OST – Offline Storage Table – files are created by Microsoft Outlook to store a synchronized copy of mailbox data on the mail server. You cannot open these files without Outlook as these are encrypted with a unique MAPIEntryID GUID key.
To open these files, you need to use a professional OST to PST converter tool. In this article, we will be explaining how you can open your OST file by using a reliable online OST to PST converter.
What are the Reasons to Open an OST File without Outlook?
There are various situations where you need to open and access your OST file without Outlook, such as:
- Outlook not opening or crashing
- Mail server is down and you need to access OST file data
- Account associated with OST file is deleted
- Migration to a new profile or system
How to Open OST file without Outlook?
Since OST file is tightly bound to the Outlook profile in which it is created, you have to take the help of a professional OST viewer or converter tool. Here are some reliable tools you can use:
1. Xst Reader Tool
If you only need to open OST file in read‑only mode, then Xst Reader Tool can be a handy option. It’s an open-source tool that allows you to view the messages in the OST file and also save them in plain text, rich-text, or HTML format. Here’s you can use this tool:
- Download the Xst Reader tool.
- Once the downloading is complete, extract the XstReader.zip.
- Now, launch XstReader.exe.
- Click the Open button located at the bottom left of the tool.
- Then, select the OST file you wish to view.
- Click Open. Xst reader will open your OST file folders.
- You can click on any email to see its preview.
- You can save an email to HTML, plain text, or rich-text format.
- To do this right-click on mail item and select the format.
- Then, choose the location and click on Save.
2. Free Online OST to PST Converter Tool
You can also use an online OST to PST converter tool to open your OST file without Outlook. You will find various such tools on the internet. But if you want a secure, fast, and easy-to-use tool, then you should go with Online OST to PST Converter by Stellar. This tool can open and convert OST file of up to 500 MB absolutely free.
Below are some key features of this tool:
- Convert OST file to PST without needing Microsoft Outlook installed.
- No Exchange Server connection needed.
- Convert OST file up to 500 MB into PST format at no cost.
- Secure upload and conversion.
- Maintain original mailbox hierarchy during conversion.
- Provide a preview of converted data.
- Real-time progress tracking.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Steps-by-step process to convert OST file to PST format using this online tool:
- Open a web browser.
- Go to the Stellar Converter for OST Online page.
- Sign up before starting conversion process.
- Once you sign up, click on Upload OST File.
- Find and select the OST file (<500 MB).
- Click on Open and wait until the upload is complete.
- Click on Start Conversion.
- After the process is done, select the Preview option. It will show you the preview of converted OST file in HTML format.
You can click on Save PST File to download the converted file. After this, you can import it into any Outlook profile to open or access your OST mail items.
Note: The converted PST file will be available for download for up to three hours after the conversion.
Conclusion
As explained in this article, you cannot open your OST file without Outlook as it is securely linked with the specific profile. So, the only option is to use an OST viewer or converter tool.
We have mentioned above OST viewer tool – an open source OST/PST viewer tool and an free OST to PST converter tool. However, the OST converter tool online by Stellar can also help you to safely and easily convert your OST file into PST format.
If your OST file is large more than 5GB then it is better to use Stellar converter for OST Desktop Edition to convert your OST file into PST safely and efficiently.