How to recover OST files in Outlook?

Struggling with a corrupted OST file in Outlook? Quite common but easily resolvable. The Offline Storage Table (OST) is a key component, without which one cannot work offline or synchronize data with the Microsoft Exchange Server. But, even the most reliable files can be prone to corruption due to many different reasons, i.e., virus infections, hardware failures, oversized OSTs, etc.

When you counter issues with a corrupted OST file, it is vital to act wisely to recover your valuable data. Manual methods can be prone to errors, time-consuming risky and you need to be technically proficient too. So, we are helping you out with a switch to using automated tools like Kernel for OST to PST. This high-end software is designed to efficiently restore and convert data from inaccessible or damaged OST files with no data loss.

Insights into the OST tool

Before going to the process and stepwise guidance with the OST recovery tool, you must learn about the features of the tool that gives you the ability to operate the tool with ease. Let us help you out with the features that help you recover OST files quickly.

1. OST file repair and recovery

Recovers severely damaged or inaccessible OST files.
Handles various types of corruption scenarios, including header corruption, synchronization errors, and data loss.
Full data integrity and prevents further corruption during the recovery process.

2. Conversion to PST format

Converts recovered OST files to PST format for smooth migration to different Outlook versions.
Preserves the original folder structure and mailbox hierarchy.
Supports all Outlook versions, including the latest releases.

3. Mailbox restoration

Restores OST files to Office 365 mailboxes, Live Exchange Servers, and other Exchange environments.
Provides options for selective restoration and allows users to choose specific items or folders.
Minimal downtime and data loss during the restoration process.

4. Preview and navigation

Offers a preview of mailbox items before recovery and permits users to verify data integrity and identify any issues.
Maintains the original hierarchical structure of folders and items for easy navigation.
Provides a clear and easy-to-use interface for browsing and selecting data.

5. Large PST file management

Splits large PST files into smaller, more manageable sizes to prevent corruption and improve performance.
Allows users to specify the desired split size and output location.
Efficient handling of large mailboxes and reduces the risk of data loss.

6. Selective migration

Filters emails and items based on various criteria, including sender, recipient, date range, folder name, item type, and more.
Enables users to migrate only the necessary data, and reduces the time and resources required.
Provides flexibility and control over the migration process.

7. Multiple export formats

Saves recovered OST files in various formats, including PST, MSG, EML, DBX, RTF, HTML, DOC, TXT, and PDF.
Supports different email clients and applications.
Offers options for preserving formatting and attachments.

8. Webmail and MBOX support

Migrates OST data to web-based email platforms like Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and MBOX files for Apple Mail, Entourage, Thunderbird, etc.
Smooth integration with different email environments.
Provides flexibility for users who prefer web-based email solutions.

9. Detailed analysis report

Generates graphical reports on mail flow density, senders, item types, and user interactions.
Offers valuable insights into mailbox usage and patterns.
Helps identify potential issues or areas for improvement.

10. Efficient search functionality

Quickly finds specific messages and details within the OST file using the 'Find' option.
Supports various search criteria, including sender, recipient, subject, keywords, and date range.
Simplifies the process of locating important information.

For more detailed insights into the Kernel for OST to PST Converter tool, you can also try out the try version for free.

Steps for using the tool

To carry out the process and recover OST file, follow the steps given below to use the tool:

Access the tool and use the Browse option to select the OST file within the Source File Selection wizard.
Choose the OST file and hit Open. Tap on Next.
Choose any item and get a detailed preview.
Tap on the preferred output format. Click on Next.
You can use the appropriate filters and apply to the search. Hit Next.
In case the output format is PST, then you can even utilize the split option to make smaller PST files.
Tap on Browse and select a destination to save the file. Tap on Finish.
After the completion of the process, you will get a confirmation message. Tap on OK.

Benefits of using the tool

Below, we have given the advantages of using the tool.

Data recovery preservation: Recovers lost, damaged and corrupted data from OST files, and prevents any kind of data loss.
Time cost savings: Reduces downtime and the costs associated with data recovery efforts.
Data integrity and security: Assures the integrity and security of recovered data along with protection of sensitive information.
Flexibility and compatibility: Supports various Outlook versions, email formats, and platforms that provide flexibility and compatibility.
User-friendly interface: provides a simple and easy-to-use interface that makes it simple for users of all levels to use.
Quality features: Provides other range of varied features, including preview, selective migration, and analysis reports.

Some considerations and practices to follow

To prevent your efforts to recover deleted OST files, you must take some considerations and precautions in mind.

Proper maintenance: Keep all your OST files in good condition and avoid excessive file sizes to counter oversized file issues, perform regular maintenance, and make use of reliable antivirus software.
Regular backups: To counter data loss problems due to corruption, it is crucial to create regular backups of your OST files.
Avoid manual modifications to your files: When you look to manually edit OST files, it can cause some kind of corruption issues accidentally. Always utilize a reliable recovery tool for any repair or recovery tasks.

Conclusion

To restore OST file in Outlook, we have put together the easiest alternative for you. Not opting for the manual methods, the use of an automated OST recovery tool is a wiser choice. From discussing the features of Kernel for OST to PST to the steps of the process, we hope you can get all the issues sorted out in no time.

Do keep in mind the given technical considerations to prevent any problems with your OST file in the near future. To use the tool before the purchase, you can even try out the trial version for free.

FAQs

Q1. What are the major reasons behind the corruption of OST files?

There are many reasons that can cause OST file corruption: virus attacks, oversized OST files, bad sectors within the drive, incompatible add-ins, incompatible Outlook versions, and abrupt shutdowns.

Q2. Can Scanost.exe help with OST recovery?

The Scanost.exe helps to find errors in your OST file but it is only successful in resolving minor errors. But it has got one major limitation, i.e., its incompatibility with Outlook 2010 and later versions. You can look to use the Scanpst.exe tool for scanning corrupt OST files. Moreover, to recover deleted OST files you can look to use a professional OST file recovery tool.

Q3. Which are the different options available for output file format?

After full recovery of your OST files, users can easily convert the file into PST, MSG, PDF, HTML, MHTML, TXT, DBX, EML, RTF formats, etc. Plus, you can also use other saving options with MBOX, DBX, Exchange, Gmail, Office 365,etc.

Q4. Can a user save a specific item from the entire mailbox?

Yes, it is possible, the utility comes with a ‘FIND’ option for searching a specific item. It will open a new page and users can easily filter items as per these filtering options: To, From, Date Range, Attachments, and Subjects and then save the data selectively.