File Extension Database

Open PST File

PST file extension is commonly used by Microsoft products to manage Personal folders. These personal folders hold information including contact, email, local messages, calendar, and others. This is used as a reference for these Microsoft applications to acquire accurate data. This is mostly liked to emails setup under POP3 settings where information is linked from the provider. PST files are limited to 2GB.

During the earlier release of Microsoft Outlook '97, personal folders were written in ANSI format. Information for application such as Windows Messaging, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, and Microsoft Exchange Client are stored on files with this extension.

Outlook using POP3 mail server download email messages from the server and store it locally to a host computer using the default file Outlook.pst. PST files are very important in organizing and backing up email information. A contact list can be created using this extension to be pointed to a different location with it the directory where it will be used as the new placeholder for email information.

One major issue with PST files is security. Many computer viruses and worms are able to penetrate installed security software and are able to open PST files and scan them to gather information, causing some risk of divulging contact list and other relevant information without the owner?s knowledge.

Aside from other Microsoft product, Mozilla Thunderbird is able to support PST files for import facility.

Typical PST application file locations:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\OUTLOOK.EXE" /pst "%1"

Frequently used application names to open PST files:

Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Outlook.File.pst.14
PSTFile

How Can I Open PST File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PST file is to find a PST file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PST file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PST file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PST file opener then try to search online for "PST viewer", "application to open PST file" or "open PST file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PST file

How Can I Open PST File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PST file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PST file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PST file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PST file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PST file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PST file then try to search for "PST viewer", "application to open PST file" or "read PST file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PST file

How Can I Open PST File on Android

If you downloaded a PST file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PST file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PST".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PST viewer", "PST file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PST File on iPhone or iPad

To open PST File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PST file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PST". This way you can find apps which can open PST files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PST viewer" or "PST file" online in your favorite search engine.