Do you know if you have an orphaned OST file, you cannot open them directly? There is no direct method that gives access to OST files. The article draws your attention to how to view OST files without downloading MS Outlook.
What is an OST file?
OST is a file format of MS Outlook for Windows. OST stands for Offline Storage Table which can store emails, contacts, notes, journals, messages, events, calendars, and various other folders. Outlook automatically saves its data in OST when it connects with an Exchange account.
What is the difference between an OST and PST file?
Both file formats support only MS Outlook for Windows. PST saves data to a local folder and is flexible to share databases from one Outlook account to the other and from one system to another.
What is the email protocol used by OST?
PST uses POP Accounts, while OST uses IMAP Accounts. The IMAP account synchronizes with the server.
What is an OST file size?
An OST file stores data in ANSI and Unicode format. It means the file can be 1.5GB or up to 50 GB.
What is the biggest benefit of an OST file?
An OST file is accessible without the internet or Wi-Fi. You can work offline. When the connection comes back, the modification in an OST file automatically synchronizes with the Exchange Server.
What are the advantages of OST over PST?
An OST file synchronizes automatically, while a PST file needs to be downloaded locally. The modification done on an OST file automatically appears on the server, but a PST file becomes a separate entity after it is downloaded. An OST file can open emails on other devices without the need to download them locally, while a PST file needs download locally.
Note- In any situation your Outlook OST files is not working and need to Convert OST files into PST then try the Pcinfotools OST to PST Converter, that instant convert bulk ost files into pst without any errors.
What are the most probable reasons for orphaned OST files?
An OST file is called orphaned when the mailbox on the server becomes inaccessible. There are various reasons for an orphaned OST file. Users categorize orphaned OST file reasons into primary categories – hardware reasons and software reasons.
Some hardware reasons for orphaned OST files are data storage failure, abnormal shutdown of the server, and controller card malfunction. Some software reasons for orphaned OST files are denying access to the mailbox on Exchange Server, viruses or malicious applications, and human errors.
Pcinfotools OST Viewer
It is freeware to view orphaned OST files with Free Outlook OST Viewer. The utility displays all databases, including emails, calendars, contacts, journals, attachments, etc without MS Outlook installation. It provides previews of OST files regardless of their size.
Below are the Characteristics of the OST Viewer
No File Size Limitation- The application provides a preview of an OST file of any size. It supports ANSI and Unicode OST files.
Generate Complete Preview of an OST File – The app displays the whole data of an OST file, including emails, contacts, journals, tasks, messages, etc. It restores all email components to display on its box, including Subject, CC, BCC, To, From, etc.
No Pre-Requisites- It is an independent viewer, and displays all OST file databases on its display box without taking the help of other applications. The independent doesn’t need the installation of MS Outlook to display data.
Great Compatibility – The application is highly compatible. It allows users to view OST files of all Outlook editions, including the oldest 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and all the latest versions of Outlook.
Views Each database Separately – The application displays each folder and items of each folder in its display box. Users can view all components, such as CC, BCC, To, From, Subject, Date, and Attachments.
What are the Steps to Open OST Files Using the Free OST File Viewer?
- Download the application on your Windows system.
- Hit the Browse button and add a local OST file.
- Within a few seconds, the tool will display data
- Get the preview of the uploaded OST file
Conclusion
The tool offers a smooth and error-free view of the required OST file. It displays data on its preview pane. The tool is safe to use and causes no data loss.