Offline Storage Table (OST) files is Microsoft-provided computer files designed for storing user information and mailbox items offline with the help of Cached Exchange Mode. These OST files contain a synchronized copy of mailbox data from the Exchange Server. They enable users to access their data even when not connected to the Exchange server.
However, the user finds it challenging to access the OST file when it gets corrupted. So, in the blog, we will discuss its causes and relevant solutions to access and view the content of damaged files.
There can be several reasons why your OST file gets corrupted, and you are unable to access & view data inside them. Some of the primary reasons are:
Now, let’s move to the different approaches to access and view the corrupted OST file.
OST files may experience corruption and become inaccessible due to different software and hardware-related issues. In typical scenarios where the Exchange Server is operational, recreating an OST file is straightforward. You just need to delete the existing OST file and the Exchange Server will automatically generate a new OST file containing all the original data. Alternatively, you can attempt to repair the Outlook profile or run Outlook in Safe Mode to regain access to the OST file’s data.
However, there are instances where you are left with only the corrupted OST file and no immediate server connection. In such cases, it becomes necessary repair the OST to access its contents.
There are certain methods for accessing or viewing your mailbox items of corrupted OST files. The Most reliable ones are listed below.
Consider using the automated tool Kernel for OST to PST Converter for repairing and recovering corrupted OST files.
In the earlier versions of Outlook, users had to access a tool called Scanost.exe which allowed them to open and view severely corrupted and damaged OST files. The tool can repair compromised OST files and was often referred to as the OST Integrity Check Tool because it initially assessed the file’s integrity.
Note: Scanost is located at
Drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office version.
It’s important to note that this tool did not alter the data within the OST file during the repair process.
Advantages of Scanost.exe
Disadvantages of Scanost.exe
Scanpst.exe is a reliable for handling OST and PST files effectively. This built-in utility, provided by Microsoft, is designed to open, view, and repair severely corrupted and damaged OST files and PST files. It is often referred as the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool.
Note: scanpst is located in the MS Office installation folder and is a valuable resource for managing MS Outlook data files.
Advantages of Scanpst.exe
Disadvantages of Scanpst.exe
Although a manual solution helps access the content of corrupted OST files. But it doesn’t give security to data or its integrity. Also, it requires too much attention while performing the process, making it time-consuming. So, to avoid these limitations, consider using Kernel OST viewer tool to open and view corrupted or damaged OST files. Its user-friendly interface makes the tool handy for the user and allows them to effortlessly access damaged OST files without requiring the original profile. All you need to do is select the damaged file to open it instantly for your convenience.
Advantages of Kernel OST Viewer
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:
Note: The other three reports can be generated similarly.
Viewing OST file data without Outlook can be challenging. In such cases, you might want to explore third-party solutions like Kernel OST Viewer, which functions independently of MS Outlook. If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us; we’re here to assist you.
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This article is really very helpful to repair damaged OST files. You can try any of methods as mentioned above. All the methods working very well. I have tried all of them. Good job done by the writer. Thanks!
Thank you for writing such an informative article. It helped me to view and open corrupted OST files. I also used the demo version of the software provided by you in this article. It also looked very helpful. Thanks!
Very informative article about the solution to view and repair corrupted OST files. The manual methods looked very smooth, but it is a very time consuming process for large OST files. The professional tool described by you in this article is very useful and secure too. I used it to open my damaged OST files and it’s done this job very well. Thank you for such a helpful article!
By using above mentioned method, one can easily fix damaged OST file. I have my own personal experience with the Kernel OST converter tool. It helped me to repair corrupted OST file and move them in PST formats. I would like to recommend it others too.
Very informative article about to fix corrupt OST files. I have used above mention software. It is very effective and secure. It helped me to repair corrupted OST file and import them in PST formats. Thanks!
I have used Scanost.exe inbuilt utility freeware tool, but it takes a couple of hours (3-4 hours). Even I have also used above mentioned tool, lf we compare both of them, the tool takes less time for repairing OST.