Top Methods to Open OST File Without Outlook App (No Hassle)

An OST (Outlook Storage Table) File stores Outlook mailbox data locally and is typically linked to Exchange Server. But what if you need to open OST file without Outlook or Exchange access? Whether your OST File is corrupted or you don’t have Outlook, you might need a reliable way to view your emails. This blog will look at different methods to view OST files. We will also learn about Cigati OST File Viewer, which helps users view their OST Files and the attachments. But before moving any further, let us first understand what an OST File means.

OST stands for Offline Storage Table. It is a Microsoft Outlook Data File that stores Outlook’s mailbox data locally. The user can access this email data without needing an internet connection. It automatically syncs the updates once reconnected. 

Reasons to Open an OST File Without Outlook

In cases where Outlook is inaccessible or unavailable due to software installation, the data stored in it remains important. The points given below are some of the situations where the user needs to open an OST File without MS Outlook:

• Many users need to access data from an orphaned OST file when Outlook or Exchange connectivity is lost.
• Sometimes, OST Files contain important information and therefore, need to be recovered.
• OST files act as a local copy of the Exchange mailbox and serve as a valuable backup.
• An orphaned OST file is not supported by Outlook and therefore cannot be imported. 
• Users receive OST files from clients that they need to open independently.  

How Do I Open OST File Without Outlook? – Easy Methods

Opening an OST file can be done in two ways. The process depends on whether the OST file can be opened in Outlook or without Outlook. Review both cases below and proceed with the appropriate steps.

Manual Procedure to Open OST File in Outlook

Outlook does not allow access to an orphaned OST File. However, if the file is linked to an Outlook profile or connected to an Exchange Server, you can manually export its contents to a PST file. 

Use the following steps to begin the process:

1. Open the MS Outlook application on your system.
2. Now, click on File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Choose Export to a file and then click Next.
4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
5. Now, choose the mailbox folders that you want to export.
6. Select a destination location to save your file.
7. Lastly, click Finish to complete the process.

Limitations: This method is only useful if you can access your OST File in Outlook. Moreover, this method is not used to open an orphaned OST File. 

Professional Way to Open OST File Without Outlook App

The OST File Viewer is an advanced software that enables users to open and view an OST file without Outlook or Exchange Server. It supports saving the OST files in various file formats like PST, EML, MBOX, etc. The software also helps users to preview multiple OST Files in bulk and to view emails without the attachments. Some of its powerful features are removing duplicate emails, filtering emails by date or keywords, and splitting large PST files etc. 

Perform these step-by-step instructions to view OST files without Outlook:

1. Download and install the OST File Viewer Tool.
2. Now, choose from Select Folder or Single File/Multiple Files and click Next.
3. Press on Select Files to add an OST File and click on Open.
4. Expand the tree structure, select the folders, and then preview the contents. Then, click Next.
5. Now, pick File Formats and select PST from the drop-down list.
6. Click on Path to Save to choose the destination path to save your resultant file.
7. At last, click on the Convert button to begin the conversion process.

Conclusion

Opening an OST file is an essential task for users who do not have access to Outlook or Exchange Server. One of the effective and easy methods is by converting an OST file into PST format and then opening it in Outlook. But this manual conversion requires advanced technical skills and proper setup. For those looking for a more instant and reliable way to open OST File Without Outlook, choose the OST File Viewer. It simplifies the process and is a more reliable, efficient, and error-free choice. In the end, choose the best method according to your requirements.

You May Also Read: Open PST File without Outlook

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