Summary: OST files facilitate offline access to email data in Cached Exchange Mode. Sometimes, these files get corrupted due to various reasons. Therefore, the blog helps you identify the causes of the issue and corresponding manual solutions to access OST files. Furthermore, you will learn about Kernel OST viewer tool to view damaged files hassle-free.

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.

Causes of the corrupted OST file

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:

  • Sudden power outage
  • Sudden power outage
  • Improper Outlook termination
  • Corrupted Storage drive
  • Malware or virus attack
  • Inappropriate outlook plugin

Now, let’s move to the different approaches to access and view the corrupted OST file.

How to view and access corrupt OST file data?

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.

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

Consider using the automated tool Kernel for OST to PST Converter for repairing and recovering corrupted OST files.

1) Scanost.exe

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

  • Easily scans and checks the entire OST file data.
  • Easily finds any conflict between server and client.
  • It ensures harmony between the server and the client.
  • Find scanned log files in the folder containing Deleted items from MS Outlook

Disadvantages of Scanost.exe

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

Scanost.exe

2) Scanpst.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

  • Open and view healthy and corrupted OST and PST files.
  • Repair corrupted OST and PST files.
  • Recover data from corrupted Outlook files.
  • Free tool provided by Microsoft.
  • Compatible with all versions of MS Outlook.

Disadvantages of Scanpst.exe

  • Capable of resolving minor corruption issues only.
  • Cannot repair OST and PST files larger than 2GB.
  • Need to run this utility many times to repair files.

Scanpst.exe

3) Kernel OST Viewer

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

  • A 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 OST files without the original Outlook profile
  • Compatible with all MS Outlook, MS Exchange, and Windows OS versions.

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 launching 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
    Process Information
  • Select a folder from the folder list and then choose the items (s) you want to view
    Select a folder from the folder list
  • If you want to generate a File Analysis Report, click on one of the report types on the task pane.
    generate a File Analysis Report
  • Select the required folders and press Analyze.
    Select the required folders and press Analyze
  • When the search is over, you have the following window:
    search
  • Press Ok, and then the reports are displayed in the next window:
    Press Ok

Note: The other three reports can be generated similarly.

Conclusion

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.

More Information

Kernel for OST to PST