How to access an OST file in Hotmail (Outlook.com)?

After acquiring Hotmail by Microsoft, it was renamed to Outlook.com ; a webmail email platform. Earlier @hotmail users continued as they were and new users were signed up as outlook.com. On the other hand, OST file is a file format created by Outlook when configured with the Exchange Server. OST files can be opened only with the same Outlook account configured with the Exchange Server. If you want to access an OST file in Hotmail (Outlook.com), then you can’t add directly as we do with Outlook Classic.

So, in this blog, we will learn how to access the .ost file in Hotmail. Along with indirect manual workarounds, we will also learn about a direct method to access OST data in Hotmail.

Table of Contents

Ways to access OST Data on Hotmail/Outlook.com:

1. Indirect Manual Ways to Get OST Data in Hotmail:

a) Configure Hotmail with Desktop Outlook and Convert OST to PST

We know that a .pst file can be added and opened with any Outlook account. So, if you convert OST to PST and connect Hotmail to Outlook, you can access the OST file in Hotmail (Outlook.com), but indirectly.

Steps to Configure Hotmail Account to Outlook Application:

Open Outlook desktop application.
Click on the File menu and then select the Add account.
Now, enter your Hotmail email address and password.
Click Finish, and your Hotmail account will be configured on the Outlook desktop.
By following the above steps, you can add a Hotmail account in the desktop Outlook but still OST to PST conversion task is remaining.
After OST to PST conversion, first you need to add PST to that Outlook account and then can drag and drop items.

It is a very time consuming process hence, this way is not a recommended way for the professionals.

b) Get OST File Data in Hotmail Through Thunderbird

Firstly, Add Hotmail/Outlook.com to Thunderbird

Open the Thunderbird email application on your computer. Click “Tools” and then select “Account Settings.”
In the Account Settings window, click “Account Actions” and choose “Add Mail Account” from the drop-down menu.
Enter your name, Hotmail/Outlook.com email address, and password in the appropriate fields. Once the information is entered, click “Continue.”
Select “Manual Config” to enter the server details.
Make sure SSL/TLS encryption is enabled for the connection.
You can also check for the connection by clicking on the “Re-test”.
Click “Done” to save the settings and finish adding the account.

Once these steps are completed, your Outlook.com account will be successfully added to Thunderbird, allowing you to send and receive Hotmail emails directly through the Thunderbird application.

Now Use Thunderbird Import Tool:

Open Thunderbird, click on Tools and select the Import option from the dropdown menu.
Enable the “Import from Outlook” option by clicking the radio button. Click on the Continue.
Select the required items for the migration and do other settings.
Click on the “Start Import” button and the import process from Outlook will start.
After importing data from Outlook now you can drag and drop to the Hotmail account earlier added to Thunderbird.

Note: Must convert OST to PST before proceeding for above mentioned steps.

Why Manual Ways Are Not Recommended By Professionals?

Users can’t directly add/ export OST data. Dependency on the third-party applications.
There is a prerequisite of converting OST to PST.
A very time-consuming process hence not recommended if you have large data.
Users don’t have control over the process and can’t preview items.

Direct Method to Export the OST File Data to Hotmail (Outlook.com)

Manually exporting OST file data in Hotmail (Outlook.com) is like walking on eggshells. No direct manual method is available to execute this; hence, a professional utility is a must to access the OST file in Hotmail (outlook.com). Regain OST Converter is a one-stop solution for handling OST file-related tasks.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $39

Simple Steps to Access OST File in Hotmail:

Install and launch the Regain OST Converter/ OST Export Tool.
Add Outlook OST file (you can add single or multiple .ost files).
The software will scan the OST file and show a preview of the data within it.
Now click on the Cloud Migration button given on the ribbon bar.
Select the Hotmail/MSN/Outlook.com option as the target.
Enter the login credentials of the Hotmail account; once connected, start exporting.
By just following the above-mentioned steps, one can effortlessly access an OST file in Hotmail (Outlook.com).

See What Facilities Regain OST Export Tool Offers:

Regain OST Converter can migrate your OST files into several email servers/platforms such as Hotmail/Outlook.com/MSN, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Amazon WorkMail. Moreover, it can export .ost to Office 365 Exchange On-Premises/Online.
With the same utility, you can convert OST to PST, EML, MSG, vCard, TGZ, ICS, MBOX and PDF-like file formats.
The Regain OST Converter does not put any restrictions on adding multiple OST files together. You can add and convert OST files without any size restrictions. The software works accurately with multiple OST files.
It is compatible with all Windows Operating System versions.
Regain Software offers a very convenient GUI. To use this software, you don’t need to have any technical expertise. It is designed in such a way that any novice user can use it easily.
It is one of the finest recovery tool. It easily recovers corrupt OST files. The software converts every bit of data from added OST files.
It maintains the hierarchy throughout the process with full data integrity.
Users also get a free demo version of the software; moreover, free technical support is also available.

Wrapping Up:

There are various scenarios for which users may need to access an OST file in Hotmail (outlook.com). But, accessing OST file data is not as easy as it looks until you have a professional tool like Regain Software for your task. With Regain OST File Converter, you can easily migrate OST data to a Hotmail account. Moreover, users get free technical support and a free demo version to evaluate the software working.

Frequently Ask Questions:

Q1. Can we add two accounts in the Thunderbird application and drag and drop items from here to there?

A. Yes. Users can add multiple email accounts in the Thunderbird application and drag and drop items.

Q2. Can I directly add and open an OST file in Hotmail (Outlook.com)?

A. No. Manually you can’t add and open an OST File directly in Hotmail because Hotmail (Outlook.com) is a web-based service that does not support opening OST files directly. However, with professional tools, you can directly export OST file data to a Hotmail account.

Q3. Is there any way to test this Regain’s utility before purchasing the license?

A. Yes, this allows users to explore this utility before purchasing the license. Users can simply install this utility and run the OST export task. With the demo version, you can process 30 items per folder, while there are no limitations with the licensed one.

Q4. Can I open the OST file for free with Regain OST Converter?

A. Yes, you can open and view the OST file for free with Regain OST Converter. With the demo version, you can open the OST file, but to save its complete data, you need a license.

Q5. Is it possible to directly add an OST file to a new Outlook account without the associated Exchange Server?

A. No. You can’t directly add an OST file to a new Outlook account. For this, you have to convert OST to PST.

4.7/5 - (3 votes)