The file extension OST is associated with multiple programs and applications and various file types. The most common association is Microsoft Outlook, but the file extension can also be created On-Screen Takeoff or Tivoli Storage Manager. OST files contain data and information related to the program that created the file.
If the OST file extension is related to Microsoft Outlook, the file is categorized as a miscellaneous file type that contains email messages and other email related data. The data is saved by the Microsoft Outlook email client from a Microsoft Exchange server. OST files are stored on a PC hard drive once they are saved from the Exchange server and are known as an Offline Folder.
The Offline Folder is similar to the Personal Folder except it does not store larger files. Personal Folders in Microsoft Outlook use the PST file extension where an Offline Folder uses the OST file extension.
OST files created with On-Screen Takeoff are defined as a data file type which stores takeoffs of different construction plans created both digitally and on paper. On-Screen Takeoff is a construction software application created by On Center which provides tools that help to create construction plans by construction industry professionals.
If the file extension OST is part of Tivoli Storage Manager, the file is a various data file type that contains a variety of data which is created by a number of applications. Tivoli Storage Manager is an application designed by IBM for the purpose of providing automated data protection which guards enterprise data against data loss.
How to Open OST Files
If you have come across an OST file on your PC, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open in a default program you have installed on your PC. OST files can be opened using multiple software applications, so you may already have a program which will open the file.
If the file extension OST is associated with Microsoft Outlook, the file can be opened using the Microsoft Outlook email client which is typically included with most versions of Windows. Once you have opened Microsoft Outlook, simply click on File and then select Use Offline Folder from the drop-down menu. It is also important to mention this method works for versions of Microsoft Outlook 2005 and later.
You can also opt to use Outlook Recovery Toolbox, which is a software application that restores lost or damaged data files from the Microsoft Outlook email client. Outlook Recovery Toolbox is available as a free download on the OEMailRecovery.com website and is designed for use with the Windows operating system.
You can also opt to convert Microsoft Outlook OST files to PST Personal Folder files using a conversion application such as Remo Convert OST to PST. Remo Convert is an advanced Microsoft Exchange OST conversion tool which converts lost, damaged, or corrupt OST files to the Personal Folder PST file extension. This allows you to easily open the file in Microsoft Outlook 2005 or later.
OST files which are part of On-Screen Takeoff can be opened using On-Screen Takeoff Professional or PlanViewer. Both applications are available as a paid license version on the On Center website and are designed for use with the Windows operating system and Mac OS X. If you are using Mac OS X, you must use Enterprise License Manager with Virtualization to activate the Local license.
If the file extension OST is associated with Tivoli Storage Manager, the file can be opened using the Tivoli Manager software application. Tivoli Storage Manager can be obtained on the IBM website and is designed for use with the Windows operating system.
