Looking for a way to view archive PST files. Then, you are in the right place. Here, we will provide methods that can help you read the archive data.
In today’s time, it is important to move your data to a place where you can secure it for deleting or corrupting. That’s why users archive their data. Data archiving is a process where you store your data in another place. So that, you can reduce the storage space and save the data for any future use. Archiving is used as a backup of your file, which helps you retrieve your data when you need it. Many email clients provide archive facilities, including Outlook.
In the new version of Outlook, you can now archive the files with one click, which makes it very easy to download your data. If you have an old archive file located on your hard drive and want to see the content of the file, then how can you do it?
Methods to View Archive PST Files
Reading Outlook archive files is similar to reading PST files. You have to just go to the import/export option. Locate your archive file path and import it. Then you can read PST archive data easily. There is another method to see the content of the file, using software. The software is a great method because you can directly view your archived PST file. Therefore, there are two methods available.
- Manual method: Use the Outlook program to see the archive file.
- Automated method: View archive PST files to read the content of the file.
Location of Archive PST File
Before we read the archive file, let’s see where it is located on your computer. The location of the file is different depending on the version of your system. So the following are the locations of your file: In an earlier version of Windows,
- Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10- drive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlookarchive.pst
- Windows XP- drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlookarchive.pst
In a later version of Windows
- Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10- drive:/Users/user/Documents/Outlook Files/archive.pst
- Windows XP- drive:/Documents and Settings/user/Local Settings/Application Data/Microsoft/Outlook/archive.pst
Manual Method to View Archive PST Files
Open the Outlook program and go to the file option.
- Select the Open and Export option, then the Import/Export option.
- Click on Outlook Data File (.pst). Choose the location where the archive file is. and click it open.
- Now, your file is in the folder pane. Click on the email from the folder pane and view it.
Drawbacks of the Manual Method
This method is easy, but there are some issues you can face when you are seeing the data.
- You cannot view multiple archive files at the same time.
- If your file is corrupted, then you cannot view it in Outlook.
- You need Outlook to read PST archive data. So if you don’t have one, then you cannot use this method.
Professional Method to View Archive PST Files
Have an archived PST file but have not installed the Outlook program. Or if you have problems using the manual method, then professional software is the best way to view the file. Here, we suggest using the FreeViewer Outlook PST Tool to read the content of the file directly. With the help of this method, you can read all the content of the file without affecting your data. It also provides various features.
Features of Software
- The software can be used to do in-depth analysis of the PST file.
- You can view contact and calendar items in your file.
- It provides different preview modes like HEX, HTML, properties, RTF, attachments, etc.
- The software maintains data integrity and folder hierarchy when you view archive PST files.
- You can use this software to export the file as a PDF or print it.
Steps to Read PST Archive Data
- Download and open the software.
- Click on the Add File option and browse your archive file. Open it.
- If your file is corrupted, then click on the Advanced scan option, then the Process button.
- After that, all the files will display on the screen. Click on the files to view the content of the file.
- On the bottom left of the screen, click on Contacts, Calendars, Folder List, etc. to read the data.
- Preview your files in HEX, HTML, RTF, normal view, attachments, etc.
- Click on Switch User to view the file in horizontal and vertical order.
- Select the Upgrade to Pro button to export your file in PDF or advance search.
Conclusion
In this article, we explained how you can view archive PST files. You can read PST archive data easily in Outlook. However, we also suggest another method that can let you see the content of the file without opening it. All the methods are good ways to see the file. But it has some flaws. So before using them, read the article carefully.
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