How to Recover Deleted Emails from OST File?

Currently, most of the Outlook users reported that they want to recover deleted emails from the OST file. So, we have decided to write this blog to share all methods to recover deleted emails from Microsoft OST files even if accidentally deleted, lost due to sync issues, or wiped during a system crash.

Losing important emails can be stressful especially when they’re unexpectedly deleted data from Microsoft Outlook. Fortunately, if Microsoft Outlook is configured with an Exchange, Microsoft 365 or IMAP account your data is stored in an OST(offline storage table) file. This file allows you to work offline and automatically sync your changes when Outlook reconnects to the mail server.

Common Scenarios of Recover Deleted Emails from OST File

User sometimes deleted crucial emails as they thinks its unnecessary or duplicate emails.
If Outlook fails to properly sync with the Exchange server, and the server can’t identify the OST file, it can result in data loss or file corruption.
Administrators enable automatic deletions of older emails especially in corporate environments.
Hardware failure, software bugs or unexpected Outlook closure can corrupt OST files.
Some security features can stop the syncing process or quarantine email components, leading to unexpected shutdowns.

How to Recover Deleted Emails from Microsoft Outlook OST File Manually?

If you want to recover deleted emails from Microsoft Outlook OST file then we have stated some manual methods it will help you if emails deleted accidentally and the other data has been permanently deleted:

Method 1. Use Recover Deleted Items from Server

Open Outlook and click on the Deleted Items Folder.
Now, go to the Folder tab on the screen.
Click on the Recover Deleted items folder.
Select Emails as you want to restore.
Click on the Restore Items folder and press on Ok.

Method 2. Restore from Archive or Backup

Go to File and click on open and export.
Click on the open Outlook data file.
Now, Select PST file to locate deleted items and Recover deleted emails from OST file.

Limitations of Manual Methods

They have retention limit time to restore upto 30 days.
It required an original Outlook account with an active OST file to handle this approach.
They aren’t reliable for corrupted OST files or profiles not currently connected to the server.

Alternative Method to Recover Deleted Emails from OST File

If you want to recover deleted emails from an OST file from a dismounted or orphan OST file then we recommend you to choose Turgs OST Repair Tool as this software allows you to recover deleted data from corrupted, damaged, and inaccessible OST files. This software allows to recover all deleted data from an OST file such as emails, contacts, calendars, and other Outlook data.

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Steps to Recover Corrupted OST File

Download and open Suggested Software on your system.
Click on select files or folders to browse OST files.
Preview to select Outlook mailbox folders as you want to recover.
Choose the Saving option and destination path as needed.
Now, Click on Repair to restore deleted emails from the OST corrupted file.

Useful Features of Automated Tool

It allows you to restore and convert OST to PST, PDF, EML, MBOX, EMLX, MBOX, HTML and 14+ Saving options.
This software is able to remove OpenPGP & S/MIME encryption from corrupted OST files.
Easily recover OST files and import OST to Microsoft 365, Lotus Notes, Thunderbird and Zimbra.
It offers a user-friendly interface to easily perform by any professional or individual users.
This software retains the folder hierarchy and email component same as the source OST file.

Steps to Ensure Outlook Is Properly Configured for Recovery

Check Outlook is running in Cached Exchange Mode so it maintains a full offline copy of your mailbox.
Go to file and click on Account settings and choose data files to confirm the OST file path and verify it’s not corrupted.
Use Send/Receive and click on the update folder to manually sync and check for Errors detected in OST file that may conflict recovery.
Disable automatic archiving or rules that move/delete emails without your input.

Importance of Synchronization Between Outlook and the Exchange Server

Synchronization immediate reflect changes between your OST file and the server mailbox if its not happen:

Changes may not reflect correctly.
Deleted items may not appear in the deleted items folder.
Your risk overwriting locally recoverable content with updated and deleted server data.

Tips to Prevent Deleted Emails from OST File

Outlook saves emails on your computer to recover data when it goes wrong.
Check all emails appearing in your Outlook account to verify. If OST not syncing properly, then some emails might not show up.
Too many emails can slow down Outlook. Use inbuilt tools to delete old or large emails to keep your mailbox maintained.
Don’t End Outlook Task directly or shutdown the machine when it’s running. Always close it normally to avoid OST file corruption.

Common Queries

Will I lose emails if I delete an OST file?

Deleting an OST file won’t delete your email from an Outlook account when it’s connected to Exchange, Microsoft 365 or IMAP Server. Outlook will recreate the OST file from the server. But when it’s not connected to the server then after delete it will not be recoverable.

Can permanently deleted emails be recovered from OST file?

Yes, Permanently deleted emails can sometimes be recovered from an OST file using OST Repair especially if data hasn’t been overwritten. However, Outlook also offers an inbuilt deleted items folder to restore deleted emails from the OST file and easily open OST file.

Where are Outlook OST files saved?

OST default location: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\ and you can locate path via Outlook click on files and press on Account settings and again tap on Account Settings as appears in drop down menu and click on data files to know OST file location.

Overall Reflection

In this guide, we have shared all effective methods to recover deleted emails from an OST file by manually and using alternative methods. If you have deleted emails then you can easily restore from deleted items folder or archive feature. If OST files get corrupted then opt automated methods as it offers valuable results and no risk of losing any information.