Kernel OST Viewer¶
What Kernel OST Viewer does¶
Using this tool
Kernel OST Viewer supports email forensics. In this guide, you will use it to review a copied OST and identify one relevant message and attachment relationship. Follow the steps below and keep the output with your notes.
Tool guide at a glance¶
Review a copied OST and identify one relevant message and attachment relationship.
A copied training mail store or message set with account and acquisition context.
A message finding supported by identifiers, headers, mailbox context, and safely handled attachments.
Evidence and safety
Do not open recovered attachments or links on SUSA. Preserve the source store and exported message provenance. Record the input identifier, tool version, relevant commands or settings, time and time zone, output location, and any errors or limitations as you work.
Choose your journey¶
01Understand the evidenceLearn the email forensics concepts and limitations.Complete when you can explain what the evidence can and cannot show.Beginner · No tool required 02Follow the Kernel OST Viewer guideFollow the steps and screenshots below.Complete when the documented workflow produces its expected output.Guided · SUSA workstation · Time varies 03Interactive labPractise the tool workflow in a safe browser simulation.Complete when the guided result is supported by the case evidence.Beginner · Browser only 04Full LabUse your own training data, keep the output and explain what you found.Complete when another analyst can reproduce and verify the outcome.Intermediate · Isolated lab
How the labs complement this guide
The Interactive Lab uses example records to practise investigation decisions. It does not run the installed tool or establish how that version behaves. The Full Lab uses your own training environment and evidence. Obtain or create the required input before starting; a case name in an exercise is not a download.
Accessing Kernel OST Viewer in SUSA¶
Kernel OST Viewer is a tool used to open and view Outlook OST files without needing Microsoft Outlook or an Exchange connection.
Download Kernel OST Viewer.
Move the downloaded executable to C:\Tools\Kernel OST Viewer directory and double click the application. Click Next, accept the license agreement. Select default options and click Next.
Once the install is complete, click Finish.
This creates a desktop shortcut and launches the application.
Right click the Kernel OST Viewer desktop shortcut and select Properties. Record the application location (C:\Program Files (x86)\Kernel OST Viewer\Kernel OST Viewer.exe).
Move the shortcut to C:\Tools\Kernel OST Viewer.
Double click Kernel OST Viewer to verify that it runs without an error.