How do I Extract Data From Unreadable OST File?

Introduction

An OST file, a short form of Offline Storage Table, is an important data file produced by Microsoft Outlook. This file type allows users to work in offline mode, by keeping a copy of mailbox data on the local device.

However, instances arise when these docs evolve as unreadable due to corruption or harm. In such scenarios, it becomes important to extract data from unreadable OST docs or files. This extraction serves a dual objective: controlling the loss of valuable information and sustaining a seamless workflow without any problem. The following sections delve into diverse methods to carry out this extraction procedure effectively.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Understanding OST and PST File Formats

Offline Storage Table and Personal Storage Table are both data files used by Microsoft Outlook. OST files are an offline image of your Exchange mailbox, allowing you to work even when the server connection is inaccessible. This is beneficial for individuals who frequently travel from one place to another place or have inconsistent internet connections.

On the other hand, PST files are used to keep your private and personal details like emails, calendar events, and other things within Microsoft Outlook software. They serve as a duplicate copy of all your emails, which can be transferred among multiple computers.

Why does this unlikeness matter? It's simple: if an OST file becomes unreadable due to corruption or any other reason, you can convert it into a PST file and extract the necessary information. In the following sections, we will explore different methods to perform this.

Method 1: Use ScanPST.exe

The ScanPST.exe tool, again known as Inbox Repair Tool, is a utility provided by Outlook to repair corrupted PST and OST files in Outlook without using any other third-party software. This tool is used for extracting data from unreadable OST files without facing any hassle.

Here is a step-by-step guide for extracting data from an unreadable OST file:

Locate ScanPST.exe on your personal computer.
Start ScanPST.exe and click the "Browse" button to pick the unreadable OST file.
Now click on the "Start" button to begin the scanning process.
Once the scanning is completed, then click on the "Repair" button for fixing found errors.
After the repair process completion, open your Outlook app and check if your data is now accessible or not.

This method requires advanced technical knowledge but it is a viable solution for extracting data from unreadable OST files.

Method 2: Convert OST to PST using Outlook

OST files can become unreadable due to different reasons. One workaround is to convert OST to PST file format using Microsoft Outlook itself. This method requires no extra software for extracting and can be performed with some simple and easy steps without facing any problems.

Start Outlook and snap on the new 'File' tab.
Now Navigate to the 'Open & Export' option and then simply select 'Import/Export.'
After selecting Import/Export Wizard, choose 'Export to a file' and then again snap 'Next.'
Aftweward, Select 'Outlook Data File (.pst)' then sanp 'Next.'
Now Choose the mailbox File from which you want to extract data and then click the 'Next' button.
Now Choose your desired location for your brand new PST file, select the appropriate choices for managing the same file, and click 'Finish.'

This process will create a PST file storing all the data from the unreadable Offline Storage Table file. Extracting data from an unreadable OST file is now as simple as opening this new PST file in Outlook. Remember that this method may not work if your OST file is severely corrupted or damaged, hence shifting to an automatic method must be necessary.

Automatic Method: Using OST to PST Converter Tools

Another method to handle unreadable OST files is by Using FixVare OST to PST Converter. This tool simplifies the extraction process while at the same time ensuring your data integrity.

FixVare OST to PST Converter stands out with its:

It has a User-friendly interface
It can convert large OST files
Supports multiple file formats

For extracting data from your unreadable OST files, follow these steps:

Download and install This reputable OST to PST Converter Tool
Then Launch the application
And now Click on the 'Add Files' option and select your unreadable OST file
After completion of the scanning process, snap on the 'Convert' button
And then Choose your desired location for saving the converted OST file

This method is a game changer when you're dealing with complex and large OST files that are needed conversion.

Conclusion

In this article, we dived into the importance of OST files and the need to extract data from unreadable OST files. We also explored manual methods such as using ScanPST.exe and converting OST to PST using Microsoft Outlook. For a more stable experience, we found an automatic method which is also used for converting OST files into PST files.

Unforgettable things:

Extracting data from unreadable OST files is crucial for data recovery.
Manual methods can be hard to understand and complex.
An automatic method like OST Converter software simplifies this conversion process.

So, when people faced an unreadable OST file, remember these methods and choose the one that best suits your needs and comfort.