Microsoft Outlook consist two data file such as PST and OST where PST file is used for POP3, IMAP and web based mail where OST is used for MS Exchange account and in an offline mode. Also, it also works in the online mode and automatically performs the task when server is connected with MS Outlook. OST file stored Outlook data items such as Contacts, Messages, Tasks, Calendar, Notes, Journals, RSS Feeds, etc. In this blog, I have shared about some important points about OST file and manual solution to repair the OST files.

OST File Location within a System:

Windows 7 and Window/Vista: drive:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

Windows XP: drive:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

How to Open Outlook OST File?

For Outlook 2007/2010/2013:

Step 1: Open Tools (in MS outlook 2007) and open File -> Info (in MS Outlook 2010). Click on Account Settings and double click on Microsoft Exchange.

Step 2: Click More Settings -> Advanced -> Offline Folder File Settings ( in Outlook 2013, click on Outlook Data File Settings).

Step 3: In the File field, enter the file path and click OK -> Next -> OK.

For Outlook 2002/2003:

Step 1: Go to Tool –> Email Accounts -> View or Change existing mail accounts -> Next.

Step 2: Click on Microsoft Exchange Server in the box of Outlook processes email for these accounts in the following order. Click Change -> More Settings -> Advanced -> Offline Folder File Settings.

Step 3: Type the file path in the File box and click OK -> NEXT -> Finish.

OST file is very important because with the help of this file you can easily access the data items offline. Sometimes due to any hardware, software or human faults the OST file gets corrupt and unable to access. In that situation, you need to hire the repairing professionals or put some manual efforts to repair the OST files.

Method 1: By using OST Integrity Check Tool (SCANOST.EXE):

Note:

Exit MS Outlook before using Inbox Repair Tool.

This tool not supported in Outlook 2010/2013.

Scanost.exe is located in different places within the system, according to the version of MS Outlook:

In MS Outlook 2000: drive:\\Program Files\Common Files\System\MAPINT\scanost.exe

drive:\\Program Files\Common Files\System\MAPINT\scanost.exe In MS Outlook 2002/XP: drive:\\Program Files\Common Files\System\MAPI\scanost.exe

drive:\\Program Files\Common Files\System\MAPI\scanost.exe In MS Outlook 2003: drive:\\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\scanost.exe

drive:\\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\scanost.exe In MS Outlook 2007: drive:\\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12

Step 1: Double click on SCANOST.EXE.

Step 2: If your Outlook application is running then it will ask you to close it.

Step 3: Else, a new windows open i.e OST Integrity Tool. If the tool asks for Profile name then provide the accurate name.

Step 4: Now, if you will see a message Connect or Work Offline then click on Connect.

Step 5: Select an option according to your priority either Scan all folders or Choose folder to scan and click Begin Scan.

Step 6: Once the scanning process completed you will receive a message OST repaired successfully.

Method 2:

By converting OST files into PST, it is because OST Integrity Check Tool does not support MS Outlook 2010/2013. You can follow import- export, archiving, etc. manual procedures to convert OST files into PST. In my blog, I have shared some manual methods to convert OST files into PST. I hope that will help you.

Many of the times, these methods fail to repair the highly corrupted OST files. Hence, in such situation you have only one possibility left to repair your corrupted OST files i.e OST File Recovery Tool. This tool is very easy to use and ensure to repair all OST files. Also, gives you multiple options to save the converted data files. Learn how OST file recovery tool helps to repair the OST files.

Step 1: First install OST File Recovery Tool and browse OST files which you want to repair. This tool will also help you to search the OST file(S), which is located in different location.

Step 2: Choose the Recovery Mode and click OK to start the scanning process.

Step 3: After completion of scanning process, click OK. For tree view of OST files click on the mailbox folder.

Step 4: Choose location and select the file type in which you want to save the recovered OST file data. Now, click on OK button to start the saving process and after completion of this process click on OK.

Check here the online demo of OST file recover tool: