What is NST File? How to Open .NST file in Outlook?

Have you ever stumbled upon an unfamiliar file format while using Outlook? While most of us are well-acquainted with the PST and OST formats, there’s another format that often flies under the radar: the NST file. In this blog, I’ll dive into what an NST file is, how you can open it in Outlook, where you can find it, and even introduce a handy tool for converting NST to PST format.

What Is an Outlook NST File?

So, what exactly is an NST file? Essentially, it’s a storage file created by Microsoft Outlook when you configure your Office 365 account within the Outlook application. This file format is utilized by all versions of Outlook, including 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and earlier versions.

The NST file plays a vital role in managing your Office 365 mailbox data, allowing you to access emails and other information seamlessly. However, if you’re not familiar with it, you might find it a bit confusing.

How to Create or Open an Outlook NST File

Creating an NST file is as simple as setting up your Office 365 account in Outlook. If you’re using Outlook 2016, follow these easy steps:

1. Launch MS Outlook and head over to the “Add Account” screen.
2. Enter your Office 365 email address and click on “Connect.”
   You’ll see a message that says, “We are getting things ready.” Don’t worry; it might take a little time!
3. Enter your password in the Windows Security wizard and click “OK.”
4. When you see a dialog box about the “Mail Delivery Location,” just click “OK.”
5. After receiving the “Account Setup is Complete” message, click “OK” once again.
6. Outlook will then start accessing your Office 365 mailbox data. Just wait for this process to finish. Once it’s complete, all your Office 365 emails will start showing up in Outlook.

And voila! That’s how you create an NST file.

Where to Find Your NST File

Now that you’ve created your NST file, you might wonder where it’s stored. The location path for NST files is similar to that of OST files. Here’s how you can locate it:

1. Right-click on your Office 365 account in Outlook, and select “File Properties.”
2. Click on the Advanced button and then hit “OK.”
3. In the Microsoft Exchange window, navigate to the Advanced tab.
4. Under Exchange Mode Settings, click on “Outlook File Settings…” and then click “OK.”
5. Copy the file path shown in the box and close the dialog.
6. Open Windows Explorer and paste the copied path. Then, remove everything after “Outlook” and hit “Enter.”
7. You’ll find your NST file in a location similar to:
   Admin > AppData > Local > Microsoft > Outlook

Conclusion

In this article, I’ve shed light on the NST file format and its significance in Outlook, particularly for Office 365 users. I hope this helps demystify the NST file and equips you with the knowledge to handle it with ease. Whether you’re opening, converting, or simply exploring these files, knowing how to navigate them can enhance your Outlook experience. Happy emailing!

FAQs

1. What does NST stand for in Outlook?
   NST stands for “Native Storage Table.” It’s a file format used by Outlook to store data for Office 365 accounts.
2. Can I open an NST file in Outlook directly?
   Yes, you can open an NST file in Outlook if you have configured your Office 365 account. Outlook automatically creates the NST file during the setup process.
3. How do I convert an NST file to PST format?
   You can use tool like SoftMagnat NST to PST Converter to convert your NST files to PST format easily. This tool helps you recover and manage your data more effectively.
4. What happens if my NST file gets corrupted?
   If your NST file gets corrupted, it may lead to issues accessing your emails. You can use repair tools to fix the corruption or convert the file to a different format, like PST.
5. Can I delete the NST file?
   You can delete the NST file if you no longer need it, but be cautious. Deleting it may affect your access to the associated Office 365 account in Outlook.