Outlook OST files created by MS Outlook in cached mode or offline mode. Outlook permits to work in offline mode when Server goes to downtime or Outlook does not execute within a network. OST files keep the same data like PST files but, until the OST data synchronized to the Server users cannot view the updated data. Unexpected Outlook crash may explore error message along with the destructive instructions that holds:
Under such bothersome scenarios, it is required to get a powerful way to sort out the query how to open OST files after Outlook crash.
Better to analyze why MS Outlook is exploring annoying situations, for this task it is suggested to go through Application Event Log. Steps for determining the location of Outlook crash are:
To instantly open and View OST file the user can take the help of OST Viewer Software. This application helps the user to Instantly open and View corrupted OST files easily.
Within Windows -> Start -> My Computer -> Manage
Computer Management Window
Go to extend Event Viewer & Windows Logs -> Application -> Actions -> Filter Current Log
Fill 1000 in box "Includes/Excludes Event IDs"
Faulting application name: Outlook.exe, version: 14.0.4760.1000
Faulting module name: Kernelbase.dll, version: 6.1.7600.16385
Exception code: 0x80000003
Fault offset: 0x0003194b
Then, you have found the location and information where the Outlook crash has taken place.
Removal of errors and issues from damaged OST files is possible using built-in tool named as Inbox Repair tool.
Close Outlook
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14, search this location
Get Scanpst.exe
Under "Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool" dialog box -> Browse.
Get the OST file and open it with Scanpst.exe
Windows 7/Vista:
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
Note: If any folder is hidden with OST or entire OST is hidden then, make it approachable with:
Start -> Computer -> Organize -> Folder and search -> View tab -> modify the mode of disable
"Show hidden files, folders, and drives" to the enable mode.
Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
If your Windows XP account is also running with some settings to make certain folders and files hidden then, OST folders or files may have the same issue, steps to make non-visible folders and files visible are given here:
filename.bak: The backup data of your damaged or inaccessible OST file that can be opened after converting .bak extension to .pst.
filename.log: The log documentation file for recovery operation executed by scanpst.exe.
filename.ost: The file that contains repaired data for OST files.
In this way, Inbox Repair tool helps to repair and open OST files after Outlook crash scenarios. But if you wont be able to resolve the issues then the user can use OST File Recovery to recover OST mailbox data items easily.