared Mailbox Office 365 

To import PST file into Office 365 suite manually one can use any of the techniques as discussed below:
a). Upload OST File to Office 365 via Azure AzCopy.
b). Download & install Azure Azcopy and then, copy SAS URL too(SAS URL will only provide the permission to transfer PST to Azure).
c). Now, upload Outlook data files (PST) into Office 365 account successfully.
d). You can view all the uploaded PST files to complete the process.
e). You can also generate a new PST import mapping (CSV) file.
f). Finally, you can create Outlook PST import job in Office 365 profile.

Import PST to O365 using Drive shipping 

a). Copy a PST file in the BitLocker-encrypted hard drive
b). Next, you can export a drive to Microsoft physically
c). When Microsoft receives a flash drive, the personal data also start uploading the received PST files into a temporary folder in Microsoft cloud
d). Finally, users can use an Import service of MS Office 365 for converting PST files to Office 365 suite.

Professional Way to Migrate Offline OST Data to Office 365 

In case, if the above solution gets fail then, users can use trusted third-party tool i.e., OST to Office 365 Converter. It is designed in such a way to regain all items i.e., emails, calendars, contacts from Outlook OST file. It also ensures to keep all metadata remain intact without any data loss. It has an easy-to-use interface that even a native user can understand the working of this software more clearly. 

Final Words 

In the above-discussion, we have explained manual method to let users understand the ideal OST to Office 365 migration strategy. Along with this, we have suggested one of the best solutions i.e., OST to Office 365 Converter that will help to export OST file to Office 365 effectively.

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How to Fix OST Corruption Issues, which Restricts Send/Receive Emails?

Microsoft Outlook is popularly used email client globally because it allows users to work in an offline mode. In addition, when Microsoft Outlook is connected to Exchange Server, entire mailbox data is stored locally in the system also in Offline Storage Table (OST) file format. It is basically used as a replica of Exchange mailbox as it maintains complete records of the account stored on the server on the local machine. However, the main purpose of this OST file is to let users continue their work even in the server downtime due to any reason. Any changes done in offline mode gets updated automatically to Exchange Server whenever the connection is established again.

But, there are some circumstances in which a user encounter errors while using Exchange mailbox data via Offline OST file. Improper synchronization between the Outlook and Exchange is the main cause of such errors. However, if there is an error in Outlook OST file, then it will also create a problem in mailbox access. Thus, this blog will let users know how to resolve OST error 0x8004010F that restricts send/ receive emails.

All Possible Reasons Behind OST Error 0x8004010F

OST file is very prone to corruption due to various reasons. For example, file size limit exceeds virus attacks, accidental shutdown cause corruption etc. As it is clear that these are the most common reason behind damaged OST file, but there can be some human-generated errors also. Sometimes, while sending or receiving emails via MS Outlook, users encounter following error:

"0x8004010F: Outlook data file cannot be accessed"
or
"0x8004010F: The operation failed. An object could not be found"

However, these two are the MAPI error and it always occurs at the time of offline address book synchronization during send/ receive operation. Some of the major reasons behind this error are:

Corruption in Outlook OST file

1. Improper setup or damaged Outlook profile
2. The default location of OST file is changed on the local machine
3. After upgrading, you have copied old OST file used by older Outlook version

This 0x8004010F error code will prevent users from sending and receiving emails from Microsoft Outlook. Thus, solving this error will be the first priority in order to regain access to Outlook mailbox data.

Different Tricks to Resolve Send/ Receive Emails Error in Outlook

There are various possible ways in which a user can repair damaged OST file in Outlook. Thus, to know about the same, follow the section below:

Trick #1: Change Message Delivery Location

In order to repair inaccessible OST file, a user is suggested to follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook application on the local machine
2. Navigate to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings option
3. Then, click on the Change Folder option and simply expand it is by clicking on the + sign given just adjacent to it
4. Now, choose the Inbox folder and click on the New Folder option in order to create a new temp or temporary folder. Enter the name and click on OK button.
5. Next, you have to choose the folder. Which is recently created by you. Click on the OK button. 

6. Now, the location is changed and it will show you the new folder location.
7. After this, change the temporary folder back to its original location. For this, click on the Change Folder again.
8. Choose the Inbox and click on OK again.
9. Exit the Account Settings and click on the Send/Receive button.

Trick #2: Use Scanpst.exe Tool
Microsoft provides a free utility named as Inbox Repair Tool or scanpst.exe to repair Outlook OST and PST file. It scans the OST file and locates if there is any issue with it or not. In addition, it tries to repair the damaged OST file also. But it is capable to repair only minor level of corruption from OST file. In the case of severely corrupted OST file, a user is advised to look for some alternative.

Trick #3: Using Third-party Software
If any of the above methods is unable to repair severely corrupted OST file, then a user is advised to use some third-party tool named as OST Repair software. The application is designed to fix all corruption issues of OST file of Microsoft Outlook in just a few simple clicks. This tool will allow users to fix all OST file error code, including 0x8004010F that results in Send/ Receive error. In the case of badly damaged OST file, the software will perform an advance scan on it and repair it. Apart from this, it recovers all data items stored inside the Outlook OST file without any hassle. Moreover, a user can easily use this application on any version of Microsoft Windows OS.

