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OST files, short for Offline Storage Folders, are a Microsoft-provided feature designed for storing user information and email data in offline mode, commonly known as 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. OST files offer the advantage of seamless offline work, allowing you to save and utilize your data without an active connection to the Exchange server.
OST files may experience corruption and become inaccessible due to a range of software and hardware-related issues. In typical scenarios where the Exchange Server is operational, recreating an OST file is a straightforward process: simply 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 to undertake OST file repair to restore access to its contents.
There are 3 ways to view corrupted OST files; we are enlisting them below:
Consider using the automated tool Kernel for OST to PST Converter for repairing and recovering corrupted OST files.
Previously, Outlook users had access to a tool called Scanost.exe in earlier versions of the software, which allowed them to open and view severely corrupted and damaged OST files. This utility was capable of repairing these compromised OST files and was often referred to as the OST Integrity Check Tool because it initially assessed the file’s integrity. Scanost is located at 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.
Scanpst.exe is a reliable tool that can handle both OST and PST files effectively. This inbuilt utility, provided by Microsoft, is designed for opening, viewing, and repairing severely corrupted and damaged OST files, as well as PST files. Often referred to as the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool, scanpst is located in the MS Office installation folder and is a valuable resource for managing MS Outlook data files.
The Kernel OST viewer is a free tool designed for opening and viewing both corrupted and damaged OST files. This user-friendly utility provides a straightforward experience with its intuitive graphical user interface. It allows you to effortlessly open and view damaged OST files without requiring the original profile. All you need to do is select the damaged file, and the tool opens it instantly for your convenience.
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.
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!
This post is really very effective and informative to view corrupted OST file. I have used it to solve OST related issues. Thank you very much for helping us.
Excellent information provided by you in this article. I have used it and worked for me. Now, I would like to refer it to my friends. Once again thank you for providing such kind of great 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.