OST is also known as Offline Storage Table. This file is a duplicate file of mailbox data saved on the Exchange server. MS Outlook creates OST file when user configure MS Outlook using Exchange, IMAP account or Office 365 MS Outlook. It allows user to access, read, and draft messages even when the system is offline. Changes done offline can be synchronized with the Exchange server as system establishes connection with the server.
What Happens When OST Become Inaccessible
Inaccessible OST file is a very common issue and the most obvious reason for that is an OST file error. These errors in OST file can be make it partially or permanently inaccessible. When this happens, users could not synchronize OST file with Exchange server and access the data in it.
The solution of this problem is either fixing OST file error or convert OST into PST file format. Apart from this, there is no other way out to read the data of an OST file which is showing error. Its data cannot be accessed.
Common Causes of Error In OST File
- Abrupt system shutdown
- Not closing MS Outlook properly
- Outlook takes more than usual time to start or load.
- Facing issues with the Synchronization.
- Outlook crashes or freeze often.
When these symptoms are ignored, it leads to corruption in OST file.
How to Open and read the OST file which is showing Error?
There are innumerable types of OST file corruption error messages. Out of all, anyone can appear on your screen. And when corruption message come, you can take a few steps to fix the problem. The measures are:
Restore OST from backup file.
The one of the most effective ways to restore data from corrupt OST file is replacing the damage file with the backup copy. However, if most recent backup is not available then recent file data will be lost. There is no method present to restore that data.
Open Outlook in safe mode.
If the reason of inaccessibility of OST file is incompatibility or damaged add-in, then this issue could be fixed by restarting MS Outlook in safe mode and disabling add-ins. Once the file is disabled, export OST file data to PST for backup.
Here is the step-by-step guide for the same.
Step One – Press Window + R button and in the bar type Outlook/safe.
Step Two – Tap the enter button or click on Ok button.
The safe mode opens only essential add-ins. It helps in finding the faulty add-ins.
Create and Configure New MS Outlook profile
Another way out is to completely remove MS Outlook from your machine and delete the OST file that is showing error. Now reinstall the Outlook and configure it. Once you configure it and connect it to the Exchanger server, a new healthy OST file will be created and all your data will synchronize into it from the server.
The only condition here is that your server should be active and available. Also, the mailbox is not removed from the server.
The Perfect way to Access Erroneous OST File Data
If you don’t want to waste your time in experimenting, try the best method to retain inaccessible data of OST file. Here you need to simply convert the OST to PST file format. And instead of doing it manually (Manual method is not full proof and very time consuming) take the help of a reliable OST to PST conversion software. The software is a real help when OST file data is inaccessible because of any reason.
- It is simple to work with the tool.
- Upload OST file in the software.
- Select path to sav ethe PST after conversion
- Click on convert button to do the conversion
- Import the converted PST file into MS Outlook
Benefits Of Using Software for OST File Data Recovery
- The process is quick. It takes just a few steps to work with the file.
- The format of OST file remains intact. The conversion process does not change the minute details in the OST file such as meta details, folder hierarchy, attachments, etc.
- Software retrieves lost emails also.
- It ensures that the folder structure will remain intact
Conclusion
You have to be little careful while choosing OST file converter because every tool is not what you want. If you need a tool which is easy to use, cheap as well as efficient then you can opt Magus OST Converter.
