Looking for a way to access emails from an OST file? You’re in the right place. This guide covers all the effective methods—both manual and OST to PST Converter—to help you retrieve emails from an OST file with ease.
Microsoft Outlook is a widely used and most popular platform for professional and personal purposes.. It contains its data in OST and PST file. When a user configures an IMAP account then it will create an OST file in a local drive and allow access to it offline.
OST files allow users to access and modify their mailbox data even while offline. It allows access and modification offline and reflects on the server when connectivity is restored.
Reasons to Get Emails from OST File
- If a user has a backup OST file and needs to access the emails stored within it, they may face challenges—especially if the file is orphaned or the original Outlook profile is unavailable.
- When a user switches from one machine to another and wants to access an old OST file.
- The OST file gets dismounted from the server and the user wants to access its Outlook data.
How to Get Emails from OST File Manually?
If you have active Outlook profile then you can use Outlook import/export feature as we have stated below:
- Open Microsoft Outlook and click on the file.
- Click on Open & Export, then select Import/Export.
- Choose “Export to a file” and click Next.
- Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and tap Next.
- Choose Outlook mailbox folder.
- Browse the destination path, then click Finish.
Limitations of the Manual Method
- Time-Consuming Process.
- Outlook Dependency
- No Support for Dismounted OST Files
How to Access Emails from OST File via Automated Approach?
If your OST file is dismounted, manual methods won’t work. In such cases, we recommend using BitRecover OST Converter, a reliable solution that supports batch conversion of OST files. The software can also auto-detect OST files from the default Outlook location, ensuring a smooth and efficient recovery process. We prioritize user experience and deliver tools designed for consistent, high-quality results.
- Download and launch Automated Wizard.
- Select “Configured Outlook Mailbox Data”
- Choose OST mailbox folders.
- Browse PST file.
- Select the destination path.
- Click Next to get emails from the OST file.
Benefits of Automated Approach
- It allows you to convert OST to PDF, EML, MBOX, CSV and 39+ Saving options.
- This software has been specially optimised to make it friendly for all levels of users.
- You can effortlessly restore and convert damaged, corrupted, oversized, and orphaned OST files.
- The tool offers advanced filter options, including date range, subject, sender, recipient, exclude folders, and the ability to skip empty folders for a more precise conversion.
- Additionally, it supports direct import of OST files to platforms like Thunderbird, Gmail, Microsoft 365, Maildir, Zimbra, and all IMAP-supported email services.
Observational Verdict
In this guide, we have shared all tried and tested approaches to access emails from the OST file. We have shared both manual and automated wizards. If you configured the OST file then you can go manually otherwise we recommend you to choose automated software as it offers fully maintained results and no risk of losing any crucial information.
