How to Read OST Mailbox Data When Outlook Refuses to Open

Multiple users use Outlook for multiple uses. It is a major part of email communication. It stores their data into the OST file format. OST files are offline storage table files that store a local copy of Outlook. It allows working offline, and when the user reconnects to the server, it automatically updates. The OST file can only be opened in Outlook, and when Outlook refuses to open it for any reason. So, users cannot read or access their important emails or other data.

Outlook can refuse to open for multiple reasons, such as OST file corruption, a crash, or freezing. In this article, we will discuss how to read OST file data when Outlook refuses to open and methods for opening OST file data.

Why does Outlook refuse to open the OST Mailbox File?

Outlook can refuse to open OST files for several common technical reasons. Here are the main causes explained clearly:

• OST File Corruption: If the OST file is facing a corruption issue due to system crashes or power failure, Outlook can’t read it and refuses to open.
• Outlook Not Closing Properly: If Outlook crashes or is force-closed, the OST file may remain in a locked or incomplete state, preventing it from opening next time.
• Large OST File Size: Oversized OST files cause performance issues and sometimes block Outlook from loading.
• Outlook Profile Problems: A damaged user profile leads Outlook to reject or fail to load the connected OST file.

These are some major problems that can affect workflow, which can corrupt or refuse to open OST files.

Corrupted OST File: What’s the Next Step?

If your OST file gets corrupted, the first step is to recover its data. You can convert the OST file into PST or PDF format. PST is helpful, but it has a limitation — PST files can only be opened in Outlook, so if Outlook isn’t working, you may still face issues. On the other hand, PDF files are easily accessible anywhere on any device or browser, making PDF conversion a more practical and convenient option for viewing your corrupted OST data.

How to Convert OST to PDF Format

It is possible to easily convert an OST file to PDF format with the right approach. I found two effective ways to convert OST to PDF format: the Manual Method and the Professional Tool.

Manual Method to Convert OST to PDF format

Outlook does not provide any direct option to save an OST file as a PDF, but you can still do it manually if your Outlook and OST file are both working.

Steps to Convert OST to PDF format

Follow these steps if your Outlook is working and can open the OST file:

• Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
• Select the email stored inside the OST file that you want to save as a PDF.
• Click on the File tab at the top.
• Choose the Print option from the left panel.
• From the printer list, select Microsoft Print to PDF.
• Click Print to continue.
• Choose a location on your computer and enter the file name.
• Click Save to export that email as a PDF file.

This method works, but the main drawback is that you must repeat the same process for every single email you want to convert.

Professional Way to Convert OST Files to PDF Format

A professional way to convert an Outlook OST file to PDF format is with a third-party application. On the internet, there are multiple applications like Softaken, WholeClear, TrustVare, FixVare, and other OST to PDF Converter applications. I believe that converting OST files to PDF format by using WholeClear OST to PDF Converter. It can easily convert an OST file to PDF format, whether the files are orphaned or corrupted. It allows users to convert OST files even if Outlook cannot open them, as it works without Outlook or Exchange Server.

Steps to Convert OST Files to PDF Format

1. Install this OST to PDF Converter software by downloading and installing it on your computer.
2. Open the software and click on the “Browse” button to upload the OST file you wish to convert.
3. After loading the file, preview the emails and select the folders you want to convert.
4. From the list of different Saving Options, select PDF for your Converted File Format.
5. Select the destination path where you want to save the converted PDF files.
6. Click on Convert Now to start the OST to PDF conversion process.

Once the Conversion has completed, you can easily locate all of your converted PDF Files at the designated Save Location you specified while converting your files into PDF format.

Key Features of Using WholeClear OST to PDF Converter

• Batch file conversion: users can convert several OST files into PDF simultaneously, which saves time and eliminates a lot of repetitive processing work for users.
• A high-quality PDF output: It provides a clean, readable, and good-looking PDF that maintains email clarity, layout, and general appearance.
• Folder Hierarchy Preservation: It means that the original folder hierarchy will be preserved during the conversion process. However, users will still have a way to access their emails just like they would through Microsoft’s Outlook Java application.
• Smart Scan Technology: It scans the OST database for all of the items found within it, making it easy to find even the most corrupted or hidden items in a database.
• Do not be concerned about file size: users can convert as many large OST files as they want without causing any performance degradation.

As you can see, there are many other benefits to using this service besides those mentioned above. The service is compatible with all versions of Windows and Microsoft Outlook.

Conclusion

If Outlook fails to open an OST file, your workflow gets disrupted, and your important emails become inaccessible. The first step in recovering your data is to understand the reasons for the inaccessibility of your OST. While using a manual method to convert emails back to PST may be helpful in some situations, it only works if your Outlook application is working correctly and requires each individual email to be converted. The WholeClear OST to PDF converter tool provides a better alternative for recovering, accessing, and reading all your email content on an independent Outlook application. This tool is the most efficient way to recover any type of corrupt and/or orphaned OST files, as well as provide a safe and secure PDF output of all your email content. Thus, using the right approach makes reading your OST data very simple, even if your Outlook application does not open the file.