XstReader¶
What XstReader does¶
Guided SUSA tool journey
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. The procedure and screenshots provide the practical reference; the surrounding context explains what to record and how to judge the result.
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 · 15–25 min 02Follow the XstReader guideWork through the commands, screenshots, and instructional sequence 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 · 10–20 min 04Full LabInvestigate an authorised training scenario with fewer prompts and preserve a reviewable result.Complete when another analyst can reproduce and verify the outcome.Intermediate · Isolated lab · 45–90 min
How the labs complement this guide
The Interactive Lab is a safe browser simulation for practising the workflow and validation logic. The Full Lab is an independent exercise for an isolated, authorised environment. Confirm the installed tool version and expected output before relying on either exercise in a real case.
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.
