Repair Corrupted Outlook PST Files: Complete Guide for All Outlook Versions
In Summary: Microsoft Outlook is one of the best email client applications that is continuously expanding its roots from individual users as well as large business enterprises. Still, like any other software, Outlook is subject to the same technical issues, and a common problem that users face is a corrupted PST (Personal Storage Table) file.When a PST file gets corrupted, you can lose your emails and other data. It stops your work because you cannot open your data anymore. In this blog post, we will find out that why PST file gets corrupted? and share easy and effective ways to repair corrupted Outlook PST files.
Table of Content – Easy to Read
First, before knowing the solution, it would be better to know the reasons for repairing PST files. So, below we are going to explain the reasons for this corruption error.
User Query:
Now, let’s get to know all the common signs of and reasons to repair damaged/corrupted Outlook PST data files.
Possible Reasons Behind Corrupted Outlook PST Files
As we know, Outlook is one of the most popular and used email clients. So, there are many reasons which make PST files damaged and corrupt. Similarly, we have given the reason below which is as follows:
- Large-Size PST Files: If the PST file becomes large due to the abundance of data in the Outlook mailbox, it gets corrupted.
- Sudden System Shutdown: Corrupted PST files can result from a sudden shutdown of Outlook or experiencing a power outage while Outlook is open.
- Virus or Malware Infection: Outlook PST files can get corrupted if your machine gets infected with harmful software.
- Network Issues: While syncing or reading PST files, interruption in network connectivity can lead to corruption.
- Software Conflicts: PST files can get corrupted by conflicts with other software programs installed on your computer.
So, after knowing all the important things about repairing damaged PST data files. Now, it’s time to know the solution. Thus, below, we are going to guide you step by step on the solution. Below we have shared two types of methods. Now, let’s start with the first approach
Repair PST File Using ScanPST.exe
If you are looking for a free solution to repair corrupted Outlook PST files. Then, this part is very useful for you. In this section, we are going to explain to you all the methods of the human approach. Also, in this solution, we will use ScanPST.exe which is developed by Outlook itself. Which is used to fix errors in Outlook and its data files. So, let’s start.
But before following this solution, pay attention to one thing, you should know about the Outlook version and Scanpst location.
Now, you know which is your Outlook version and Scanpst location. So, after that go through and fix all the errors in the Outlook data file. Here are the steps you can follow.
- Launch “Scanpst.exe”.
- Click “Browse” to open the “PST File” you want to fix after starting Scanpst.exe.
- After the PST file has been opened, click “Start” to begin the scanning process.
- The repair program scanned the whole PST file once you clicked the “Start” button.
- Once that is done, select “Make a backup of the scanned file before fixing”. To fix all PST file issues, click the “Repair” option at this time.
- After the repair is complete, open Outlook and check if you can access your emails, folders, and other items.
That’s all. If you follow these steps, keep in mind that there are a few limitations to this tool. Below, we have mentioned some limitations of this process.
Cons of Using ScanPST.exe Tool
- Major PST difficulties or file system compromises caused by malware attacks or unstable application crashes have frequently been ignored by the Repair tool.
- Furthermore, its recovery success rate can only be described as average, meaning that it cannot be trusted to perform under pressure.
- Its interface is not user-friendly. Due to this the utility is also not advised for beginners.
- It may not recover every damaged item, some mailbox items may remain inaccessible if they are severely damaged or permanently deleted.
Now, if you do not want to face any drawbacks of this ScanPST and lose your important data. Then we have mentioned below a very reliable and easier approach. With the help of this, you can fully recover your data without any loss.
Repair Corrupted Outlook PST Files – Automated Approach
You can use this Outlook PST File Repair Tool. This great program can restore emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and journals from corrupted Outlook PST files. Apart from this, this tool is tested by great IT administrators. Any Outlook user is used by tech and non-tech. Additionally, this Outlook PST Repair software provides six different ways to export the repaired PST files including PST, PDF, MSG, EML, HTML, and Office 365.
How to Repair PST File – Guidelines
- First, Download and Run on your computer to start the repair process.
- After that, click on the “Add File” button.
- Then, the software provides two modes for scanning: “Quick” and “Advance”. Choose any as per your need.
- Then, select “PST” as an export type and then, hit on the “Advanced setting” button.
- Finally, select the “Export” button and save the previewed items in PST file format.
Why Users Use Tool – Best Features
- This tool can fix any level of corruption in PST files,
- Additionally, it provides a simple way to recover password-encrypted PST files in one go.
- It also provides the best way to find multiple PST files and repair multiple PST files and Outlook BAK files.
- This software can recover corrupted data from Outlook PST files saved in ANSI and Unicode formats.
- The tool is compatible with all Microsoft Outlook versions and works on the Windows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8.1, 8, and older operating systems.
For More Information: How to Fix Outlook 2016 Search Issue?
Time to Wind-up
Having to deal with a corrupted Outlook PST file can be a frustrating experience. But, with the right knowledge and tools, repair and recovery of your valuable data is possible. So, today we have shared two types of solutions through this blog that will help you to know how to repair corrupted Outlook PST files. So, now you have to decide which solution is the best. We recommend that you use the best and most reliable automated solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: How to Repair PST File Without ScanPST?
Answer: If the tool fails to start, fix the Outlook PST file using the aforesaid repair utility. This is the only way to fix PST file problems when ScanPST fails.
- Run the application and select “Add File” to add a PST file
- After selecting the PST file choose “Repair Mode“.
- “Preview” each PST data item that needs restoration.
- Click “Export” to repair the Outlook PST file without scanning.
Q 2: Why Outlook PST files get corrupted?
Answer: Hardware problems including malware, improper shutdown, faulty networking router, and power outage are some of the reasons for corrupt PST files.
Q 3: How does PST Repair work?
Answer: Scanpst.exe is built by Microsoft we also also know this as the Outlook Repair Tool is an inbox diagnostic utility created to fix PST file issues. When you launch it, it will automatically scan and fix corrupted data and numerous other problems. It does, however, have several restrictions, as we explained in the blog.
Q 4. Which Outlook Versions Support PST Recovery?
Answer: The software supports all Windows-based Outlook versions both older and newer ones.
Q 5. Can I Recover Multiple PST Files using this automated approach?
Answer: Yes, it allows recovering multiple PST files at the same time instead of single file recovery. This tool helps to repair corrupted outlook PST files in bulk.