What is an OST file?
An Outlook OST file, or Offline Outlook Data File, is a file that allows Microsoft Outlook to work in offline mode, without a connection to the server. It is normally created when you use Cached Exchange mode in Outlook.
When Outlook is configured to use an Exchange Server account, it creates a local copy of your mailbox data on your computer in the form of an OST file. This file contains a synchronized copy of your mailbox items, such as emails, contacts, calendar items, tasks, and notes.
The OST file enables you to access your mailbox data when you are offline, and any changes you make to the data are saved locally and automatically synchronized with the server the next time you connect to the network.
OST files are especially useful for users who work in areas with intermittent or no internet connectivity, or for those who want to work offline without losing access to their mailbox data. It is important to note that Outlook cannot open an OST file in Windows directly. You need a professional OST opener tool or convert the OST to PST to retrieve your mailbox items.
Free OST file opener and viewer tool
EdbMails free OST File Viewer enables you to open and easily read the contents of OST files. It can also open corrupted and orphaned OST files and is compatible with all Windows and Outlook versions.
- The application displays the folder / email data of OST files without connecting to the Exchange server.
- The OST file reader displays the contents of password protected OST files.
- Open large size OST files with ease and preview all the email messages, folders, contacts, calendar items, notes, appointments and journals.
- You can view the Offline OST files with all of the associated email data.
- You can also view the information such as the Sent and Received date of the message, From Address, To Address, Subject, Mail body, Attachments and other email header information.
- Quickly open and read an OST file when the Outlook emails are not syncing with the server.
Steps to view an OST file and its contents
- Install and start EdbMails OST to PST Converter.
- Select OST file from which you want to view the emails
- Load and open the OST file mailbox data in the tree view.
- Click on the emails, calendar and contacts to preview the data.
Uses of EdbMails Outlook OST viewer
- Retrieve important information: If the Outlook file cannot be accessed, or if the Outlook account is not accessible, the OST file can still contain important information that needs to be retrieved. With EdbMails free OST reader, you can view the OST file contents and retrieve any critical information you need.
- Confirm data integrity: If you suspect that the OST file has been corrupted or has been compromised, you can use the EdbMails Free OST File Viewer to confirm the integrity of the data in the file.
- Repair and view OST files: EdbMails can repair and recover corrupted and orphaned OST files without requiring the original Exchange server profile that you configured your account with. You can also convert the OST to PST and also import the OST file into Office 365 and Exchange.
Features of EdbMails free OST viewer tool
- View OST file contents: With EdbMails Outlook OST Viewer, you can view all the contents of the OST file, including emails, contacts, calendar items, tasks, and notes.
- Save OST file in different formats: With EdbMails, you can also save your emails from the OST file in HTML, EML and MHT formats for different requirements. Learn how to copy outlook emails to an external hard drive.
- No need for Microsoft Outlook: EdbMails Outlook OST Viewer eliminates the need for Microsoft Outlook, making it possible for you to view the OST file contents on any computer without installing Outlook.
- Easy to use: The tool has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for you to navigate and preview the OST file contents without requiring technical knowledge. With EdbMails, you can also directly migrate OST to Office 365 and Live Exchange.
- Lightweight: The tool is lightweight and does not require a lot of resources, making it an excellent choice for users who want to open or view an OST file with limited storage on their computer.
- Full software compatibility: EdbMails is compatible with Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003, as well as Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to open OST files without Outlook?
You can use EdbMails OST viewer to open OST files without Outlook. Here are the steps to open OST files with EdbMails.
- Step 1: Install EdbMails Free OST File Viewer
- Step 2: Browse and select the OST file you want to view
- Step 2: Open the OST file and preview the contents such as emails, calendars and contacts. That’s it!
What is an orphan OST file and how do I open one?
Where is the OST file located on my computer?
How to open corrupted and damaged Outlook OST files?
What are the system requirements for EdbMails OST viewer?
