OST or Offline Storage Table is a very important part of MS Outlook, as this file permits users to work offline, and later it synchronizes the data with the Exchange Server once connected to it. However, when OST turns inaccessible or encrypted, it prevents users from accessing data. This can lead to the loss of important emails, contacts, tasks, notes, and other items. Luckily, there are ways to repair and convert inaccessible & encrypted OST files to PST format to regain data access.
Before we understand the solutions to convert encrypted and password-protected OST files, let us understand the OST files & how they become inaccessible or encrypted.
What is an OST file, and how do they become inaccessible or encrypted?
An OST file is a copy of the mailbox data stored on the user’s computer when they use Outlook in Exchange Mode. These files allow users to work on Outlook in offline mode, which means users can access & modify the mailbox data even without connecting to the Exchange Server. Any changes made during this period are automatically synced after establishing the connection.
Reasons why OST files turn inaccessible or encrypted
- Problems with the Exchange Server, like hardware or software errors
- Sudden deletion of the user’s profile or mailbox data
- Due to Hardware or software problems
- Encryption of the OST file by the user or by a security policy of the organization
Methods to Repair and Convert Inaccessible OST Files
It is not an easy task to repair and convert inaccessible OST files. You need proper technical skills and knowledge to complete this task. However, numerous ways can help you in repairing & converting OST files to PST format.
Method 1. Using Scanpst.exe or the Inbox Repair Tool
This is an inbuilt tool in Outlook that can fix minor issues of OST files. Here are the steps to use this tool:
- Close Outlook and open the Control Panel
- Tap on Programs and Features & go with the MS Office from the list
- Hit on Change and pick the Repair option
- Follow the prompts to finish the repair of the OST file
If this method won’t work for you, go for other ones.
Method 2. Using Exchange Server Mailbox Export Request
In case users have access to the Exchange Server, they can use the Exchange Server Mailbox Export Request to transfer the data from an OST file to a PST file. However, admin rights and access to the Exchange Management Shell are needed to use this method. Here is the process to with Exchange Server Mailbox Export Request:
- Open the Exchange Management Shell and use this command: New-MailboxRequest-Mailbox User -FilePath “\Server\Share\user.pst’’
- Provide username in place of user and \Server\Share\user.pst with the path & filename to save the output PST file.
- Hit Enter to begin the export request
- Let the process finish, which will take hours, depending on the mailbox size.
Shortcomings of the manual solutions:
Manual ways are free of cost, but they come with some limitations. Here are some shortcomings of the manual solutions:
- Take time to deal with large OST files or highly corrupt OST files. It even takes many hours to repair the OST file.
- Manual techniques fail to recover data from encrypted or corrupted OST files. Only minor issues can be fixed using the Inbox Repair Tool.
- The manual solutions can lead to data loss and changes in the database structure. Hence, they are not safe to use for repairing OST files.
Smart Way to Convert Encrypted OST files
As an alternative to manual solutions, you can use professional tools that you can easily find on Google. But the dilemma here is which is the best tool to convert inaccessible & encrypted OST files. We are here with such a smart program named Softaken OST to PST Converter. This is a secure and effective tool to deal with multiple issues like encryption, corruption, repairing, sync issues, etc. This program is very simple to operate and allows instant conversion of OST mailbox data.
Let us check the steps to use this tool:
- Install and open the suggested software to convert encrypted & password-protected OST files.
- Add the appropriate OST file using the ‘Browse’ button. You can add one or more OST files at a time.
- Now, the software displays a preview of OST mailbox data.
- Pick the necessary email folders for conversion.
- Select PST format or others if you want to save the data after repairing.
- Provide the preferred path to save the outcome file and hit the ‘Convert’ button.
This is how simply you can convert inaccessible & encrypted OST files to an Outlook PST file format. Now, let us know some amazing features of this software:
Features of the software to convert encrypted OST files
- Quick, secure, and seamless conversion of any large OST file
- Deeply scan the OST file and provide a preview of the OST data items
- No need for technical assistance to convert OST files due to the friendliness of this app
- Comes with multiple export options like PST, MBOX, PDF, EML, HTML, EMLX, etc.
- Trouble-free conversion of required items from the loaded OST file
- Capable of converting multiple OST’s at once
Tips to save OST files from corruption & encryption:
- Avoid abrupt shutdown of the Outlook application
- Back up offline files to avoid losing mailbox data
- Make your system free from viruses
- Use trusted programs to avoid the risk of file corruption & encryption
Conclusion
Offline Outlook files are essential in Outlook and are helpful for users. However, when they become inaccessible or encrypted, users must address this issue. For this, users can check the discussed methods in this post that include manual ways and a professional program that can smoothly convert encrypted or password-protected OST files with ease.
Questions and Answers
Ques: How much time will it take to convert encrypted and inaccessible OST files?
Ans: The time depends on the file size and complexity of encryption. However, you can easily execute this task in less time using a reliable and safe third-party software.
Ques: Can I convert attachments with emails of encrypted and password-protected OST files?
Ans: Yes, the software safely converts OST file emails, attachments, and other items to PST format with ease.
Ques: Can I use the recommended professional program without connecting to the Exchange Server?
Ans: Yes, the software can convert OST files without connectivity to the Exchange Server.
Ques: Can I use this software to recover permanently deleted emails from the OST file?
Ans: No, the software can only recover recently deleted items that are still available in the OST file. It can’t recover permanently deleted items.