When an Outlook account is added to the Outlook application and the right details are entered, the PST file for that account is immediately produced. The PST file’s name is the same as the account’s email address, and it remains at its default location unless the user changes it on purpose. The whole mailbox is saved as a PST file, which organizes the data into several folders. Any sudden changes in the structure of these files or data will result in corruption and, as a result, an error. Outlook generates a distinct error for each type of corruption.
What causes PST corruption?
Outlook PST corruption might be caused by a variety of factors such as network failures, hardware failures, power outages due to an abrupt shutdown, malware assaults, corrupted header files, program failures, firewall or other application interference, power supply fluctuations, large-sized unmanageable PST, erroneous file system recovery, faulty sectors in the hard drive, malicious malware, and so on.
Avoid Outlook PST corruption.
In this section, we will discuss several actions that users may take to avoid corruption in Outlook PST files. In brief, the preventative actions are as follows:
● Outlook PST backups on a regular basis.
● Keep the system’s anti-virus software up to date.
● When an Outlook instance is operating in the background, do not shut off the machine.
● Implement actions to control PST size (as per the storage capability).
● For optimal performance, do frequent scans on your machine.
● Check network and port connections regularly.
● Check local hard drives for faulty sectors regularly.
● Regularly clear temporary and cached files.
● Avoid clicking on dangerous URLs in PST attachments.
● Only trust and download real info material from emails.
● Regularly check and update installed devices and drivers.
● Ensure that the Outlook program is launched and exited correctly.
What if your PST file is damaged and inaccessible?
PST corruption happens when the user is unaware of the preventative measures or fails to pay attention to them. The scenario now indicates that the Outlook PST file has become damaged and must be repaired before users can access it again. Some people hunt for free solutions and accept the risk of repairing PST files, but others move straight to a third-party automatic solution with no hazards or work involved.
In this section, we will present various freeways for restore corrupt PST files and making them operational again.
Free Methods for Repairing Corrupt PST Files
Primary examinations and solutions
If the defect is modest, this category of free remedies includes some simple activities to access Outlook data.
1. Run Outlook in safe mode: To resolve the issue, type outlook.exe /safe into the Run dialogue box and press OK.
It will launch the Outlook program in safe mode, allowing users to view their PST files. The successful opening of Outlook in safe mode also shows that the data inaccessibility is due to unpredictable Outlook Add-ins, which may be removed by browsing to File>Options>Add-ins, then Manage COM Add-ins, and clicking Go against it. All Add-ins will be shown; pick all and click Disable to disable them. Then, restart Outlook and see if the PST data can be retrieved.
2. Check Internet Connection and Firewall Configuration: Improper Internet settings and firewall configuration might be the source of the problem. The user may check if the settings are correct and also shut off any unwanted programs that are running in the background.
3. Modify the Server Time-out Period: Some Outlook timeout issues can be fixed by extending the server timeout interval. To extend the server timeout period, follow these steps:
a. Open the Outlook program and go to Account Settings (as per the version).
b. Choose the affected email account and then click the Change button.
c. Then, on the Account Settings page, select More Settings.
d. Click the Advanced tab in the new window Internet Email Settings.
e. Finally, raise the server time-out period before clicking OK.
These fundamental free remedies are only beneficial if the corruption concerns are caused by linked reasons and are of a low level. Another approach is to utilize the built-in repair solution from Microsoft.
ScanPST.exe – Built-in Utility – Free Way to Repair Corrupt PST Files
Microsoft includes a program called ScanPST.exe that checks and repairs Outlook PST files. This program is also known as the Inbox Repair tool.
This utility can only repair PST files up to 2GB in size and takes a long time to complete the repair procedure. This approach does not guarantee major-level corruption repair or recovery of irreversibly destroyed items. Users may need to run the application several times to restore all of their data.
As the PST file is rebuilt, the recovered folders may be empty, and the recovered data may be acquired by users in the newly established Lost and Found folder following the repair.
Furthermore, doing this repair procedure with the Inbox Repair tool may result in an additional error, such as “An unexpected error blocked access to this file.” Scan the disc for issues with ScanDisk, then try the Inbox Repair program again.” Alternatively, “The Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool does not recognize the file “filename.” pst. Data cannot be recovered. “, if not more
To begin repair using the ScanPST.exe program, make sure the Outlook application is closed and the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option are enabled on the View tab of Windows File Explorer’s Folder settings dialogue box. This option should be selected since the ScanPST.exe file is frequently inaccessible due to its status as a hidden file.
1. To find the utility, navigate to your system’s C drive and type ScanPST.exe into the search box.
Alternatively, for 32-bit and 64-bit computers, go directly to the ScanPST.exe program directory.
\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
2. Click the Browse button in the opening Microsoft Inbox Repair tool window to add the PST file from the system location.
3. Now that the file has been uploaded, click the Start button to begin the PST scanning procedure.
4. Errors are supplied when scanning is completed. Select the backup checkbox and then select the Repair option.
5. The repair procedure will take some time to complete, therefore consumers will have to wait.
Using a Third-Party Tool
A trustworthy option for retrieving emails, notes, contacts, to-do lists, and other information from a damaged PST file is to use a third-party application. Using a third-party solution, you may restore the damaged PST file in only a few minutes.
Softaken has developed a one-of-a-kind method for restoring your Outlook Inbox. Softaken for Outlook PST Recover Tool can repair every sort of damaged PST file.
Softaken Outlook PST Repair software Highlights
- A sophisticated and secure program.
- It can restore ANSI/UNICODE PST files.
- Perform a rapid recovery of the specified folders.
- Complete data recovery, including emails, contacts, and calendars.
- Working with Outlook in all of its guises is a joy.
- Things that have been erased can be retrieved securely.
- Working with the most latest versions of Windows.
- Before conversion, items are cleaned up.
- The data’s reliability has not been jeopardized in any way.
- Recover the required PST file.
- There is a free software trial available.
- PST files with password protection are supported.
To repair a PST file and restore its data, follow the steps below
1. Softaken PST Repair Software to be installed.
2. Put in your PST file.
3. View the data as a PST file after auto-scanning.
4. Choose the Repair PST option.
5. Choose PST or another format to save the retrieved data.
The verdict is in-
So far, we’ve explored the viable native remedies for Outlook PST corruption. Users prefer free solutions, and our assistance blog explains such tactics in depth. However, there is no assurance of repair with these local solutions to the corruption problem. If the above-mentioned alternatives do not yield success, feel free to use the professional PST Repair application for the automatic repair of numerous Outlook PST files without any hitch or file-size compromise. This utility can restore all Outlook versions PST files with any amount of damage while keeping data integrity.