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OST files are the offline storage folders provided by Microsoft to save users information and email data on offline mode. An OST file carries the actual copy of mailbox data that exists on Exchange server. When you are not connected with Exchange server you can access that offline files if you have saved them as OST files. Benefit of OST file is that it does not impact any change in original data while making a copy of original data from Exchange server. You can easily save your data in OST files and use them while you are not connected with Exchange server. As in above I have mentioned 3 ways to view corrupted OST files so, I am enlisting them below:

1. Scanost.exe
2. Scanpst.exe
3. Kernel OST viewer

1) Scanost.exe

Scanost.exe is not a latest tool but it works effortlessly. This tool can open and view harshly corrupted and damaged OST files. Not even viewing but this utility can repair those damaged and corrupted OST files too. This utility is also known as Integrity check tool because this tool checks the integrity first. Scanost is located at Drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office version. It does not impact any change in the OST file data.

Advantages of Scanost.exe

• Easily scans and compares entire OST file data available on Exchange server.
• Easily find any conflict between server and client.
• It manages harmony between server and client.
• Find scan log files in the folder of Deleted items of MS Outlook.

Disadvantages of Scanost.exe

• Does not maintain data integrity.
• Does not repair or recover damaged OST files.
• Not capable of repairing minor errors and corruption issues.
• Not compatible with MS outlook 2010 and latest versions.

2) Scanpst.exe

Scanpst.exe is a latest tool and reliable for OST and PST files both. This tool can open, view and repair harshly corrupted and damaged OST files. This tool is an inbuilt utility which is provided by Microsoft and usable for MS outlook data files. This tool is an inbuilt utility (Scanpst is located inside the Office folder inside the MS Office installation folder) which is provided by Microsoft and usable for MS outlook data files. This utility is also known as Outlook Inbox Repair Tool because it can repair OST as well as PST files too.

Advantages of Scanpst.exe

• Open and view healthy as well as corrupted OST and PST files.
• Repair damaged Outlook data files.
• Recover corrupted Outlook data.
• Free tool to use provided by Microsoft.
• No compatibility issue and available for all versions of Ms Outlook.

Disadvantages of Scanpst.exe

• Capable to resolve small corruption issues.
• Cannot repair OST and PST files larger than 2GB.
• Need to run this utility many times to repair files

3) Kernel OST Viewer

Kernel OST viewer is a free tool to open and view corrupted as well as damaged OST files. This tool effortlessly opens and views damaged OST files. This tool is easy to use because it has user friendly Graphical user interface. This utility can open password protected OST files without the need of Password. You just have to select the damaged file and then this tool opens it instantly.

Advantages of Kernel OST Viewer

• User friendly interface helps you to work efficiently.
• Generate file analysis report to analyze OST file data.
• Open healthy as well as damaged OST files.
• Open Password Protected OST files too.
• Compatible with all versions of MS Outlook, MS exchange and Window OS.

Due to the above advantages, there might be many who would think of using the kernel OST Viewer. The tool can be used following these simple steps:

• After having launched the software, browse and select an OST file to view its content.
  
  Note: you may choose between “Open Single File” and “Open Multiple File(s).
• Read the Process Information
  
• Select a folder from the folder list and then choose the items (s) you want to view
  
• If you want to generate a File Analysis Reports, click on one of the report types located on the task pane.
  
• Select the required folders and press Analyze.
  
• When the search is over, you have the following window:
  
• Press Ok, and then, the reports are displayed in the next window:
  

Note: The other three reports are generated similarly.

Conclusion

You might not be able to view OST file data without Outlook. This is where you should consider a third-party tool such as Kernel OST Viewer. This tool works without MS Outlook. Questions? Get in touch with us. We’re happy to help you.

See What TechNet Experts Says About OST to PST Converter