Restore Outlook Data File (PST) – Complete Guide


Introduction:

PST stands for Personal Storage Table. These Outlook data files (.pst) store mailbox items such as email messages, contacts, events, etc. on the local computer. Often promoted as the heart of Outlook’s functionality, these files are prone to corruption issues. In such a scenario, the user cannot open the damaged PST file. Furthermore, the user may face situations where emails disappear, contacts become inaccessible and other operational issues occur.

Microsoft Outlook is undoubtedly equipped with robust features, but managing PST files to ensure its flawless operation is a bit challenging. This blog post aims to help you improve your knowledge and skills with PST files. This resource will also explain the causes of PST file corruption as well as ways to fix corruption issues in these files using ScanPst. We will also look for a professional pst recovery tool Which fixes damaged PST file instantly.

Why is it necessary to check PST file corruption:

Corruption in PST files is like an avalanche, which starts as a small snowball and eventually turns into a huge monster that can wreak havoc. Similarly, PST file corruption starts as a minor problem but can escalate over time, causing a number of problems in Outlook. Users may experience emails disappearing, problems with the Outlook search feature, contacts disappearing, and even sudden Outlook crashes.

Even though Outlook is equipped with many security features it is prone to corruption or other issues. Therefore, it is always better to follow preventive practices to reduce the chances of corruption in these important files.

Causes of PST File Corruption:

The integrity of PST files is extremely important for Outlook users. But due to some reasons, these important files get corrupted or damaged. Some of the main causes of PST file corruption are listed below:

  • A large-sized mailbox data file: Outlook has set some size limits on its data files and this limit varies in different versions. Like the 2010 and 2013 versions of Outlook have a file size limit of 50 GB. If the PST file exceeds this size limit, corruption is inevitable.
  • Improper Outlook termination: If Outlook closes suddenly without following the prescribed procedure, it may lead to corruption issues. This happens because Outlook does not save the modifications made to the PST file.
  • Conflict by Add-ins: Outlook add-ins are used to increase efficiency. But sometimes, these add-ins cause functionality issues in Outlook, which eventually leads to PST file corruption.
  • Power interruption: A sudden power interruption while Outlook is active can cause irreparable damage to the PST file.
  • Network Issues: Any network error can cause corruption issues in PST files saved on a network drive or server.
  • Old PST files: Data and metadata accumulated in old files can increase the risk of PST file corruption.
  • Virus Attack: Malware or virus attack is one of the major causes of corruption issues in PST file.

How to ensure healthy PST files:

By following a mix of vigilance and preventive methods, we can avoid corruption issues in PST files. Some recommended exercises are mentioned below:

  • Adhering to the size limits of data files: We should aim to keep the size of data files within the prescribed limits set by Outlook, such as 50 GB for Outlook 2019.
  • Prefer trusted tools: Always use tools provided by trusted vendors. Make sure these tools are compatible with Outlook functionality.
  • Data Backup: It is always better to take regular backup of PST files to avoid data loss in case of unexpected problems.
  • An effective antivirus: Always select an effective antivirus to protect important PST files from virus attack.
  • Stay updated: Make sure that your Windows and Outlook are always updated to prevent any software-related issues that may lead to corruption issues.
  • Invest in a UPS: Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent system shutdown due to power failure.

Ways to Repair Corrupted PST File:

In this part of the post, we will discuss ways to resolve corruption issues in damaged PST file. Below are some methods available to repair corrupt Outlook data file (.pst):

Method 1: Repair using scanpaste: inbox repair tool Or ScanPST is a free utility provided by Microsoft to repair a corrupt PST file. It not only scans the file for errors but also repairs any detected problems, and assists in the restoration of corrupted data. Follow the steps below to start the repair process:

step 1: Logout from active Outlook account

step 2: To find out ScanPST application by searching the following locations:

version Place
Office 36520192016: -For 64-bit Outlook C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16-For 64-bit Outlook C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16-For 32-bit Outlook C:Program Files(x86 )Microsoft OfficerootOffice16 – for 32-bit Windows C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice16
Office 2013: -For 64-bit Windows: C:Program FilesMicrosoft Officerootoffice15 -For 32-bit Windows: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft Officerootoffice15
Outlook 2010: -For 64-bit Windows: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice14 -For 32-bit Windows: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice14
Outlook 2007: -For 64-bit Windows: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice12 -For 32-bit Windows: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice12

(Comment: The location of scanpost depends on different MS Office versions. You can also locate this utility using the Windows Search function)

step 3: Once you find ScanPst, double click on it to launch the application.

step 4: Once this utility starts, select the PST file you want to scan/repair

Step 5: Click the selected data file, then click Open:

scanpst file selection

Step 5: Now the selected file is visible on the window, click ‘Start’ to begin the scan process.

start scanpst scan

Step 6: The scan process progress report will be displayed on a box window. The scan time depends on the size of the file, a larger file will take longer and vice versa.

scanpost progress

Step 7: The scan results will now be displayed on a window. Click the icon to create a pre-repair backup. After creating the backup file, click on the ‘Repair’ button to start the process.

Shows the results of an Outlook .pst data file scanned using the Microsoft Inbox Repair Tool, SCANPST.EXE

Step 8: Press ‘OK’ when the repair process is finished.

scanpost completed

Step 9: Restart Outlook and reopen the repair.pst file.

Limitation of scanpst.exe:

Even though ScanPst is a free built-in utility, it has some limitations. Some of such limitations are listed below:

  • Long Process: ScanPst first scans the corrupted PST file, then diagnoses and repairs the error. Its process is divided into several stages which take a lot of time. Also, the scanning and repairing of Inbox Repair tool depends on the size of the data file. If the file is large, it will take longer.
  • Encrypted/Inaccessible File: ScanPST may fail to scan orphaned or inaccessible or encrypted file.
  • Large mailbox data files: The Inbox Repair tool may not be able to diagnose and repair a large mailbox data file, and it may stop in the middle of the repair process.

Method 2: Performing a repair using third-party software: In case scanpast Failing to repair the damaged PST file, we can use any Outlook PST repair tool like Stellar Repair for Outlook. It is loaded with many advanced features to extract mailbox data by repairing corrupt PST file. This section explores the benefits of third-party stellar repair for Outlook.

Benefits of Stellar Repair for Outlook:

  • Free trial version available to preview recovered corrupted file
  • It supports Office 365, Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and earlier versions
  • Available in 3 editions – Professional, Technician and Toolkit
  • Can repair even a large size PST file
  • Efficiently recovers mailbox data like email messages, attachments, contacts, etc. from damaged PST file.
  • It is loaded with advanced filter options to include/exclude emails
  • Saves mailbox data in PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML and PDF file formats
  • Restore PST-technician splits, compresses
  • Exports converted OST to O365-ToolkitExports contacts to Live Exchange or CSV-Toolkit
  • Merge Multiple PST Files-Toolkit

conclusion:

Managing PST file of Outlook is important to ensure flawless functioning of this email client. In the above post, we have discussed that problems in PST files do not start all at once; Rather, they accumulate over time and give a sudden blow to the Outlook user in the form of operational problems, which can range from inability to open the PST file to Outlook crash, etc. We have also suggested different proactive methods to maintain integrity. pst files. The post also explains how to fix corrupt PST file using ScanPST. Furthermore, we have also discussed Stellar Repair for Outlook, which is a professional PST recovery software that can fix a corrupt PST file instantly. Unlike ScanPst, which has file size restrictions, this tool can repair files of any size. Another advantage is that it can recover all types of mailbox contents from corrupt PST file, like email messages, attachments, contacts, etc. Stellar Repair for Outlook is available in three versions to choose from.


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