Your Outlook won't open its OST file, and the mailbox behind it is out of reach
An OST file is the offline copy Outlook keeps of an Exchange mailbox. When it gets damaged, or the Exchange account it belonged to is gone, the mail inside is still sitting on your disk but you can't open it. Inbox Repair Tool for OST is built for that situation. It recovers data from damaged OST files and converts OST files to PST, so Outlook can open them again.
It does only that. It is the lighter edition of the vendor's Inbox Repair Tool for Outlook, which handles both OST and PST files. The OST edition works on OST files only.
Quick facts
- Version: 1.0.2.0
- Works on: OST files only
- Output: PST file, in the PST version you choose
- Price: $29.90 (the vendor says this includes VAT)
- Trial: a restricted-mode demo. After purchase you enter a registration code and restart the program to unlock the full version.
- License: lifetime, with updates to the latest version
Key features
Convert an OST file to a PST of the version you need
You pick the source OST and a destination PST. You also choose which PST version to create. This is the common case when the Exchange server is down or the account has been deleted.
Recover data from a damaged OST using several recovery passes
The program uses a multi-pass recovery engine. It scans the damaged file for structures that point to your data and compares them with the file index. It then shows the result on a preview page before anything is saved.
Preview OST contents before you save anything
The program reads and previews OST content, so you can use it as an OST viewer and check what is recoverable first.
Handle large, encrypted or password-protected files
The vendor lists support for OST files over 4 GB, recovery from encrypted OST files and from password-protected files. It can also remove password protection from damaged files.
Get a compacted PST without running Compact in Outlook
Output files are pre-compacted and defragmented, so you don't need to use the Compact command in Outlook afterwards. The original file stays unchanged, and recovered data goes to a new file.
Recover every type of Outlook item
Messages, attachments, contacts, calendar entries, tasks and notes can all be recovered. The wizard lets you select which items to restore, though that step is usually unnecessary for a plain OST-to-PST conversion.
Who it's for
It suits you if you use Outlook with Exchange and you are stuck with an OST file you can't open. Typical causes are a server outage, a deleted account, or corruption after a crash or virus. It also suits you if you want a single-purpose tool and don't need PST repair. The wizard guides you step by step, so you don't need previous data recovery experience.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low price for a focused recovery tool, with a lifetime license.
- Wizard-driven process that takes only a few clicks.
- Previews the file contents before saving.
- Leaves the original OST untouched.
- Supports files over 4 GB.
Cons
- Works with OST files only. For PST files you need a different edition.
- The demo is restricted until you register.
- Needs a Microsoft CDO or Outlook installation on the PC.
FAQs
Can it repair PST files too?
No. This edition handles OST files only. The vendor sells separate editions for PST files, and one for both formats.
Will it change my original OST file?
No. The original file is left intact and unchanged, and recovered data is written to a new file.
Do I need previous recovery experience?
No. You start the program, select the source and destination files, and follow the wizard to the recovery confirmation.
Can I try it before paying?
Yes. A demo runs in restricted mode. When you buy, you enter a registration code and restart the program to get the full version.
Do I have to reinstall after buying?
No. You keep the demo installed and register it.
System requirements
- Software: a free Microsoft CDO or an Outlook installation
- Operating systems: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.x