How to Fix the Oversized Outlook OST File?

Have you heard about the 2GB resolution for truncation within Outlook OST Files? Did you receive a new email to Your Outlook mailbox? It’s the best feeling indeed. However, it will not make you feel any more content because your mailbox is likely to surpass its storage capacity. When this occurs, there is a chance that the pile of OST files could become corrupted which could affect the connection with Exchange Servers and Outlook.

What’s the story in the end?

Each Outlook version has a limitations in saving OST files. These are the copies of PST files stored on the user’s computer. This copy is shared with the other client via Exchange Servers which function as the post office virtual. To store your Outlook OST files within the system, Outlook versions come with a number of limitations that mean that storing OST documents isn’t advised. The 2GB error in truncation is just one of them.

MS Outlook 2002 and prior versions allow the user to store no more than 2GB OST mailbox files. Although, they are deleted by the user in the future, the files are disposed of to the trash; the space taken up by the files on the hard drive remain. If the user does not heed an alert, the pile of OST files continue to accumulate and eventually leads to damage in the form inaccessibility. To prevent this from happening, occur, and make a clear swipes of any unusable OST files it is recommended to opt for a hard deletion i.e. shift+delete.

Related Post: Convert EML Files to PST and then Import EML into Office 365

How do you recognize an error in 2GB’s OST?

This 2GB OST error is caused by the over-sizing OST files. After the OST files have become too large and Outlook is unable to handle them, Outlook creates these messages:

1. The error has been found inside this file xxxx.ost. Stop all mail-enabled programs Then, use an inbox repair Tool.
2. Task “Microsoft Exchange Server” identified an error (0x00040820):’Errors in synchronisation of background. In the majority of cases, additional details are available in the log of synchronisation within the Deleted Items folder.’
3. You can’t duplicate the item.

If one of the previously mentioned OST errors flashes on the screen it’s a sign it is because Outlook mailbox storage space is crowded and requires specific deletion of OST files that are garbage.

But, for all Outlook versions, some of the common problems encountered by the large OST file include:

• Corruptions in the OST file
• It is impossible to edit or modify the content of the OST file
• Different error messages are displayed when synchronizing data
• The application freezes, performs poorly and so on.
• Access or download Outlook emails is not possible.

Solutions to Correct Oversized OST files

The max OST file ize in Outlook 2010 and above version is 50GB, beyond which problems begin. The large OST file can be corrected either by deleting unnecessary OST files, or through compression of the OST volume of the file or using the assistance of a third-party.

• Deletion OST file: The deletion of files with shift+delete which permanently erases them on the hard disk is known as hard deletion. Hard deletion occurs when OST files need to be permanently deleted. It clears a space on the hard drive to allow the new OST files are saved. A new , updated OST files will then be generated automatically once it is time for the Outlook app is restarted. The Exchange Server is set up again.
• Compression of OST files: To compress the OST files and also to increase the space on the hard disk, the user needs to follow these steps:

1. Click Menu, then Go to Folder List-> Click Inbox.
2. Click Properties > Clear Offline Items.
3. Now Click Tools > Account Setting.
4. Select the Data Files tab>> Select Exchange account’s OST data file. An Microsoft Exchange Screen will appear.
5. Select Advanced tab, followed by Offline Folder Settings for Files, then
6. Click “Compact Now”.

These guidelines for compacting are meant for Oversized ANSI OST files. Before making any assumptions based on these guidelines, it is suggested to examine the OST format of the file.

• Disable Outlook Add-Ins: Add-ins for Outlook could cause performance issues in large OST files. It is therefore recommended to turn off Outlook Add-ins. Navigate to File>Options inside your Outlook application. Select the Go against Manage COM Add-ins, and then uncheck the Add-ins. Then click the Disable option to turn it off.
• Archives OST information files into PST: This feature within the Outlook application can archive old offline OST email messages in Outlook PST format, and save some space in your storage files. Simply go to File > Cleanup Tools > Mailbox Cleanup and choose Archive, then choose the Archive option and then archive the OST file, or select a different option to remove all items that were deleted from the OST mailbox. The folder Deleted Items is the one that has been deleted.
• Managing UNICODE Registry values: The method has been utilized to increase the OST file size limit based on what Outlook version. To alter the values of the UNICODE registry it is necessary to follow the steps below: be followed:

1. Click the Start button and then type Regedit into the window for Run.
2. Look to find registry keys:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Policies\12.0\Outlook\PST for Outlook 2007.
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Policies\14.0\Outlook\PST for Outlook 2010.
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Policies\15.0\Outlook\PST for Outlook 2013.
3. Just click MaxLargeFileSize > ModifyEnter an MB value into the Value Box.
4. Right click WarnLargeFileSize > Modify -> Type an MB value into the Value Box.
5. Get out of Windows Registry Editor. Windows Registry Editor.

When the OST limit for file size has been exceeded with the registry settings If the registry values are exceeded, the OST files are able to be saved without becoming corrupt.

The most effective solution for 2GB OST file errors without technical knowledge, a third-party program like OST Converter Software. This tool is distinct from Microsoft’s Scanost.exe internal solution that doesn’t guarantee total repair and is not suitable to large-sized OST file. Professional OST Repair Tool allows the space needed for OST files without compromising the performance or properties that are associated with it. Therefore, it’s always best to get professional help instead of letting yourself get caught in technical tangles.