Get Complete Information and Details on What Makes OST Files Inaccessible?
What is OST File?
MS (Microsoft) Outlook is a personal information manager developed by Microsoft which is a part of the Microsoft Office Suite. OST (Offline Storage Table) is an Outlook data file that enables access to the contents of the folders offline. Even when they are not connected to the Microsoft Exchange server. These offline folders are created automatically. Also, MS Outlook keeps the local copy of items in its Outlook data file called OST (Offline Storage Table) file with “.ost” as its extension.
Common Reasons Why OST Files Become Inaccessible?
The following issues can make OST files inaccessible:
- Hardware-related issues.
- Software-related issues.
Hardware-related issues
The OST file becomes corrupted when the user makes any unauthorized access or changes to offline folders or transfers the files from one medium to another. The hardware components play a major role in maintaining the reliability of OST files. In case there is any issue with the hardware then it can’t open OST files in Outlook. The major hardware-related issues are:
- Network error
- Storage mediums
- Power failure
Also Read: Configuration of IBM Notes 9 on Windows
1. Network error:
The OST files are cached copies of original files that are synchronized whenever they are connected to the server. The network connection plays a vital role in synchronization. If there are any defects on the network devices like cables, routers, NIC (Network Interface Card), and hubs it might result in network disconnection. If the network connection is lost while synchronization the updates made are not saved to the OST files. That results in data loss and it makes OST files inaccessible.
2. Storage mediums:
The OST files are stored on the user’s hard drive as a cached copy. If the hard drive is damaged then the files can’t be accessed. The defective storage device also makes OST files inaccessible.
3. Power failure:
The system requires a constant power supply while working on an OST file if the systems suffer unintended power loss then it affects the synchronization process and as a result, it makes OST file inaccessible.
Software Related Issues that Makes OST Files Inaccessible
The OST files are often transferred from one medium to another. There are many software applications available for importing or exporting them. These applications might make OST files inaccessible. The software related issues are as follows,
- OST file synchronization fails
- Issues in file system recovery
- Issues with malicious software
- Issues in Outlook Termination
1. OST file synchronization fails:
The main feature of OST files is it allows users to work offline and the changes made offline. If the connection to the Microsoft Exchange server does not work properly while making the changes to the folder file. Then it may result in data inconsistency which leads to failed synchronization to the server. If the file synchronization fails the server does not recognize the file and makes it inaccessible.
2. Issues in file system recovery:
If an OST file is corrupted or damaged then users try to recover it. Now, when they try to recover error prone file then it causes more damage to the file and as a result it becomes inaccessible.
3. Issues with malicious software:
The users might use recovery software tools to recover OST files those software might contain malicious viruses or Trojans which corrupts the OST file and makes it inaccessible.
4. Issues in Outlook Termination:
Outlook contains OST files, and every time users need to access Outlook to view or make changes to them. And in case the Outlook connection down abruptly due to power loss. That may corrupt the OST file and it becomes inaccessible.
Conclusion
Once an OST file got corrupts; it is nearly impossible to recover and make it accessible again. But if by any chance your OST file becomes inaccessible then the only option available is to convert the OST file to a PST file so that you can view the data in Outlook locally.
Outlook PST file is a personal storage table that utilizes by Outlook. When it is not set up with any Exchange server. So, if your OST file is not accessible then simply convert OST into PST file format to view the data.
There are various solutions available for saving OST files into PST format. Also, there is no such direct or manual option available to convert OST to PST. Users should use third-party tools. Since there are thousands of utilities available in the online market for such conversion it is difficult to find out best among all. For this, we recommend you to go for a trustworthy, simple yet efficient solution for the conversion.
