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How to move .OST file to another location / drive

John Doe works extensively with Microsoft Outlook for managing his emails, calendar, and contacts. Recently, he noticed that his C: drive is running out of space, primarily due to the large .OST file generated by Outlook. He wants to move this file to his D: drive, which has plenty of free space. John is aware that the .OST file is crucial for Outlook's offline functionality, so he wants to ensure the process is done correctly without disrupting his email operations.

Steps and Considerations:


1. Preparation:

John backs up his current Outlook data and settings to ensure no loss during the transition.


2. Creating a New Outlook Profile:

  • John opens the Control Panel and navigates to "Mail (Microsoft Outlook 2016/2019)".
  • He selects "Show Profiles" and then clicks on "Add" to create a new profile.
  • He follows the prompts to set up his email account again, ensuring all settings match his existing configuration.


3. Configuring the New Data File Location:

  • John clicks on "Data Files" in the Mail Setup dialog.
  • He selects the newly created profile and clicks on "Settings".
  • He navigates to the "Data Files" tab, then clicks "Add" and selects "Outlook Data File (.pst)".
  • He chooses a location on his D: drive (e.g., D:\Outlook\) to store the new .OST file.


4. Setting the New Profile as Default:

  • After setting up the new profile, John sets it as the default profile in the Mail setup.
  • He restarts Outlook to load the new profile.


5. Verification:

  • John verifies that Outlook is working correctly with the new profile.
  • He checks that the .OST file is now being stored on the D: drive.
  • He ensures that all his emails, calendar entries, and contacts are accessible and that the syncing is functioning properly.


6. Cleaning Up:

  • Once everything is confirmed to be working, John deletes the old .OST file from the C: drive to free up space.
  • He maintains regular backups of his Outlook data.


Outcome:

John successfully relocates his Outlook .OST file to the D: drive, freeing up space on his C: drive. His Outlook application continues to function smoothly without any data loss or disruption in service.


Supportive Notes:

  • John might need administrative privileges to change system settings and move files.
  • He should periodically check the new location to ensure it has sufficient space for future .OST file growth.
  • If John encounters any issues during the process, he should consult Microsoft support or a professional IT service to avoid data loss.

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