Conclusion
If a user is not able to send or receive emails from Microsoft Outlook mailbox, then it is only because of corruption in OST file. It starts generating error code 0x8004010F, which is hard to resolve using manual procedure. Thus, to remove OST corruption issues, which restricts send/ receive emails via a third-party tool suggested above.

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Restoring Outlook Emails From an OST After Deleting the Mailbox

The complete blog provides users with a method to restore Outlook Email messages from the respective folder. It even offers users with a way to recover the deleted items when MS Outlook works in a stand-alone mode or if connected to MS Exchange Server. It even provides the users with a method to recover data from OST to PST file if those files are inaccessible. 

Detailed Summary- Recover Outlook Emails

Deleting the messages from MS Outlook Mailbox Folders is a problem that can occur either accidentally or intentionally. As, we all are aware that Outlook uses PST as the proprietary file format for storing large volume business and the personal data e.g. Mails, address books, calendars, journals etc. Data deletion is broadly divided to two classes: Soft Deletion, Hard Deletion. Soft deletion is also defined as if the data is deleted from any mailbox folder like Inbox, Drafts, Address Books, and Sent Items. This is called soft deletion as the data can be recovered easily and it is possible to restore Outlook Deleted Mailboxes and then put them to the deleted items folder. If the items are permanently deleted, then it is referred as Hard Deletion. Hard Deletion can be done by pressing Shift+Delete Key together. The basic question that arises is it possible to recover deleted data from Outlook Mailbox Folder? So, let’s explore the answer for this query: 

In case if data is temporarily deleted, then it can restore using following steps but the recovery method depends on the edition of MS Outlook installed in it.

For recovering deleted emails in Outlook 2016. Go through the steps mentioned below:

Go to Email Folder list >> Delete Items Folder
Deleted items are previewed on right pane
Highlight messages to be restored in a specific folder & Right Click on it
Click Move>> Select Other Folder from the previewed list on the system
List of folders is displayed in Move the selected items to folder selection >> select folder>> Click Ok

All the desired messages are restored to Inbox folder. As there is less chance of data safety and more problem is that it is not necessary that the data is recovered and the file does not become inaccessible. In this way, the best method is the usage of any expert solution for restoring deleted data from Outlook Mailboxes. 

Tip: The above-mentioned method is applicable only for Outlook 2016 and varies with other Outlook editions.

Mentioned below are few steps through which the deleted emails can be recovered in Outlook 2007.Select folder from where you need to restore the deleted items

1. Choose Tools >> Recover Deleted Items
2. A pop-up is displayed showing recently deleted items from selected folders
3. Select email messages to be restored & Select Recover Selected Items Option
4. Select multiple Mail messages and hold Ctrl Key on restored items

Tip: In case the folder comprising of mails is unknown, then in that case, you need to repeat the procedure for every mailbox.

Outlook recovers deleted mail items from the deleted item folder after closing the program. To stop and prevent the automatic deletion from Deleted Items Folder, Follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Click File Tab>> Options>> Advanced
2. In Outlook start and Exit section, uncheck the empty deleted item folder while closing Outlook
3. Click on Ok and save the changes made in recent folder
4. Recover deleted Items Through Scanost.exe while Present in Exchange Environment

There is no way through which the hard deleted data can be restored. So, making a prejudice that scanost.exe will restore deleted mailbox in Outlook is completely useless. But, if MS Outlook is configured with Exchange Server, the probability is that we can get back the permanently deleted data via Dumpster feature if the files are in retention period. By retention period we mean the time period in which the files are kept before deleting them permanently. But there are many policies through which the data can be retained for more than 15 days. Till this time, the files can be recovered till this time and afterward the files are permanently deleted. This property also helps users to restore corrupted Outlook emails. 

Drawbacks of Manual Way of Restoring Mailboxes in Outlook

Though, both the inbuilt utilities are strong enough to recover deleted mailboxes in Microsoft Outlook. But, it is quite difficult to restore mailbox if deleted permanently. This creates problems for the users as they cannot completely rely on the built-in utilities for restoring Outlook Mailboxes. In such cases, a third party utility is the best possible way to recover the mailboxes. So, by our opinion, OST Repair is the best-suited approach to restore the deleted mailboxes. The tool has many incredible features that it can even recover the corrupted OST files. In addition to it, the tool has a brilliant interface that makes it compatible with all Outlook editions be it newer or the earlier ones. 

The Way Forward
To retrieve Outlook Mailbox data items, the users can try the manual approach for resolving entire issue. But, sometimes going manual does not resolve the problems. So, in such cases, the best way out is an automated solution for resolving the problems. So, the users should try Outlook OST to PST Software if they want to restore their data items. The users can completely rely on the tool in terms of recovery. The tool has a credibility to resolve all the issues and does not let a single bit of loss in information.

