Everything You Need To Know About Exchange Offline Folder (OST) File

OST is an acronym for Offline Storage Tables. These offline files are created by Microsoft Outlook email client when it is used in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange Server. 

Offline Outlook data files help the users to perform actions with their messages and mails even when they are not connected to the mail servers.

OST files are commonly used in two states of affairs: -

1. With MS Exchange Server’s Cached Exchange Mode. 
2. With MS Outlook connector when accessing Hotmail mail.

What is OST File?

Normally OST files work offline. They help to create a local copy of all the data that is to be saved on the user’s computer. Later when the mail server is restored and Outlook is connected to it, these OST files get synchronized. OST files prove to be useful option where the network is limited or unreliable.

When users work in offline mode, Outlook creates a duplicate copy of user mailbox on Exchange Server. This offline duplicate copy has .ost extension and is commonly known as OST file. User can make as many modifications required to be done in the OST file. Later, when connected to the Exchange Server, OST file is automatically synchronized.

Often OST files get corrupted and are not supported by MS Outlook. In such cases user is unable to view his contents stored in OST files. Also there may be possibility that the user’s system is not configured with the Exchange Server. Again in this situation, viewing OST files is an issue. To overcome this situation, a freeware OST File Reader can be used. This software easily displays the contents of OST files.

Creating an OST file: -

OST files are created automatically when user starts working on MS Outlook. The location of OST files in Windows OS is: -

C:\Documents and Settings\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

However, by following the below mentioned steps, you can create OST files: -

• Click on File.
• Select work Offline option. 
• All the data is now copied to the offline OST file.

• To select the folders for offline utilization, go to Tools Menu and Click on Send/Receive followed by Send/Receive Settings. Then click Define Send/Receive Groups.

• Click the Send/Receive Group and select your Exchange account.

OST Files are very helpful but when we have orphan OST files and find them unable to view using Outlook, then it becomes a big issue to deal with them. Free File Viewer Software provides bundles of solutions to view such orphan OST files and other files of various file formats. You must try them for sure.