This blog explains the default location of your Outlook Archive Folder (OST & PST) on Windows 10, 7, 8, Vista & XP, it also describes the right solution to find your Outlook Archive Folder in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 & 2007.

What is the Outlook Archive Folder (OST) File?

OST stands for Offline Storage Table, it also knows as Outlook Archive Folder (OST) file and gets automatically generated by Microsoft Outlook in Windows OS to create a faultless connection with Microsoft Exchange server. The OST file permits the user to access Microsoft Exchange Cached or Offline mode so that a user can access their data even when the Exchange server is Offline. Every time when a new mail is received by Exchange server, Microsoft Outlook will automatically synchronize OST file with the MS Exchange server which ultimately helps the user to work in offline mode even when internet connection or Exchange server gets down.

What is the Outlook Archive Folder (PST) File?

PST stands for Personal Storage Table, it is also known as Outlook Archive Folder (PST) that stores your personal email message, task, notes, task, calendars etc in MS Outlook.

Where are the OST Files Located?

Microsoft Outlook OST file is an offline storage table which saves all the data(emails and attachments) in the local machine. These are the location OST file we were able to locate on a local machine in Windows and Mac OS.

1. Outlook OST files default location on Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10 OS

Outlook 2010: DocumentsOutlook Files
Outlook 2007 or earlier version: C:UsersUserNameAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook

2. Outlook OST files default location on Windows XP OS

MS Outlook 2010: My DocumentsOutlook Files
MS Outlook 2007 or earlier versions: C:Documents and SettingsUserNameLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook

3. Outlook OST files default location on Mac OS

Outlook 2011 database file:
~/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2011 Identities/Main Identity/
Outlook 2011 storage folders:
~/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2011 Identities/Main Identity/Data Records

Where are Outlook Archive Folder PST File Located?

The default location of Archive Folder PST File

C:Users%username%AppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook
C:Users%username%DocumentsOutlook Files

The default Location of Archive Folder of Outlook on Windows XP and previous versions.

C:Documents and Settings%username%Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook
C:Documents and Settings%username%My DocumentsOutlook Files

The Default Location of Archive Folder of Outlook on Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, and 10

C:UsersuserDocumentsOutlook Filesarchive.pst

How to Find Outlook Archive Folder OST File Location?

If you were still unable to locate OST file, then follow these steps to and find the files in no time.

1. For MS Office Outlook 2016/2013

Step 1. Open Outlook application and go to “File” on the toolbar. Doing that will open the Account Information window.
Step 2. From there go to the Account Settings >> Account Settings options and tap on it.
Step 3. Now navigate to the Data file tab to preview the location of other data files. To know the location of the OST file, select the file and click “Open File Location”
Step 4. OST file location window will pop up.

2. For MS Office Outlook 2010

Step 1. Tap on File Tab in the Ribbon and choose Info tab from the “Menu.”
Step 2. Tap on “Accounts Settings” tab, after that tap on “Account Settings” again.
Step 3. From the drop-down list, choose Microsoft Exchange Server, and then tap “Change.”
Step 4. Tap “More Settings.”
Step 5. In the Advanced tab, tap on “Offline Folder File Settings.”

3. For Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

Step 1. Launch MS Outlook.
Step 2. In the “Tools” menu, click “Account Settings.”
Step 3. From the list select “Microsoft Exchange Server”, and then tap “Change.”
Step 4. New “Change Email Account” dialog box will pop up.
Step 5. Tap “More Settings”, “Microsoft Exchange” dialog box will appear.
Step 6. Choose the “Advanced” tab, that will change the “Microsoft Exchange” dialog box.
Step 7. Tap the “Offline Folder File Settings.” New “Offline Folder File Settings” dialog box will appear.
Step 8. The dialog box is having OST file location in the File field.
Step 9. OST file is usually located at
» C: Documents and Settings username Local Settings Application Data Microsoft Outlook outlook.ost
Step 10. Copy the OST file path.

4. For Microsoft Office Outlook 2003

Step 1. From the Tools menu, select “Email Accounts.”
Step 2. Tap “View” or change an existing email account, and click “Next.”
Step 3. Tap “Microsoft Exchange Server”, and then “Change.”
Step 4. Now tap on “More Settings.”
Step 5. In the “Advanced” tab, select “Offline Folder File Settings.”

How to Find Outlook Archive Folder (PST ) File Location?

Outlook 2007 and previous
File-> Data File Management…
Outlook 2010, Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016
File-> Account Settings-> Account Settings-> tab: Data Files

What if OST files become inaccessible? 

If your OST files become inaccessible or get corrupt, then you need to recover or repair your OST file. There are two methods that can be used to recover damaged OST file: Manual and Automata. As an IT expert, I will suggest not to use the manual method because it has few drawbacks like it needs a deep technical knowledge and is a very lengthy process. Whereas, Automata methods is safe and quick. I would like to recommend an OST Recovery tool which is 100% safe, fast and reliable. It can even save OST files into PST, MSG, DBX, EML, MBOX & Archive.

What if PST files become inaccessible? 

If your PST files get inaccessible due to any reason then you can need to repair them or restore them. There are two processes to open your corrupted PST file one is the Manual method or second is the alternate solution like Outlook PST Recovery solution.

Conclusion

These are the methods to find your Outlook Archiver Folder (OST & PST) files in Windows and if you are unable to access your OST and PST file, use the recommended tool to repair it.