Hello users !
Are you searching for how to recover emails from an OST file?. Well it’s quite often that a user will be trapped in a situation where the user wants to recover emails from an OST file, let's dive into the solution and the best way possible to resolve this problem.
Before heading straight to the solution let's know about some important aspects .
What is an OST file ?
- OST (offline storage table ) is a file used by Microsoft Outlook. OST files let the user access the emails in offline mode, such as updating and deleting mails and it will automatically sync when the user goes online.
Key Points About OST Files .
- It's an offline copy of the user mailbox
- It has a capability to automatically synchronize
- OST files are stored locally in the computer system
- OST files are tied to the specific account or machine
What are the difference between OST and PST file ?
OST (Offline Storage Table)
- Purpose: OST file Stores a synchronized offline copy of the user’s mailbox.
- Usage: Lets the user to access emails, contacts, and calendar items without the internet.
- Sync: OST files Automatically updates the changes that have been made by the user to the mail server when reconnected.
- Limitations: It is tied to the original Outlook profile and account, and the file cannot be directly opened in outlook.
PST (Personal Storage Table)
- Purpose: OST file Stores mailbox data that user exports, and backup manually.
- Usage: it is an example of Portable file type and it can be easily imported into any Outlook profile on any computer.
- Sync: OST files do not sync with a server;
- Best For: OST files are best for Backups, migrations and moving emails from one system to another.
what are some common scenarios that will lead the user to recover emails from OST files?
Server crash or downtown
- If the server is unavailable or crashes, then the user have to recover emails from OST files, to use them
Corrupted OST File
- Malware or abrupt system shutdowns can corrupt an OST file, and it becomes necessary to recover emails from an OST file.
Orphaned OST files
- When the outlook profile of the user is removed or no longer active then the OST file becomes orphaned and it becomes necessary to to recover emails from an OST file.
Migration on a new system
- If the user wants to migrate or change the system then the user needs to convert the OST file to PST.
Why can’t the user directly open the OST files?
As we have mentioned earlier also that the OST file is tied to the specific profile or account where it was created, that’s why it can’t be open directly
Some major points .
- Its profile dependent
- It is tightly encrypted and secured
- It requires server synchronization
Manual methods to recover emails from an OST file.
Note : The manual method only works when the OST file is accessible in Outlook or linked to the original account.
- Open the Outlook account which is connected to the OST file.
- Then you can see the file in the top menu bar, select that.
- Select open & export option.
- Choose the option export to a file then click on next.
- Select the Outlook data file (.pst) then click next.
- Then select the mailbox folders that you want to export and also check the included subfolders to make sure everything is perfectly exported .
- Click on the browse option and choose where you want to save the new PST file.
- Then click on finish.
There are some limitations when you recover emails from OST files manually.
- It only works if Outlook can open the OST file.
- It is not useful for orphaned or corrupted files.
- If the files are too large then it will consume a lot of time.
What is the best way to recover emails from an OST file ?
As we discussed above the manual methods and you can clearly see the limitation , So let's discuss some best ways .
First the user should understand that they should convert the OST files to PST for using in specified system and that is the best way to recover emails from an OST file
Users can use a specialized software tool for it .
What is the best software tool available? & benefits of using specialized software tools?
If you are looking for the best software tool then we can suggest you with the best answer.
SysTools OST to PST converter , this tool helps to recover emails from an OST file.
Listed below are some benefits of this tool.
- It can convert OST to PST with emails, calendars and notes.
- It decrypts and removes S/MIME and OpenPGP encryption from outlook OST emails
- It can convert multiple OST files into PST format at once.
- It can convert the IMAP, Office 365 and other email clients OST Files to PST
Conclusion
If you want to recover emails from an OST file it becomes essential when Outlook data becomes inaccessible due to corruption, accidental deletion, or account-related issues. Since OST files cannot be opened directly, users need to rely on manual methods or specialized tools to extract and restore their data. While the manual approach works in limited scenarios, professional OST to PST conversion software provides a more reliable and efficient solution for complete recovery. By choosing the right method, users can ensure their important emails, contacts, and other mailbox items are safely restored and accessible again.
