A .nst file, also known as a Group Storage Table (GST) or Office 365 Group storage file, is a data file used by Microsoft Outlook to store the data of an Office 365 group.
Understanding .nst Files
Essentially, an .nst file allows you to access and work with the information associated with an Office 365 group while offline. Think of it as a local copy of the group's mailbox. These files contain:
- Emails
- Contacts
- Calendar entries
- Tasks
- Other group-related items
How .nst Files are Similar to .ost Files
The structure of an .nst file is very similar to that of an .ost file. .ost files are used to store the offline data of individual Exchange accounts in Outlook. Both file types allow users to work with their data even when not connected to the Exchange server. The key difference is that .nst files are specifically for group data, while .ost files are for individual account data.
Key Features and Functionality
- Offline Access: Allows users to view and work with group data even without an internet connection. Changes are synchronized with the Exchange server when a connection is re-established.
- Data Storage: Stores all group-related information in a single file.
- Outlook Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Outlook.
Common Usage Scenarios
- Accessing group emails and calendars offline.
- Managing group contacts and tasks when not connected to the internet.
- Ensuring continuous productivity regardless of connectivity.
