What is a .OST file?
An .OST file, which stands for Outlook Offline Storage Table, is a type of data file used by Microsoft Outlook, a popular email client and personal information manager. This file format is specifically used in versions of Microsoft Outlook from 2005 onwards. The primary purpose of an OST file is to store a copy of all the mailbox information from an Office 365, Exchange, or Outlook.com account. This includes emails, contacts, tasks, calendar events, and other related data.
The .OST file enables users to continue accessing their email and other information even when they are not connected to the internet. This is particularly useful for users who need to manage their emails and calendar information on the go, without consistent internet access. When using Outlook in offline mode, any changes or new entries (such as emails sent, appointments made, or contacts added) are saved in the OST file and then synchronized with the server once an internet connection is available again.
To create an OST file, you need to enable the "Use Offline Folders" option within Microsoft Outlook. Typically, the OST file is automatically created and stored in a specific path on your computer, usually under \Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. You can also find the location of your OST file by going to File → Account Settings in Outlook, then clicking on the 'Account Settings...' option, selecting the 'Data Files' tab, choosing an entry, and clicking 'Open Folder Location'.
Several programs can open and manage OST files, primarily: - **Microsoft Outlook 365**: This is the main program designed to use and manage OST files as it creates them. - **Remo Convert OST to PST**: This tool helps convert OST files into PST format, which can be useful for data migration or backup. - **OEMailRecovery.com Outlook Recovery Toolbox**: This software assists in recovering data from corrupted OST files. - **4Team Corporation OST PST Viewer**: Allows users to view OST files without the need for Microsoft Outlook. - **Aryson OST Recovery**: A recovery tool that helps restore emails and other items from OST files. - **EdbMails**: Another tool for managing and converting OST files. - **Regain OST to PST Converter**: Converts OST files into PST format for different uses.
It's important to note that while OST files are similar to Personal Folder (.PST) files used by Outlook, they are specifically intended for offline use and synchronization.
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