Outlook Creating Two OST Files – Know Why & How

Summary:

Number of MS Outlook users are having issues reporting to have two OST files for same account in Microsoft Outlook. OST are the files that is created every time user login to associated account. Multiple OST files can take large space in your system and at times can affect device performance. In this write-up, let us try to understand the issue of Outlook that is creating two OST files and check what users can do to resolve this problem.

OST stands for Offline Storage Table and known for accessing all emails, meetings and contacts list from MS Outlook when not connected to Exchange Server or Internet. However, it helps to view details of required file in offline mode. The OST file is represented as a local cache of Exchange Server account and works in offline mode. It is created when there is no internet connection. After connecting to internet again, all changes will synchronized with Exchange automatically. Thus, OST file is essential for users who are unable to connect to the internet regularly or dealing with connectivity issues in their work zone.

OST files are proved a lifeline of user’s work routine; they often stuck in the middle of unexpected issues, like creation of multiple OST files with same account. For e.g. several Outlook users reported that every time they login to Outlook profile, the account creates two OST files on their system. As it is not an instant concern issue, it only slow the Outlook and system performance with time. Below are some possible causes due to which Outlook creates two OST files:

Why Outlook Creates Two OST Files – Reasons Discussed

Some of the main reasons behind the creation of two OST files are as listed:

• Having configuration of multiple Outlook profiles can create two OST files, one would be default and another created by you.
• The second OST file either could be an old file or related with different Exchange Server account.
• At times, Outlook creates new OST files when another session is one locked.
• Where there is a networked environment, network OST could not officially supported and thus result in corruption that lead to creation of multiple OST files with same account.
• A user having accessibility of shared Outlook profile can also create multiple OST files.
• The associated Outlook account of OST file is corrupted.
• Active Directory account that is locally stored might be corrupted.

Such reasons can cause Outlook to create multiple OST files with single profile. Now, let us discuss how to resolve this issue.

How to Resolve – “Outlook Creating Two OST Files”

If you see more than one OST file on the system, then you should know that these files are occupying lot of disk space. To solve the same, try out these methods as discussed:

Solution 1: Organizing Outlook Profiles

Follow the steps to organize Outlook accounts:

1. Exit MS Outlook, open Control Panel and click Mail.
2. Another window will appear, hit Show Profiles.
3. List of profiles will display on the screen, select the desired one to remove and click Remove. Now, click OK. If having multiple accounts, this would be the correct time to fix on to one.

Note: To create a new profile, follow the steps

1. After removing extra profiles or all profiles in the same dialogue box, click Add.
2. Enter name for new Outlook account and click OK.
3. Add e-mail account that you use in profile by executing the instructions appearing on the screen.

Solution 2: Data Backup within OST Files and Delete Unnecessary One

 If you are aware of which OST file is associated with current profile, then you can simply try data backup in extra OST files into local PST folder manually and then delete them.

Solution 3: Outlook PST Repair by using Inbox Repair Tool

If no earlier mentioned solution works, there could be chance of corruption of Outlook instance or associated OST files. To overcome the issue, run Inbox Repair Tool or ScanOST.exe. Both are default Inbox repair tool by Microsoft.

1. Go to Outlook installation folder and locate ScanOST.exe on your system.
2. Double-click on the same to launch it.
3. Implement the given instructions to solve the issue.

Solution 4: Softweak OST to PST Converter to Export Unlimited OST Files to PST

If none of the method works, use Softweak OST Converter application to convert OST to PST directly. The process will transfer all OST items to PST. Moreover, in order to read the OST file data, you do not need Exchange Server environment. A feature-rich conversion utility that maintains the data integrity and folder structure during the process. After performing the task, you do not need to worry about OST corruption or maintenance of Exchange Server. You can try the software freeware edition to check the performance and working.

Conclusion

Do not panic if you came across of heaps of OST files in the system. It will not hamper Outlook account; it only occupies the disk space. You can follow the solutions discussed above to fix the issue of “Outlook creating two OST files”. If no solution work, try OST to PST Converter by Sofftweak. It will move entire OST file folders into .pst without data loss. Once conversion process is finished, you can transfer the file to another system or secondary storage.