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Why Outlook Crashing, Hanging and Freezing

Is your Outlook is crashing, hanging, and freezing? Have you tried any method to fix this issue? If yes and nothing works, then this blog is for you only. This is because we are going to learn several methods to fix this issue along with an impeccable trick. However, it is important to know the exact reasons behind the error. 

Reason behind Outlook Crashing or Freezing 

Microsoft Outlook is a used in various organizations for the maintenance and exchange of crucial information. It stores the files in PST format and with the increasing popularity of Outlook; the issues with it are growing too. One of the major factors behind this is the damage in PST file. Once the file gets unhealthy or corrupted, it starts displaying certain errors according to the edition of Outlook. 

Errors 

a). Outlook 2013 crashes on startup 

b). Outlook 2013 crashes on startup even in safe mode 

c). Outlook 2013 crashes when opening 

d). Outlook 2010 crashes when opening 

e). Outlook freezes when opening 

f). Outlook freezes after startup, etc. 

Let us move to the solution part and learn how to fix the Outlook crashing or hanging. 

Different Approaches to Fix Outlook Freezes when Opening 

There are different workarounds to rectify this issue of Outlook Not Responding, hanging or crashing associated with Microsoft Outlook as mentioned below: 

Update Software/ Outlook Properly 

Sometimes users need to switch on auto-update feature to avoid any kind of corruption. For this, they need to follow these simple steps: 

1. First, open Settings 

2. Now, find Update & Recovery option 

3. Then, tap on how updates get installed 

4. Finally, enable the automatic updates

Important Note: It is recommended to install an updated antivirus in your machine. 

Run Outlook in Safe Mode 

Many times, when users try to access the corrupted file, it may result in some errors. Now, in such situation it is suggested to run Outlook is safe mode. For this, you need to run this command i.e. outlook.exe / safe (Space is necessary in command). Even if it does not work, it indicates something wrong with the add-ins settings. Now, in order to resolve this do the following: 

1. First, hit on File menu 

2. Then, find the Options

3. After this, tap on Add-ins

4. Look for COM Add-ins 

5. Now, clear all the Add-ins

6. Finally, start Outlook in normal mode 

7. Restore the Navigation Pane Configuration File

8. First, shut down the other running Outlook 

9. Now, click on Start Menu 

10. After this, type in the Run command. A Dialog prompts 

11. In this dialog prompt, you need to type this command: outlook.exe /resetnavpane

12. Finally, hit on Ok button 

13. Erase the Navigation Pane Settings File 

14. Firstly, open run box 

15. Then, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Outlook, this command 

16. Now, tap on the Enter Key 

17. You will be redirected to Outlook configuration file position 

18. Find Outlook.xml file 

19. In the final step, remove the files. 

20. Produce New or Fresh Microsoft Outlook Profile 

21. Begin the procedure by clicking on Start button 

22. Now, go to Control Panel

23. After this, click on Mail option to open dialog box of the Mail Setup 

24. Hit on Show Profiles Option 

25. Once it is done, click on Add and name the Profile, which is followed by a click on OK

26. Repair Outlook Files You can do this, in two different ways i.e. manual as well as third party tool. 

Manual 1: Follow these steps for this method:

1. Firstly, close running application of Microsoft Office. Then, open Control Panel

2. Now, hit on Programs & then, Features

3. Choose the version of MS Office & make a right-click on it 

4. Finally, choose Repair Option 

Manual 2: Inbox Repair Tool or Scanpst.exe 

In order to use this utility, you need to exit from Outlook and then find scanpst.exe tool. Once it is done, follow these steps to use Inbox Repair Tool: 

1. Firstly, click on repair twice and open the file. 

2. Now, type PST file name along with path. 

3. Search the Outlook PST file and hit on Browse. 

4. Click on Start and scan unhealthy PST. 

5. Once it is done, a screen will appear displaying the list of errors. 

6. Use Repair tab & fix all the errors. 

Now, repair the files using a new PST by following these steps: 

1. To initiate the process start Outlook & press CTRL+6 together 

2. A folder list will appear. In Folder List, you can see the entire list of recovered items 

3. Create a new PST file 

4. Once you have done this, click on Lost and Found folder

5. Now, drag and drop all the recovered items in fresh PST

6. Finally, restored the items and then delete the recovered PST. 

Method 3: Third Party Tool 

Apart from opting for manual solutions, users can go for a trouble free manner. They can use Outlook Recovery software and can repair all corrupted or damaged PST file even if the corruption is severe. The tool has the potential to recover the files within some few simple clicks. If you have corrupt OST file, you can use OST Recovery software to recover & Convert OST to PST format. Moreover, it does not require any technical knowledge and can be accessed without anyone’s assistance. It is compatible with all versions of Windows Operating System. 

The Bottom Line 

Outlook has now attained a place in the online market where it is the first choice of organizations for emailing. However, there are some errors associated with this platform such as Outlook crashing, hanging and freezing. In order to rectify this issue, we have brought forth various methods. Users can go for any of the methods, but it is recommended to opt for a third party utility to perform the task without any difficulty.

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