How to Open OST File without Outlook and Exchange Server?
There are some situations, due to which several users prefer to open OST file without Outlook. If you are also looking for an excellent way to open an OST file without Outlook, this blog post explains 3 free methods to resolve users’ queries.
First, if you have an orphan OST file then there is no manual option available as Outlook doesn’t natively support importing orphaned OST files so you can use BitRecover Software to import OST file into Outlook. However, if you have an OST file connected to Outlook and Exchange Server then a hope is available for opening .OST files without Outlook.
OST (Offline Storage Table) as a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store a synchronized copy of mailbox data from Exchange Server, Office 365, or IMAP accounts, allowing users to access emails, contacts, calendars, and other items offline.
The upcoming article discloses 3 best practices to access connected and orphan OST files without Outlook client. But first know some possible reasons and situations to do that.
Understand about OST Files
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Form | OST stands for offline storage table. |
| Purpose | Stores a local copy of mailbox data from Exchange, Office 365 or IMAP Accounts for offline access. |
| Created By | Automatically generated by Microsoft Outlook when using Cached Exchange Mode. |
| Content Stored | Emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and other mailbox data |
| Offline Functionality | Allows users to work offline, changes sync automatically when connectivity is restored. |
| File Location | Saved locally on your system, usually under Outlook profile folder. |
| Accessibility Limitations | Tied to a specific Outlook profile cannot be opened directly on a different system or without an original account. |
Reasons to Open OST File Without Outlook?
- No Outlook Access: You might not have Microsoft Outlook installed on your computer. But you need to access the emails stored in an OST file.
- Outlook Crashed: If your Outlook crashed and is unable to start then various professionals wish to open OST file without Outlook client.
- Switching Email Client: When a user decides to switch email client then he wants to access OST files without Outlook desktop client.
- Legal & Forensic: Sometimes forensic investigators find OST files during the raid, and they want to access them without Outlook to analyze OST files for evidence.
Locate the OST file location in your System
You can locate OST file by Outlook default location and also detect OST location using Outlook account setting as we have explained below:
Method 1. Open OST File Default Location
- Press “Windows+ R” to open run dialog box.
- Now, for Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2019 and Office 365: paste path: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\ and click on Ok.
- Outlook 2013 and earlier: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
Method 2. Using Outlook Account Settings
- Open Outlook and navigate to the file.
- Press on “Account Settings” and Select your Account.
- Now, Choose “Data file” and see the path of the OST file.
How to Access OST File Without Outlook Manually?
- First, open Microsoft Outlook and navigate to file.
- Click on open and export and press on Import/Export.
- Now, Choose Export to a file and click on Next.
- Browse Outlook data file and hit on Next button.
- Choose Outlook mailbox folder as you need to export.
- Select destination path and press finish button.
- Now, You can open exported PST file on any Outlook application without requiring original OST file.
Manual Method Limitations to Open OST File Without Outlook?
- OST file should be connected to Outlook or Exchange Server in offline mode.
- Microsoft Outlook desktop client should be in proper working condition.
- It requires Mac Computer, and Mac Outlook to perform this task.
- Need to complete above mentioned 5 phases and each phase has multiple steps.
- It requires technical knowledge to open .ost files without Outlook.
Pro Method to Access OST File Without Outlook
BitRecover offers a Free OST Viewer Tool that enables users to open and read OST files without Outlook. This tool supports both healthy and corrupted OST files, allowing users to view emails, contacts, calendars, and other items.
How to Open OST File without Outlook? Simple Steps
- Start the software on your computer and click Add File.
- Pick an OST file from your machine and press the Open button.
- Now, you can open OST file without Outlook, you can access its data.
- Choose the Attachments tab in the software GUI and see the attachments.
What Are Software Benefits to Access OST File Without Outlook?
- This software can open orphaned, inaccessible, or normal OST files.
- This software can open emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, and more.
- It preserved the original folder and sub-folder hierarchy.
- It offers you to open and extract OST attachments in original formatting.
- It doesn’t require any Outlook or Exchange installation to access OST file.
- It specially designed with 100% freeware with no usage limit.
- This software is ideal for home users who want a cost-free OST viewer with no data loss risks.
Alternative Method to Open OST File without Outlook
If you want to convert OST file to other formats then BitRecover offers OST Converter as it allows to process multiple OST files at once and also supports 37+ Saving options such as MBOX, PST, EML, PDF and more and also allows to import in various email client and platforms such as Thunderbird, Zimbra, Maildir and more. This software can also offer to import OST to Yahoo, Gmail, Microsoft 365 and all IMAP supported email servers.
What Are Alternative Method’s Advantages?
- Convert OST to PST, EML, MBOX, PDF, DOC, or XPS—even without Outlook—so you can open them in compatible applications.
- Only your webmail credentials are needed to open OST files in web-based email services—saving you significant time and effort.
- Enable Use Recovery Mode to repair corrupted OST files before opening them—without needing Microsoft Outlook.
- This utility automatically adds OST files in the software panel from a default storage location. Even,
- you can also use the Select Files or Select Folders option for adding OST files from different locations.
- With this wizard, you can also export OST emails, contacts, calendar, attachments and all other OST data
- This software is ideal for recovery, backup and migration of OST file and offers fully maintained results.
User Questions with Expert Reply
Q 1: How do I open an OST file without Outlook?
Scroll up this article to get a reliable solution to open an OST file without Outlook. Above we have explored 3 best ways to resolve this problem.
Q 2: How to find my OST file location on my computer?
- Run Outlook on your computer and choose the File option.
- Then select Info >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
- Click Data Files and then choose an OST file.
- Select the Open File Location option and open location.
Q 3: Can I open multiple OST files without Outlook using your software?
Yes, you can open unlimited OST files without Outlook using BitRecover.
Best Practices for Managing OST Files
- OST files can be large and prone to corruption, especially if Outlook crashes. Regular backup OST file to keep secure important data.
- OST files are typically linked to specific Outlook profiles and can be difficult to access when moving to another system. It allows for easier access and portability especially if you want to open their old OST file and want to switch to a new Outlook profile.
- If an OST file corrupted, Outlook inbuilt Inbox Repair Tool can help to restore minor corruption. Regularly using this tool can prevent data loss and keep your OST files in healthy conditions.
- Modifying OST files directly can cause corruption or data loss. Always open an OST file through Outlook.
- OST files become larger, especially if you have a significant amount of email data. Make sure your hard drive has enough storage to manage these files without any issues. Consider cleaning up unnecessary data or archiving older emails to maintain file size.
- Enabling Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook allows your OST file to be synchronized with the server while keeping a local copy of your emails. This improves access speed and ensures always having a backup of your emails, even when offline.
- Old or unused OST files can accumulate overtime and take valuable storage periodically to review and delete outdated OST files that are no longer required, making sure to backup important data before deleting.
Conclusion
Now choose an excellent way to open OST file without Outlook, we have discovered the top 3 methods. If you are a home user and want to access OST files without Outlook free, then opt for 2nd method. In case you are a business professional, then you can go with an alternative technique explained above. If you have any other queries, then contact our technical support team.
