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Solved Outlook 2016 OST Data folder change help

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Dan__

PCHF Member
Sep 28, 2016
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Hi,

I am trying to change the default data folder for my outlook OST files. I have managed to change the PST file location but I can't seem to get the OST folder to change?!
Its driving me mad. I dont wish to use my C: drive because I will be setting up a few email accounts and it will eat into the space.

I am using outlook 2016 on windows 10 pro.

I have googled and tried out different methods but they dont work, even restarted my machine. Tried the regedit method for adding the path, that doesnt work either.

Any help please???
 
Hello Dan

Hopefully some of our members will chime in ASAP..

Thanks. I hope someone does soon cause I still haven't solved the problem and I feel like just giving MS an angry phone call about it. No idea why they decided to change things when everything was great. Previously I have been using MS Office 2010 for the past 7 years ever since it was released and it worked great.
 
In windows 10 type "File Explorer options" in the search box and youll get a link to this box as per the post by Jmarket.

2017-02-12_140805.jpg
 
Please download the FRST 32 bit or FRST 64bit version to suit your operating system. It is important FRST is downloaded to your desktop.

If you are unsure if your operating system is 32 or 64 Bit please go HERE.

Once downloaded right click the FRST desktop icon and select "Run as administrator" from the menu"

icon2-jpg.794


Copy and paste the following into the window of FRST.

Code:
Outlook;OST

Now click on the search Registry, a notepad will appear on the desktop.
Copy paste that into your next reply.

Can you give me the exact file path of where you want the items saved?
 
Please download the FRST 32 bit or FRST 64bit version to suit your operating system. It is important FRST is downloaded to your desktop.

If you are unsure if your operating system is 32 or 64 Bit please go HERE.

Once downloaded right click the FRST desktop icon and select "Run as administrator" from the menu"

icon2-jpg.794


Copy and paste the following into the window of FRST.

Code:
Outlook;OST

Now click on the search Registry, a notepad will appear on the desktop.
Copy paste that into your next reply.

Can you give me the exact file path of where you want the items saved?

Okay downloaded the file and pasted the text just like you said. Its taking its time, says it can take upto 10mins so ill leave it for a bit. Notepad hasnt opened up yet.

Im looking to save all my ost and pst files into one folder.

D:\Outlook Data Files
 
Okay the program generated a text file like you said it would.
I have had to attach the notepad file. Pasting it is way too large and it wont let me post it here.

The path that I am looking to save my Ost and Pst files is D:\Outlook Data Files


Thanks
 

Attachments

  • SearchReg.txt
    2.4 MB · Views: 25
Okay the program generated a text file like you said it would.
I have had to attach the notepad file. Pasting it is way too large and it wont let me post it here.

The path that I am looking to save my Ost and Pst files is D:\Outlook Data Files


Thanks


Hello, you could auto archive files, to a folder of your choice, set the auto archive to 1 day....

https://www.cnet.com/news/move-your-e-mail-out-of-outlook-and-into-the-folders-of-your-choice/

That will archive the mail and hide it away? Just looking to keep the ost files on a different drive.
 
That will archive the mail and hide it away? Just looking to keep the ost files on a different drive.


From reading it, it will move all files to where you want daily including those you want. Set it that way and if it does not do what you want, then come back here and let us know.
 
From reading it, it will move all files to where you want daily including those you want. Set it that way and if it does not do what you want, then come back here and let us know.

I just took a look and its no good to me as its only letting me do one folder at a time.

What about the other method you mentioned, I posted the notepad file. Anything I can try with the registry there?
 
. Anything I can try with the registry there?

Only entries I found related to OST and PST are these...


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Outlook.File.pst.15]
""="Outlook Data File"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Outlook.File.ost.15]
""="Outlook Data File"

Nothing indicates where they are sent, so to be honest I am not sure what to do direct the files to a new folder....

I'd expect something like this.... You could try and merge this into the registry and see what happens, I am really uncertain if it will do anything. Best to back up your registry prior to doing this.

Copy the content of the code box below.
Save it to your desktop as outlook.reg in a notepad.
Right click outlook.reg and merge then reboot your machine.

Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Outlook.File.pst.15]
"Target"="D:\Outlook Data Files"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Outlook.File.ost.15]
"Target"="D:\Outlook Data Files"


I just took a look and its no good to me as its only letting me do one folder at a time.

Perhaps set it up to auto archive and see what happens.

Sorry I can not offer you anymore help. Auto Archive seems to me what you want....
 
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