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How to Open/View OST File in MS Outlook 2013-Complete Solution?

11 Feb 2026
kolterkace

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OST (Offline Storage Table) files are used by Microsoft Outlook to store mailbox data like emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments. People can still use Outlook even when they don't have an internet connection thanks to these files. But a lot of people have trouble reading or seeing OST files in MS Outlook 2013. This post will show you how to open GainTools OST to PST Converter 2013 in a few simple steps, as well as a more professional way to do so.

What is an OST file in Outlook?

When you set up an Exchange, Outlook.com, or IMAP account in Outlook, an OST file is made automatically. It keeps a copy of your mailbox data on your computer that is always up to date. This lets users get to emails and other things even when the server isn't connected. Outlook automatically syncs updates with the server when the internet connection is back up.But OST files are connected to the original Outlook account and profile. If the profile is removed or can't be accessed, the OST file might not open immediately in Outlook. Users might have to find other ways to get to its contents.

Method 1:

Use the Same Outlook Profile to Open the OST FileIf the OST file is part of an active Outlook profile, you may simply see it in Outlook 2013 by doing the following:

How to Do It Step by Step:

  • Start Microsoft Outlook 2013 on your computer.
  • From the menu, click on the File tab.

Click on Account Settings, then click on Account Settings again.Select the tab for Data Files.Choose the OST file you want and then click Open File Location.When you restart Outlook, it will automatically load the OST data.

This method only works if the OST file is not corrupted and is correctly synced with the Outlook account.

Method 2:

Change OST data into PST formatOutlook often doesn't let you open orphaned or inaccessible OST files directly. It makes sense to change OST files to PST format because PST files can be opened in any Outlook profile.

Do the following:

  • Start Outlook 2013.
  • Select Open & Export from the File menu.Choose the option to import or export.
  • Pick Export to a file and then click Next.
  • Click Next after choosing Outlook Data File (.pst).Pick folders or all of the data in your mailbox.
  • Choose a destination and then click Finish.
  • You may quickly import the PST file into Outlook 2013 after it has been converted, and you can view the data without any problems.

Problems with Manual MethodsThere are manual ways accessible, however they have a lot of problems, such as:

You can't open OST files that are missing or broken.

  • Needs technological know-how.
  • Takes a long time for huge OST files.
  • There is a chance that data will be lost during converting.
  • Users can prevent these problems by choosing a dependable automated solution.

Professional Solution:

  • OST to PST Converter makes it easy and quick to access and view OST files in Outlook 2013.
  • The app has powerful algorithms that let users open OST files without needing an Outlook profile.
  • .The tool can open and view OST files that are healthy or corrupted.
  • Change OST files into PST, EML, MSG, and other types.Keep the original folder structure and email settings.
  • Works with all versions of Outlook, even 2013.Gives you the option to get a preview before converting.Easy-to-use UI that is good for beginners.

Conclusion

If you have the original Outlook profile, it can be easy to open or view OST files with MS Outlook 2013. Importing OST File to PST File is one way to get to mailbox data, however it has certain problems.

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