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How to Access OST Files Without Exchange Server?

Written By Pradyum Shashank
Updated on October 18th, 2023

Summary: Microsoft Outlook commonly uses OST (Offline Storage Table) files to store a copy of your mailbox data, which allows you to work offline, and changes are synchronized when the connection is re-established with Exchange Server. However, there are situations like corruption, orphaned or damaged, where you may need to access OST files without an Exchange Server. Perhaps your Exchange Server is down, or you want to access your mailbox data on a different computer or email client. In this blog, we will discuss the various methods to access OST files without relying on an Exchange Server. Furthermore, you can directly go with the OST Recovery Software, which enables users to open, read, view, and access OST files without an Exchange Server.

Introduction to Exchange OST File

An Exchange OST (Offline Storage Table) file is a data file closely associated with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange Server. Its primary purpose is to allow users to access mailbox data offline and make the required changes to emails, contacts, calendar items, and other mailbox content when they are not connected to the Exchange server. OST files serve as a local cache of your mailbox data and synchronize these files with the Exchange Server whenever a connection is established. This means that your mailbox remains up-to-date, with any changes or updates made to your mailbox while offline being recorded in the OST file. However, many times users find that OST files can become damaged, corrupted, or inaccessible. A corrupted OST file not only disrupts normal functioning but also leads to many issues, including data loss, and does not enable opening on the Exchange Server.

What are the Reasons Behind the OST File Corruption Issue?

OST file corruption can occur due to various reasons. Here are some common factors that can lead to OST file corruption:-

In case someone abruptly closes Microsoft Outlook or shuts down the computer while Outlook is still running, it can result in OST file corruption.
Issues with the computer’s hardware may result in the OST file damage.
Integration of third-party software with Outlook can lead to corrupt OST files.
Malicious software can infect and damage OST files, causing corruption.
An OST file corruption also happens due to large size.
Using outdated or unsupported Outlook versions may lead to compatibility issues and potential OST file corruption.
Accidental deletion of an Exchange account insists users open OST without Exchange Server.

Best Method to Access OST files Without Exchange Server

Thus, to help the user if such a situation arises, Aryson Technologies has smartly developed its new software product in the market, OST Recovery software, which has an interactive and user-friendly interface. This software is the perfect tool for you if you want to open OST files without an Exchange Server. All its features are self-explained, and any technical or non-technical assistance is not required to operate it. It also convert OST to PST file with all email attachments on Windows platforms. This software provides users with one of the easiest and simplest methods to open and read OST file data without the Exchange server.

Simple Steps to Access or Open OST File Without Exchange Server

Download and Install the OST Recovery Software on your computer.
Now, click on the Add File button.
A pop-up will appear named Select Path. Here, browse the .ost file by navigating to its location.
Once you add the ost file, the software will first perform the scan process and remove all corruption issues from the ost file.
Here, the software provides a preview of the mailbox data, checks the required data, and selects the necessary folders to convert or save.
Click on the Save button and select the path for the output folder.
Choose the PST radio button and apply the filter as well if required.
Click OK, and the software provides you with the resultant .pst file.

Salient Key Features of the Software

Allows to repair corrupt OST files and restore all the mailbox data like email messages, contacts, calendars, tasks, and journals.
You can save the recovered OST files data into PST, MSG, DBX, EML, MBOX & Archive formats.
The Software supports all different versions of Exchange Server and Microsoft Outlook.
Facilitates a feature to preview the corrupt OST file data before conversion.
It is workable on all the different versions of Windows, like Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista, 2003, XP, and 2000.

Conclusion

Accessing OST files without Exchange Server is not possible using the manual methods. So, we recommend you go for the Best OST Recovery Software, which allows you to open PST files without using Exchange Server. The free version of the software will enable you to convert 50 emails per folder from the OST files to other file formats.

How to Access OST File without Exchange Server – FAQs

Q. Can I access my OST files directly in Outlook without an Exchange Server?

Ans – While Outlook relies on Exchange Server for real-time synchronization, you can access OST files offline. However, if you want to access them on a different computer or email client, you’ll need to convert OST to PST, or other formats.

Q. Are there any free tools available for opening OST files without Exchange Server?

Ans – Some free tools might be available for accessing OST files without an Exchange Server, but they may have limitations. It’s advisable to use reputable and reliable OST Recovery software and its built-in features to manage the OST files.

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About The Author:

Pradyum Shashank

I am a technical content writer with an experience of 4 year specializing in writing about databases, data recovery, file management, e-mail recovery & migration solutions. Also, I am proficient in working in a challenging environment using all my skills and want to serve the reputed growth of the industry in the development field.