Is it safe not to restore the outlook.ost file to a workstation?

[Robert]

Hi,

I've been getting mixed messges after reading quite a few posts
regarding the outlook.ost file in users profiles.

I have three or four uses where veritas 8.6 reports that the
outlook.ost file is corrupt (each user is running windows 2000 pro and
outlook 2000 - attached to an exchange 5.5 server).

I've read some troubleshooting that you can rename or delete the
outlook.ost file,then when the user logs back into exchange, they will
answer a few questions and the outlook.ost file will recreate. If
this is true, could I skip the backup of the outlook.ost files and
have outlook create the file if need be when the profile is restored?

On a side note, my workstation does not have an outlook.ost file. I'm
trying to find out why some profiles have this file and others do not.
Does anyone happen to know?

Thanks,
Robert

[Jim Claypool]

OST represents an Off Line Storage file. When used for
its intended purpose, it is a copy of some of the Exchange
server housed files along with any changes created while
off line and using Outlook. As long as the user has
logged back on to synchronize changes (gone from an
offline state to an online state), deleting the file will
have no adverse affect. The OST will just re-create
itself on the next exit. For backup and restore of a
workstations, I would skip the file.

OST files get created because some installations of
Outlook set up for an OST by default. Modifying the
user's Outlook profile to disable working offline removes
the need for an OST. In any event, even if the OST
exists, unless you take steps to tell Outlook to
synchronize folders on exit, the OST doesn't do anything.
It hasn't been informed what folders to synchronize for
offline use, therefore it is just the default initial size.

OST's are great if you use a notebook and have occasion to
work away from the office or use a dial-up connection. In
most office settings where desktops are involved, the use
of an OST is just one more file to create problems that
shouldn't exist - you always work on line anyways.

Hope it helps.

>.
>

[Ed Crowley [MVP]]

Delete it and resynchronize.
--
Ed Crowley
MVP - Exchange
"Protecting the world from PSTs and brick backups!"
"Robert" <rle...@cantest.com> wrote in message
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