How to Restore an Accidently Deleted Outlook OST File?

Think if ever while working your old emails get deleted and now you need them very much. Even after trying everything, you are not able to recover the deleted OST items, that’s why you are searching for a good and reliable tool and a secure recovery software. Magus OST recovery tool is a good solution.

MS Outlook OST (Offline Storage Table) files are essential for accessing your email data when working offline. These files synchronize with your mail server when a connection is available. Accidentally deleting an OST file can be frustrating, but the good news is that it is usually possible to restore accidently deleted Outlook OST files. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to recover a deleted OST file and get Outlook back to normal and to solve the error that occurs in the OST file.

 

Understanding OST Files

Before diving into recovery steps, it’s important to understand the nature of OST files:

1. Purpose: OST files store a synchronized copy of your mailbox data, including emails, contacts, and calendar events, allowing offline access.
2. Regeneration: OST files can often be recreated from the mail server as long as your account settings and server connection remain intact.
3. Location: By default, OST files are stored in: Windows 10/11: C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

Importance of OST file –

• Offline availability and seamless workflow:

You can manage and handle your emails well even without any internet connection, effectively and efficiently. This allows your workflow to continue smoothly and properly, even without the internet, and you can handle them from anywhere and at any time.

• Improved efficiency:

By handling and maintaining a local cache, OST files lightens server load and improves outlook performance and efficiency when managing large volumes of emails.

• File backup and restoration:

In case the server goes down or there are connectivity issues, but the OST file provides offline access to your mailbox, this helps you stay productive without any delay.

• Collaborative functionality:

Even in offline mode, OST files allow team collaboration workflows by letting users interact with shared mailboxes and calendars, streamlining teamwork and coordination.

How does the OST file differ from the PST file? 

 

How do OST files get accidentally deleted?

There are several reasons for deleting the OST files accidentally – it may be related to the software issues, system cleanup tools, etc.

1. Uninstallation of outlook or office without securing a data backup may result in the loss of the OST file.
2. Optimization software or disk cleanup tools can mistakenly classify OST files as disposable files and delete them during system maintenance 
3. When the OST file gets deleted or corrupted, then Outlook automatically eliminate it and also regenerates it if repair is not possible
4. In some cases, robust antivirus or endpoint protection programs may erroneously treat OST files as security risks and remove them.

Key functions of premium OST repair tools

Here are some crucial features of repairing OST files which help you to understand how to recover your data and make your work easier, effective and in efficient manner 

Recover Multiple Corrupted OST Files

With the magus OST recovery tool, you can effortlessly restore multiple inaccessible, damaged, corrupted, or orphaned OST files. It ensures secure and complete mailbox reconstruction, even if the OST files have been unknowingly deleted – all without any problem and hassle.

Display OST email items:

Once the OST file is properly recovered, the software is very fast and user-friendly and clearly displays every item and folder there will be an instant preview in the ‘preview’ pane the users preview without any disturbance the OST recovery tool presents all files and directories in their original hierarchical layout, ensuring seamless and efficient navigation.

Break up large PST file:

The OST restoration software tools come equipped with a splitting function that facilitates breaking down big output PST files into various smaller parts. It allows users to break them based on specific size limits. such as 1GB, 2GB, etc. Professionals suggest handling smaller PST files for smooth management and to reduce the risk of data corruption.  Converting an OST file to a PST file is not more effective than an OST file in itself. 

 

Step by step instruction to restore deleted OST files.

Here’re some easy steps to recover your accidentally deleted OST files. These steps make your work more easier and convenient. Steps are mentioned below:

Step 1: Install the OST recovery program on your computer.

Step 2: Start the program to access the home screen. The source file selection wizard will open on its own.

Step 3: Select the “browse” option to find and select the desired orphaned, damaged or corrupted OST file.

Step 4: Choose the appropriate file from your PC and then click the “open” button.

Step 5: Once the loaded file will display in the tool. click on the ‘next’to move forward to continue the following process.

Step 6: Click on any item to display its detailed preview.

Step 7: Pick the required format for export, then press ‘Next’

Step 8: Select the relevant filters to narrow down the search, then click on ‘Next’ option.

Step 9: When exporting to PST format, you may enable the split feature to divide the file into manageable sizes.

Step 10: Select ‘browse’ to designate the save location, allow the ‘Save deleted emails only’ option, and then click ‘Finish’ to finalize the process.

Step 11: The saving operation will now start

Step 12: A confirmation dialog will be displayed after successful completion, clickable link to the destination folder. Click ‘OK’.

 

Best Practices to Prevent Future Issues

Enable Regular Backups: Use backup tools or services to regularly back up your Outlook data.

Be Cautious with Deletions: Double-check before deleting any files related to Outlook.

Consider PST Conversion: If you need a more portable format, convert OST files to PST using tools like the built-in Outlook Export feature.

Besides this, if you know the exact reason for the OST file deletion then it will be easier for you to get it recovered. However, since OST is a cached file format, there will be no need to recover it from the HDD using various Windows recovery techniques like other Windows files.

Winding Up 

There are various reasons for deletion or corruption of the OST file. But you don’t take tension about it. When you use the modern OST restoration tool they will help you take quick backup and repair the OST file data within a few minutes.By following the steps mentioned in this post, you should be able to restore your accidentally deleted OST file and resume normal operations. If you encounter further issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.

 

FAQ’s of deleted outlook OST files 

Ques1 : What factors contribute to OST file corruption?
Ans1 : There are several factors which contributes to OST file corruption – 

• Malware infections
• Large sized OST files
• Power outages
• Corrupted sectors on the hard drive
• Legacy outlook version
• Sudden shutdowns of the application

 

Ques2 : How do I recover a lost OST file?
Ans2 : To restore a lost OST file, here are some easy steps and ways are: 

1. Inspect Trash
2. Search for OST file
3. Reset OST file in Outlook
4. Recover from saved copy 
5. Convert OST file into PST file

Ques3 : What are the possible output exporting file types?

Ans3 : After successfully recovering the OST file, users can convert it into different file formats like PST, PDF, MSG, HTML, and many more. They can save the file directly to the platforms like MBOX, OFFICE 365, Exchange and Gmail.

Ques4 : Can I export a single item from my mailbox?
Ans4 : Absolutely, you can. Using the tool’s ‘FIND’ feature, users can search for a particular item. A new page appears where you can filter items by To, From, Attachments, Date Range, and Subject to selectively save data.