XstReader¶
What XstReader does¶
Using this tool
XstReader supports email forensics. In this guide, you will use it to inspect a training mail store and export a relevant message or attachment safely. Follow the steps below and keep the output with your notes.
Tool guide at a glance¶
Inspect a training mail store and export a relevant message or attachment safely.
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 XstReader 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 XstReader in SUSA¶
XstReader is an open source viewer for Microsoft Outlook’s .ost and .pst files.
Download the forked version of XstReader. Download the XstReader.App.(version).zip.
Extract the contents of the zip archive to C:\Tools folder. This will automatically create the C:\Tools\XstReader.App.2.1.1 and extract the contents.
Rename the XstReader.App to XstReader and double click to launch the application.
If prompted to install .NET version 6.0.0, click Yes to proceed.
This will download .NET Desktop Runtime from the internet. Double click the executable and click Install.
After installation is complete, click Close.
Open XstReader again and confirm that the application starts without an error.