MS Exchange Server uses the Outlook application as the client to connect the Exchange account. Outlook application maintains account data security and keeps it active even when the Exchange Server is down. With an Exchange-based account, Outlook creates an OST file to save the data in a mailbox.
The offline functionality of Outlook is completed through the usage of a mailbox copy present in the OST file. Outlook changes this offline OST file and applies it to the mailbox after connecting with Exchange Server.
But where is the OST file located? Its location is different in different versions of Outlook. The steps given here will help to find the location of OST file.
Steps to view OST file data in MS Outlook 97 to 2003:
Step 1 → Open the Outlook application.
Step 2 → Go to Tools menu and select Email Accounts option.
Step 3 → Choose the MS Exchange email account, whose files you want to view.
Step 4 → Click the View button in order to proceed.
Step 5 → Select the MS Exchange Server button and consequently click Change button.
Step 6 → A new dialog box will appear on screen. Choose the More Settings option.
Step 7 → Another dialog box will appear. Click on the Advanced tab.
Step 8 → Select the Offline Folder File Settings option to view the location of your OST file.
Step 9 → Open Search bar from the Start menu and copy your OST file path or browse it manually.
Steps to view OST file data in MS Outlook 2007:
Step 1 → Access Outlook application.
Step 2 → Open Tools menu and click on Account Settings option.
Step 3 → Select the Email account, whose OST files you want to view.
Step 4 → Click on Microsoft Exchange Server button and select Change option.
Step 5 → A new dialog box will appear to change Email account, click on More Settings.
Step 6 → Click on the Advanced tab and then on Offline File Folder Settings option.
Step 7 → A dialog box will appear with OST file location on screen.
Step 8 → Copy the OST file path in Search bar or browse it manually.
Steps to view OST file data in MS Outlook 2010 and later versions:
Step 1 → Start Outlook and click File. The go to Account Settings>>Account Settings.
Step 2 → Go to Data Files tab.
Step 3 → In the Data File tab, click Open File Location button.
Step 4 → You will go directly to the OST file location.
Default location of OST file in different Windows Operating System’s versions:
| Windows OS Version | Default OST File Location |
| Windows XP | drive:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook |
| Windows 7 & Vista | drive:\Users\< Username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook |
| Windows 8 & 8.1 | drive:\Users\< Username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook |
| Windows 10 | drive:\Users\< Username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook |
Conclusion
To migrate data from OST to PST file, you need a dependable assistant and Kernel OST to PST Converter software. It is an advanced software that performs proficient conversion of each item of OST file like emails, notes, contacts, calendar, deleted items, attachments, etc. Moreover, the user can recover the email properties such as CC, BCC, To, FROM, DATE, etc. as well.
