View Email Details Before Exporting the OST File- Overview
When you're dealing with Outlook data, one of the most common issues users face is locating the OST file- especially while managing multiple profiles or recovering data. Understanding how to locate the OST file in Windows automatically can save time and energy while avoiding errors from manual searches.
This article covers every method in detail and gives easy solutions to detect the OST file location in Windows hassle-free.
Understanding the OST File In the Windows System
An OST File ( OST Storage Table) is a local copy of your mailbox data created by Microsoft Outlook. It gives allowance to users to work in the offline mode, and when it is connected to the exchange server, all changes are updated automatically. OST files store important items such as emails, calendars, contacts, and other items.
Therefore, manual searching of the OST files on a system may be challenging, especially when the Outlook profile exists or the default path has changed. It is important to learn how to locate the OST File in Windows automatically becomes crucial.
Why Do You Need to Locate the OST File in Windows Automatically?
There are several situations where users may need to locate the OST file quickly and easily:
- Outlook is not opening, and you want to access the data stored in it
- OST files are corrupted, and you want to recover your mailbox items
- You are moving to another system, and you want to back up the OST file.
- When multiple Outlook accounts exist and identifying the correct OST file can be confusing.
In all these situations, finding the location process ensures accuracy, saves time and energy, and reduces manual work.
Know more: After recovering your damaged or corrupted OST file, if you want to convert it to another file format, like PST, then you can opt for a pro solution like SysTools OST to PST Converter Software for better and safer conversion without data loss.
Manual Methods to Find the OST File in the Windows System
Before discovering the unique solutions, let's understand how users can locate the OST file manually in Windows.
Step 1: Using the Outlook Interface
- Download outlook
- Go to the file, then account settings
- Under the Data Files tab
- Select your account
- The file explorer will open the folder where the OST file is stored.
This is a reliable step to use, but it only works when the outlook is functioning properly. If Outlook is not opening, you will need another method.
Step 2: Locating OST via Default File Path
If Outlook does not launch, you can find the OST file through the storage path. For the different versions of Outlook, the paths are as follows:
- Outlook 2019/2016/2013:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
- Outlook 2010:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
You can go through the directory manually through the file explorer. But if you manage many accounts, this can be confusing. This is where it is more practical to locate the OST File in Windows automatically using the smart programs.
Automatically Find the OST File in Windows Using an Advanced Program
Manually searching through folders can save time, and users often face issues in identifying the right OST file, especially in a corporate setup. To ignore these issues, professional prefers to use an automated solution like SysTools OST Recovery Software.
This program is made to locate the OST file in Windows automatically without requiring users to search for multiple folders manually. When the software is launched, it can find the OST Files from the arranged Outlook profiles.
Steps to Find the OST File in the Windows System Using the Unique Utility
Follow these steps to use the tool automatically and load your OST file in less time.
- Download the software
- Add the file to the main screen
- In the pop-up window, choose the search file option
- You have two options to select:
- Search for the selected Drive
- Search for all the Drives
- The tool will locate the OST file in Windows automatically in seconds
- Select the desired OST File and view the mailbox data before recovery
This feature makes sure that users do not waste time searching for the data items manually. Additionally, the software can recover corrupted and OST files and save them in various file formats.
Benefits of Using a Professional Tool to Locate the OST File in Windows Automatically
The automated methods to locate the OST file in Windows automatically give many key benefits, which are given below:
- No searching manually
- Gives data Accuracy
- It is time-efficient
- Supports multiple Outlook profiles
- Works with all versions of Outlook
Final Thoughts
Locating Outlook's data file manually can be annoying and time-consuming, but if the file is stored in a non-technical location. Learning how to locate the OST file in Windows automatically makes the process simple and ensures that you find your data without any problem. Manual methods work in certain cases, but the powerful utility saves time and improves data accuracy when you're dealing with corrupted or damaged OST files